Tag Archives: hiking

Hiking, Outdoors

How I Hike in the Heat.

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It gets HOT in Oklahoma in the summer!

I feel like if I wait for it to cool down I will not get to hike until November so we keep hiking and walking even in the heat.

Here are a couple things my family does to keep somewhat cool on those hot days.

1. We go out early morning(8am or earlier) or evening (usually 6:30pm or later).

2. We bring an insane amount of water! As much as we can carry. We bring more Gatorade then anything when it is really hot.

3. We try to wear mostly wicking clothing. This is slightly new to this year and I have seen a huge difference in comfort.

Look for labels that say “quick dry” or “wicking”.

4. We try to hike places that are nice an open but shaded. I have found lake trails to be the best for that in my area.

5. Lastly, we do not push it! If someone is getting even a little bit light headed we turn around!

We do get acclimated though and this is not an issue as we get farther into summer.

If you are just starting though I would definitely encourage you to do a nice easy hike and be prepared to turn around.

Getting sick or injured right away can really turn you off to hiking!

What do you do to stay cool in the summer?

Staying in the AC in not an acceptable answer…

Hiking, Outdoors

Two Rivers Trail ~Keystone Lake, OK

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The Two Rivers Trail is located east of the Keystone State Park across the dam.

I have loved it since I stumbled upon it a couple years ago.

Most of it follows along the shore of the lake.

I would advise wearing pants and spraying yourself with some bug spray!

There is a lot of grass.

It is only about a mile on the part we go on but it is pretty rough hiking and so much fun!

Love hiking with my family!

Canoeing, Hiking, Outdoors

8yr Anniversary ~Buffalo River, AR

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To celebrate our 8yr anniversary (WOW! That is a long time!) we went to Branson via the Buffalo River.

We were actually just in this area for my birthday last November but I love it so much I wanted to go again!

We have never been to the Compton trailhead so it was a nice change for this trip.

We went towards Hemmed-in Falls and then over to the Buffalo so the total trip for us was around 6.5miles.

pathway

It is a beautiful trail but very strenuous.

It was a lot of downhill, then back uphill on the way back.

Lots of berries lining the trail.

The river is at a record low!

I have never seen it like this.

Crazy.

Halfway back up.

This pic makes me laugh.

Nick’s knee was hurting pretty bad (someone took him on a really hard on the knees trail) and I knew he would not be smiling so I was trying to not grin like a fool.

Apparently when I only slightly smile I look like I am mad.

I was really tired from not much sleep the night before so I will blame it on that…

We stayed at the Hilton on Branson Landing in Branson, MO.

It was a nice hotel and in a great location but everything extra (including internet and parking!) cost extra.

Nick is not a fan of Hilton Hotels because of all the extra fees.

I made Nick take my pic on the balcony.

Our balcony had a great view of the fountain show that they do on the hour.

The next day we headed back to the Buffalo to go canoeing.

We had to drive farther east then we have ever gone to get to a part deep enough.

I liked the outfitter we used, Buffalo River Outfitters.

They had good service and got us into the water quickly.

 

I LOVE this river!

It is so breathtaking.

I had Nick getting us really close to this rock so I could use it in the foreground of my shot.

I did not see the snake sunbathing on the rock until Nick pointed it out.

You would think since I live in Oklahoma and we have poisonous snakes I would watch out for these guys more…

We tried to get as close as possible to get a good pic but he hid in the rock when we got closer.

 

We followed this guy (we just happened to be going the same way) for a while at the end of our trip.

I love Heron’s they are so beautiful!

If you are looking for a place to eat while playing on the Buffalo, the Ozark Cafe in Jasper, AR was a pleasant surprise.

They had an interesting building, good food, and friendly people.

They have also been in business for over 100yrs!

There is also a zipline tour offered in Ponca at the Buffalo Outdoors Center as well as canoe trips, ect…

Lots of hiking, beautiful ozarks, and a beautiful river!

Such a beautiful place to enjoy nature!