Waterways and rivers have always called to me. I grew up watching the DeGray State Park dam being built in Arkansas. It was a magical thing as a child to see the land transform into a large lake. To see the big equipment, people and hardhats in such a vast space was awing to a child. Later the water over the dam was so fun to watch, to see the fish fly through with the water and to see them seemingly enjoy the experience.
Most of my adulthood has been on the water or near it. Whether in North Texas, Alaska, New Mexico, Arkansas, or. now Oklahoma, we’ve always managed to live near a body of water. The cottage is near Grand Lake of the Cherokees, a beautiful, large lake that offers so many waterfronts. We are also near the Illinois River, Grand River, and the Buffalo River.
Yesterday I drove rural roads to the larger grocer in the next town, and that gave me the joy of driving lakeshores and exploring campgrounds I am learning in our area. There are many BnBs, campgrounds, and formal camp communities in the Grand Lake area. We are rich with petroleum weekend homes from Tulsa, and folks from all over come to retire near Shangri La Resort Community and Monkey Island. It’s fancy but simple is in our area in generous portions too.
We’ll take a blog field trip soon and I’ll show you around. The community has embraced its waterways commerce and I so value that. They’ve created industry, economy, and wonderful settings for unique shops, offerings and places to bring friends and family.
Do you love water views? My jam is simply going for drives in Jules and taking in the lushness of all that I see.
It’s food for the soul and reflection time. Sometimes its driving to my favorite songs, other times its listening to nature with the sunroof open and the windows down.
I love meeting the people along the way. I love hearing their stories and seeing their places. Yesterday was no different, exploring a cabin’s campground led to meeting a family who has farmed this area for 50 years. Loved seeing their proudly worked farm, enjoyed meeting three generations of farm family members and brought home goodness from their hives and flowerbed.
Afternoon chores were accomplished, but made special by a few side trips en route to the grocer. This is the day we have, I’m so working to learn the habit of being where I am and loving the opportunities before me to love these days.
Wish I were traveling along with you in Jules. I can hear the conversation with those on the roadside now. Have a great weekend!
I love you in Jules and I won’t even share that it’s because we have unlimited g/f pound cake. What fun it was on our last (and first) road trip! Can’t wait for more! ~ Sweetie!