I did it ... and then some!

Horton Slough Nature Trail ~ Lake Tenkiller, OK
April 17, 2016 - 6 of 12















Dog Run Hollow Trail ~ Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, Lawton, OK
May 1, 2016 ~ 7 of 12





Skull Hollow Nature Trail ~ Oologah Lake, OK
June 20, 2016 ~ 8 of 12

Red Beds Trail ~ Devil's Tower, Wyoming

July 3, 2016 ~ 9 of 12

Beartooth Lake Trail ~ Beartooth Mountains, WY

July 7, 2016 ~ 10 of 12

Delicate Arch Lookout Trail ~ Arches National Park, Moab, UT
July 13, 2016 ~ 11 of 12




Navajo Loop Trail ~ Personal Challenge Hike ~ Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
July 14, 2016 ~ 12 of 12

The Land of Fairies

Island View Nature Trail ~ Lake TenKiller, OK
April 16, 2016 ~ 5 of 12

Camping in April in Oklahoma can be tricky. It can be super cold, you could be dealing with severe storms, or it could be so hot that you don't even want to move. That being said, April also has a slew of perfect weather day. I took all this into consideration when my friend posted a Groupon deal for cabins at Lake Tenkiller.

Let me rephrase, I considered the weather as I hit the "buy" button because the deal was too good to pass up. Then I texted my husband, yes I do have one, and told him to clear his calendar for that weekend because we were going to camping. His response? He wanted to know what we were going to do because we don't have a boat. My answer, of course, was hiking.

So our weekend was a bit chilly and overcast, but we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the beauty of Lake Tenkiller.  We fished, sat around the fire, counted bats (we like bats), watched the birds, ate all the smores, and of course, hiked.

Having moved to northeast Oklahoma eight years before I knew it was green, but as we entered the trail head for Island View Nature Trail I felt transported into the land of fairies. Even mid-August the vegetation was thick and green, mushrooms of all shapes and sizes, fallen logs and wild flowers lined the trail and the overcast weather made the temperature perfect.

Solo Hike

Lake McMurtry - Orange Trail

March 11, 2016 - 4 of 12

Never hike alone. That’s what we’re always told, especially if you’re a female. But I do hike alone, I’m a rebel like that. There is just something about being in nature, totally alone that just puts everything in the right perspective for me. Besides, hiking alone and hiking with the kidlet are not that different, except things are a lot quieter when it’s just me. 

I’ve always preferred solo walks, even when I’m walking around my town. It’s my me time. If I’m struggling with a problem, I can almost always solve it during a walk. If I can’t figure out a title for my latest WiP, it usually comes to me on my walk. When my lovely child has a not so lovely day, my solo walk gives me time to regroup and recharge before the next battle. (Please do not read that as if I leave my child home alone during rough days. I do not. I'm not saying I don't bolt out the door when Daddy gets home, but I never leave my child home alone.)

My hike at Lake McMurtry came at a time when I was just running myself ragged during my Spring Book Tour. I had actually read my booth packet wrong and thought I had to have my space for the Spring Into Summer show in Stillwater, OK ready by 4pm. I got to Stillwater at 2pm, only to see they didn’t open until 4pm. My room wasn’t ready at the hotel, so I had two hours to kill.

A cove at Lake McMurtry

A quick Google search showed me the hiking trails nearby at Lake McMurtry and since my tennis shoes were in the car (the kidlet and I had hiked Gloss/Glass Mountain just a day before) it was a no brainer. By the time I found the trailhead I had ninety minutes to walk. The place was practically deserted. In the three miles I hiked, I only ran into one other hiker who was training his bird dog. His dog actually seemed more surprised to see me then the gentleman.

I bet this car has a story to tell

I loved the thick woods and ponds. I didn’t see a lot of wildlife because it was the wrong time of day. But the air was cool due to an approaching storm and my mood was light. I breathe deeper in the forest, as if breathing fresh air for the first time ever. I went into my book signing the next day feeling renewed and relaxed. It was a great signing.

Some tips if you want to hike alone:

1.       Hike well-known trails. This is not to be confused with crowded trails. I avoid crowded trails like the plague for a number of reasons. But don’t go off trail where you could possibly get lost or hurt and no one can find you.

2.       Check in at the local park office, if they have one. Talk to the rangers on staff, ask them about the trails, and tell them as discretely as possible which trail you’re taking. I usually point to it on the map or on my cell if a map isn’t available, that way someone with malicious intent doesn’t overhear me.

3.       Don’t tell social media where you’re going and don’t share pics while you’re there. You can share the pics when you’re safe at home. It’s more relaxing to stay in the moment anyway.

4.       Do tell a trusted person where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Make sure the GPS locator on your phone is turned on. Text your trusted person when you start your hike and when you finish your hike.

5.       Remember that most everyone you meet on the trail is there for the same reason as you are, they want to enjoy nature, not find a victim.

6.       If you do meet someone on the trail that makes you uncomfortable. Take out your cell phone and start taking pictures of the scenery, make sure to include them. Give them a friendly nod and make sure they know you’ve seen them. If you’re really uncomfortable, pull out your phone and pretend you’ve gotten a call from someone close by and make it sound like they’re headed your way. Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean other need to know you’re alone.

For years I didn’t hike because I didn’t have anyone to hike with. I had heard the horror stories and was scared. So this year I’m living up to my motto to be brave. That being said, if your gut says it’s a bad idea to do a trail alone, listen to it and find a hiking buddy. 

The Kidlet's First Mountain

Gloss/Glass State Park

March 10, 2016 - 3 of 12

Spring Break brought great weather and a trip to the grandparent’s house. The grandparents live five hours away and we go there quite often. Every time we drive there, we pass the Glass/Gloss Mountain State Park … and we never stop … like ever.

So when I found out we were going to have a contractor come in and tear up our kitchen floor at a stupid early hour of the day I decided the kidlet and I were going to the grandparent’s house and we were going to stop at Glass/Gloss Mountain State Park.

When we first got there I wasn’t sure we were going to hike to the top. I knew I could do it, it would be hard, but I could do it. I wasn’t sure the kidlet was up to the trek. So first we walked over to the information monument and found out the Gloss Mountains was actually named due to a language miscommunication.

After trying to explain to the kidlet that the British explorer had said “glass”, but the map maker heard “gloss” therefore that is what was recorded, I asked her if she wanted to climb to the top. She answered yes without hesitation. I figured we’d give it a go and if she got tired we’d just turn around.

Before hitting the trail head we stopped and picked out a souviner piece of gypsum. The plateau is covered in gypsum and when the sun hits it just right it looks like it’s covered in glass, hence its name Glass/Gloss Mountain.

We started climbing and I am ashamed to admit I had to stop a lot more than the kidlet. I used phrases like, “We’ve got to pace ourselves,” and “Let’s enjoy the view,” to justify getting her to stop, when I really need to just catch my breath.

We got just below the top and it looked a little hinky (to use a Scooby-doo phrase). Just as I was about to suggest that we turn around and go back, the kidlet scrambled up the rest of the trail like “it ain’t no thang”, so I scrambled up behind her terrified she was going to fall.

Thankfully, we both made it to the top safe and sound, though I was a little winded (read a lot winded). We hiked the trail on top of the plateau, where the kidlet exclaimed, “You can see the whole world from here!”

I think she’s hooked on mountain climbing. She has me tell her the story of how her daddy and I climbed Heart Mountain (8,123 ft) over and over.

As we came down we met an older couple who had just arrived. The woman asked the kidlet how old she was and the kidlet told her. Then the woman told the kidlet how old she was, 83. As her husband took her hand, we said our good-byes.

I couldn’t help but take a picture of them starting the hike up Gloss/Glass Mountain trail. I sincerely hope that when I’m 83, I’m still hiking mountains.

Nature's Dance

Osage Hills State Park – Creek Loop Trail

February 28, 2016 - 2 of 12

I had a dream. A dream of my daughter and I hiking all the trails in nature with only smiles and laughter. Reality … it’s going to take a while for my four year old to appreciate the sound of the wind through the leaves or the way pine wafts through the air.

It was a glorious day and I, just call me mean ol’ mommy, made my daughter go with me to walk the Creek Loop Trail at Osage Hills State Park. She really wanted to stay home with her daddy, who really needed to finish a paper.

I resorted to bribery, go ahead a judge, like you’ve never promised your kid a lemonade if they’d pretend to have fun. And it worked for a while …

I let her pick the trail, which she loved. I let her lead, she’s a natural leader. And then about half-through she was done and my little leader turned into a world class complainer. The wind was too windy. The rocks were too rocky and that grasshopper was way too large and grasshopper-y.

Finally, we made it back to the little creek and while “mean ol’ mommy” took some pictures of a small stream, my daughter made the world her stage and danced to the sound of nature. All her crankiness forgotten.

I couldn't help but smile and remind myself how nature affects us all in different ways. When I’m in nature I can hike for miles, my curiosity pushes me to see what’s around the next bend, even when my feet are tired.

When my daughter is in nature, it makes her dance. 

New Friends and Lessons

Osage Hills State Park – Bugle/Waterfall Trail

February 18, 2016 - 1/12

I made a vow to do more hiking and by golly I am going to keep it. Not only am hoping that getting out more will help me become healthier, but am hoping to teach Annaley to love and cherish nature.

We were both excited as we started our new adventure. I was happy to be outside, getting back to what I love and Annaley was excited to jump off rocks and sassy walk her way down a dirt trail.

We stopped frequently so I could show Annaley a robin, unique trees, squirrels, rock formations, and a very brave (or acclimated) armadillo.

As we neared the falls I could hear the sound of kids playing. In all honesty, my first instinct was to turn around. I was enjoying my alone time with Annaley and, since I’m being honest, I am a natural introvert. I put on a good front, but talking to strangers is not my forte and given the opportunity to meet and greet or avoid, I usually avoid.

But I knew Annaley would love to see the waterfalls and play on the rocks. Also, part of my vow is to be brave. I cannot begin to list everything I have shied away from because I was scared or because, Lord forbid, I might have to talk to other people, who, by the way, are doing the same thing I am aka the thing I love.

Approaching the waterfalls, Annaley was instantly greeted by two girls roughly her age and just like that she had made two new friends. Taking a deep breath I introduced myself to the girl’s mother. Soon her three boys were also showing Annaley all their treasures. They gave her fresh water shells, sparkly rocks, and one boy even gave her a quarter. Their generosity and kindness was overwhelming in the best way.

I couldn’t help but think that had I turned us around before the falls, when I heard the kids, that Annaley wouldn’t have experienced this genuine kindness of strangers. The day had started out with me wanting to teach Annaley about nature, but in the end, it was I who learned how being brave can lead to unexpected friendships.