Prairie Lands, Oklahoma

Though not nearly feeling 100%, I decided to hit the road and do a little bit of driving today. I wound up in Oklahoma City, at the National Memorial and Museum. This is the site of the 1995 terrorist bombings. There were individual sculptures created, metal and glass chairs, that represented each life lost: 168. Even now a chain link fence holds cards, notes, gifts, and tokens to remind everyone that nothing has been forgotten. What struck me was a video that talked about the elm tree that was literally left in stumps. A woman commented that she couldn't understand why this tree wasn't taken down, as it couldn't possibly survive this bombing. However over the last 23 years, this elm tree has regrown, and the leaves have come back into full glory. The tree is symbolic of resilience and how time can heal, and no matter how awful something is, one can overcome. It was actually a very somber and sad visit, as it coincided with the ongoing tumultuous news in politics. Something I am desperately trying to escape, but is hard to do. So going through this park was just a really good time to reflect and think, and also appreciate my good fortune, and gratitude of my opportunities, especially as I wind down the last few days of my rv journey. 

I spent the night at Red Rock State Park and even though I'm in the prairie lands now, this is a canyon that takes you down between red cliffs. I met Sara and Herman from Connecticut, as we shared wine and had some great conversation. It was our last warm night and I left my sliding door open as Jo Jo was the guard at the door. I woke up in a jolt as a flock of owls decided to nest in the tree right next to the RV. At first I thought it was a group of coyote, and then the sounds migrated into hoots. It was an eerie, and starling sound that I don't think I've ever heard, especially that close. I guess I'm a light sleeper. I quickly managed a morning hike before the rains came down, through a red dirt trail, lined with pretty yellow flowers. 

I drove to the town of Clinton and stopped at a charming antique store, before finding my way to Foss Lake State Park. Lucky me, I found a camping spot right at the edge of the lake. It has gotten pretty cold, and definitely time for wearing long sleeves and a jacket. And wouldn't you know it, Sara and Herman caught up with me, and are parked right next door. We enjoyed cappuccino, and later on some wine, as we continued our like-minded conversations. They lived in England, and Holland, and have travelled through much of Europe, and the states. It's wonderful meeting such nice people on the road, especially when you feel like you've made friends!

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