We have been to the Deep Fork Wildlife Refuge several times but decided to check out some of the harder to get to areas last Saturday.

First up was the Big Slough Parking Area.

The best way to find these areas is to go to one of the easier to find trails and get a map or go to the headquarters.

There are several trails off highway 75, south of Okmulgee.

On the map I have though none of the parking areas are labled with names so we just drove out to a couple and checked them out.

A lot of the trails end at the water.

I think they are mostly used by fisherman but I do not know that for sure.

If you go to this parking area and take the path to the right, it will lead you to a blocked off road and other trails.

Very pretty!

Beats walking on busy streets any day!

After we did several miles in this area, we drove back into town to pick up some lunch.

Then we drove out to another area.

The Okmulgee Parking Area.

All of these parking area’s are around the edges of the town.

I did not see any signs letting you know they were there though until you actually get to them.

These Osage Oranges are so cool looking!

I would plant one in our yard but I think the fruit might be hard to mow around…

We ended up putting in just under 8 miles total for the day.

My oldest was happy about that number since he asked that we go 7 miles.

Ever since he helped his dad finish his race and did 9 miles he thinks we need to do more than that.

He forgets that there were aid stations every couple of miles and that his legs get tired.

There were obviously tired and dragging by the end…

We had a great time!

I cannot believe how well the boys did on this one!

My youngest decided to fall right into a puddle at the end.

I made him strip and ride home in his long johns.

The only disappointment for my oldest was we did not stay overnight and live off the land.

I had to finally point out the rules about no camping and that we did not have a permit to hunt.

He did not seem to care that we did not have supplies or weapons but when he heard it was illegal he finally excepted reality.

I think he does not understand what living off the land with zero supplies looks like…