Category Archives: Recreation Area

1st Day Hike! ~2018

Because it was cold, I ended up only taking one hiking with me this year for the first hike.

We went to the Washington Irving Scenic Trail at Washington Irving South Recreation Area.

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The recreation area does have a $5 day use fee.

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This swimming beach looks beautiful.

We did run into some sand burs while walking around though so you would want to be careful near the grass at all.

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The trail was located on the north side of the park.

It was a little hard for us to find but it is a pretty small park so not too bad.

There is a parking lot right next to the trail.

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Some of the trail markers might be hard to find.

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I liked reading the little bits of history along the trail.

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Taking along another photographer was so fun!

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It was hard to read this sign but it said something about treasure hidden in a cave that is now under Lake Keystone.

I tried to convince my son to brave the freezing temps and find the money for his Dad’s retirement…

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He did not care about his parents happiness apparently.

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The ice probably helps insulate it so that if he dove down it would be warm…

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We lost the trail at this point.

I had already heard from someone else that it kind of disappears.

We ended up turning around so round trip was just over a mile.

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I am so used to hiking with 5 kids.

This hike was so QUIET.

It was a nice way to start the year.

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We saw a lot of deer!

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Do you participate in the 1st day hike?

If not do you have another fun tradition for the 1st day of the year?

You can check out my video to see what the trail is like.

Sandy Cove Recreation Area ~Canton, OK

We went camping again last weekend!

Sometimes it seems like way too much work but usually when we get there and start seeing new things it all feels worth it.

Eventually…

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We stayed at the Sandy Cove Recreation Area because it was close to an event we wanted to go to.

Electric hookup only and no dump station.

They do have places for you to get water though.

It was pretty much the only one I could find online and I was not sure what to expect.

I did not expect beautiful camping sites and the best swimming beach I have found so far in Oklahoma.

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The only problem with this campground is there are a LOT of sand burs.

I never really knew about sand burs until I moved to Oklahoma.

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They got on everything and everyone.

I kind of got used to stepping down and wincing.

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One of our twins rolled in a bunch of them right when we got to the campsite.

Fun.

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It seems like they show up in late summer and fall so if you wanted to avoid them spring should be fine.

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This was our first time bringing skooters and longboards camping with us.

I have been hesitant because we already have to bring a lot for 7 people so I did not want to add more stuff…

But they kept the kids pretty occupied while at the campsite.

Pretty sure they are worth it for the few moments of peace.

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I was still not completely sold on our campground but then I saw the beach…

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I have been looking for a swimming beach like this for a long time.

It was amazing.

Beautiful soft sand, clear water.

Magic.

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There was also a pretty scenic drive right next to the campground that I did not know about!

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We made time for swimming the next day!

I did not bring a swimsuit and decided to swim in my clothes because it was just too pretty to miss out on.

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Little bit loved the water but her okie blood got the best of her and she got cold.

Because it was not 100 degrees out…

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Thankfully there were not many sand burs on the beach.

Lots of soft sand though.

Doesn’t this sand look amazing?!

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We had been in the sun a lot that day.

I thought I would be fine since it was the end of September but I ended up getting fried…

That’s okay, I look cute as a tomato.

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I could not stop smiling at this water.

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My second oldest found a log and pretty much lived out every boys fantasy.

Sailing on a log on a lake.

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We finally had to leave so we could eat dinner.

I don’t even attempt to have 5 kids eat in a camper.

I feel like that is asking for trouble so I am glad that all of our stops so far have had picnic tables.

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2 nights did not seem like enough time!

One more look at that beautiful beach!

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If you have a family that likes to swim, you need to put this place on your list.

It is worth the drive!

Cataract Falls ~Spencer, IN

We went to the wrong part of Lieber State Recreation Area to start with!

Which is of course a great way to start a long day of driving…

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We did get to see this turtle, a flooded road, and a pretty path though on our scenic route…

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Cataract Falls is actually over 30mins south of the main recreation area.

I have been there before, oops…

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There is a fee for getting into the Recreation Area.

It is around $5 though per car.

So not bad.

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We are learning about bridges soon so I found the different way this one was built interesting.

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The lower falls was flooded so we ended up only seeing the upper falls this time but it was impressive!

Beautiful place!