Friday 25th May 2018 -And the Wichita line man is still on the line - Wichita Mountains Oklahoma Week 4

Friday 25^th May 2018 – Oklahoma when the wind comes sweeping down the plain

We left Shell Knob Missouri on Wednesday afternoon after having a last run around the lake in their speed boat and a nice lunch before heading for Oklahoma.  We had a Walmart free camp in Neosho Missouri and a truckie stop free camp near Ninnekah Oklahoma before reaching Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge Park.

What a wonderful place, they have re-established a bison herd here.  Theodore Roosevelt was the instigator of the park and he was also part of the Bison Society.  They brought in some from Yellowstone and some from a couple of other places to create diversity within the herd. 

Whoops nature jam on the way in

Although it is not Texas they also decided to keep a pure breed of Longhorn cattle as they were being bred out in Texas.

The elk were nearly hunted to extinction but they also have a refuge in this area.

The other neat species in this park is the prairie dog.  They have a whole big field in which to roam.  I nearly broke the camera I took so many photos.  They are great to watch going about their business.  I liken it to chicken watching.

Prairie Dog Town

I can see em they're comin they're comin

Where where?

Over there there's two of them

Quick shut the door  I'm not buying anything

We did a hike into Charons Garden wilderness area and Oak Falls which was a round trip of about 5 miles. 

The wild flowers are out at the moment such a beautiful sight

 Oak Falls

After that we drove to another spot called Dog Run Hollow Trail System where we took the Longhorn trail which was another 3 miles round trip.  Needless to say after doing all that in the heat of the afternoon we were fair knackered.  A cold beer, hot shower and easy tea were required followed by a good sleep.

The Weir at the end of the trail

A friendly lizard

This place is stunning

Saturday 26^th May 2018

Today we left the motorhome hooked up to electricity and rode our bicycles out to the trail head for a walk into Osage Lake, another beautiful spot.  All the wild flowers are out at the moment which is a real treat.  If I had to liken the place to anywhere in Australia I would say the Kimberlies although we have never seen the Kimberlies when the flowers have been out.

Found a snake on our travels

Biking through the meadows