Sulphur, OK (USA)

I needed to go to Oklahoma City for a conference, so my office rented a car for me and let me leave this morning (got the rental car from Enterprise at 0715). Since everyone else was scheduled to arrive late in the afternoon, I took my time heading north. The weather was cooler than it has been - I had to wear a coat. It was cloudy, too, but the weather improved as I drove north on I-35. I've been wanting to visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area for many years, so I seized this rare opportunity. I got off at the OK-7 exit, but without a map of the park, my first turn-off led me to a remote area of the park. It was a good thing, though, because I got to see several deer along Cooper Memorial Road and in "The Point" region. I met a woman working at a ranger station - she was with the controlled-burn team from the Department of the Interior. She told me about their work, along with the many other parks in the region they service. I got a map of the park and headed into the nearby town of Sulphur. After filling the car up with gas at the Snak Shak (1220), I drove into main area of the park. For several hours, I explored - visiting the Travertine Nature Center and hiking along trails that led to natural water sources (Antelope Springs and Buffalo Springs - in both, you could see the spring water bubbling up...). The weather got really nice - hot, even - and I felt refreshed as I got back in the car for the rest of the trip. My next plan was to stop in Norman, home of Oklahoma University. With the late afternoon traffic, it was tough to turn where I wanted, so all I saw was a statue of James Garner as I drove through town on Main Street (along with a distant glimpse of the football stadium). Decided I'll need to go back... Took OK-77H north to my hotel at Tinker AFB (just north of I-240): the Indian Hills Inn (Air Force Inns). Took care of a little work email before heading out to locate the conference location (turned out to be pretty easy). Secure in the knowledge that I won't get lost tomorrow, I drove over towards the Will Rogers Airport to meet up with the other folks from the conference team. They were staying at the Embassy Suites but I didn't know what any of them looked like. Fortunately, my first attempt to make a connection (i.e., walked up to two strangers at a table in the bar) was successful. Spent about two hours chatting (and enjoying the happy hour). Later, we walked across the street to Chili's for dinner. We were joined by late arrivals as we ate. After eating, I spent a little longer chatting in the lobby - prepping for our meeting. Made it back to my hotel around 2300. Went right to bed.

Palestine, TX (USA)

Had planned to take Mollie back to the bike trail today, but the weather didn't cooperate. Plus, it turned out the kids had to do some heavy-duty homework. In the end, I decided to take a drive to see a few places nearby that I've wanted to explore for quite awhile. After finishing a few errands near the Ridgemar Mall, I started driving east - without even having a plan. In the back of my mind, I really wanted to drive down to Houston to spend the night. But, after getting to Dallas, I decided it would be too far - even with an overnight stay. Instead, I decided to drive over towards Palestine, home of the locally famous Dogwood Festival. There were several parks along the way - figured I'd check them out, too. Thinking back, I don't believe I've ever driven along I-45... Got off the interstate at Corsicana (took US-287) and explored the area around Richland Chambers Reservoir. Eventually, as I approached Palestine, I stumbled across the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. It was a very remote nature area - for birding, hiking, biking and hunting. I walked on a few trails (Dogwood and Beaver Pond) - very pleasant. I could only imagine the dogwood blooms - they are still about a month away... Got back on US-287 and continued towards town. Right before I arrived, I saw a sign for the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. This was another one of the reasons I wanted to visit this area - it was the area where the Space Shuttle debris fell to Earth in 2003. Unfortunately, it was closed (visitor's center is only open Monday to Friday). Luckily for me, the security guard came out to see me and told me a lot about the area. Just last week I read about the population drain in the East Texas counties - he confirmed that was true. After chatting for about 30 minutes, I drove into Palestine. It looked interesting, but by now it was raining. Stopped for lunch at Asian City (1530). There was a family enjoying the performance of a colorful chef in front of the hibachi - what a show (LOTs of food)! I opted for less excitement and a smaller portion, but it was all good. Drove back into town to see if I could locate anything else of significance (in case we come back for the festival) - I saw several signs of the town's pride in their dogwoods (murals, etc.). Took US-84 east until I located the Texas State Railway. It was closed for the season - but looked like it would be well worth a second visit. With the rain coming down a little harder, I took US-84 all the way back to the interstate. Crossed the Trinity River for the second time - realized I've been paralleling it for the whole day since I left the DFW area. Decided to continue on the same road towards Waco - turned out to be a good idea... Filled up the car with gas in Mexia and, after arriving in Waco, I explored the Texas State Technical College (it has an airport I've used several times for landings on trainer flights.) Weather improved, so drive home on I-35 was pretty easy. Arrived home around 2030. Interesting day, but it doesn't beat a ride with the kids on the bike path...

Westlake, TX (USA)

I had to check out a new program for our Boeing 737 aircraft, so this morning I drove over to the simulator building (at DFW airport - CAE Simulflight). I've always wanted to check out their operations - my friend, Troy, attempted to make it happen a few times but it never did... Leaving home (0830L), I attempted to get on I-35W (south) but it was clobbered. Was able to get on the northbound side and made it to TX-170 without a problem. Everything was going well until I got in a huge traffic jam at the junction of TX-114. Fortunately, I was able to get off the highway (Ottinger ?). This took me into Westlake - which I recently read has one of the highest per-capita incomes per resident in the country. It shows!!! There were HUGE mansions and lots of pretty country clubs. As my Aunt Irene used to say: "very high-hat." I made it back to on TX-114 a little while later and then got stopped again in traffic near Grapevine. Fortunately, I saw another escape at Main Street and was soon on Airfield Drive. I had no idea that there was so much on the airport property - usually I am on the toll-road... Found the sim building without too much trouble - spent around five hours doing research on a new pilot training recording device. Explored a little before heading home - TX-183 to I-820 (lots more traffic, but there always is in that direction). After today, I don't think I should complain any more about my commute on the west side of Fort Worth...

Mineral Wells, TX (USA)

I had a three day weekend - but the kids' schedule only allowed for fun today. I'll take what I can get - but, unfortunately, only Mollie was done with all her homework. The weather was cloudy but pleasant (probably around 20 degrees C), so I got out the old bike carrier (probably haven't used it since we went to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens - see MAY 2006) and loaded up my bike and Mollie's. Packed a few other items before heading out for an adventure (1030). I've had a few State Parks west of town on my list to visit, so started up US-287 towards Decatur. Mollie and I talked about how rare it is to be able to spend "Daddy-Daughter" time with just her. I pointed out that we just had a ball on the day after Thanksgiving (see NOV 2010) but I know she is right... That's what it means to be a Singleton, I guess. Our first stop (after turning on to US-380 west) was in Bridgeport for lunch (McDonalds). We continued to chat while we drove - enjoying the changing scenery (prairie to rolling hills to short-tree forests). We saw lots of cattle, horses and sharp-eyed hawks. As we drove into Jacksboro we learned it was the birthplace of the 4-H Club (will have to check out the little museum some-day). Our main purpose for visiting, though, was to see Fort Richardson State Historic Park (got to use our state park pass - around 1145). It reminded me (a lot) of Fort Davis NHP (see JUL 2009). Mollie and I wandered around on the historic parade grounds as the sun came into view. What a nice day! We met a ranger who told us about the frontier forts (Reconstruction Era) on the edge of civilization. I guess the Brazos River was an unofficial border of "Indian Country"... Mollie learned a lot about birds and we toured a recreation of a soldiers hospital. We didn't stay long, since I had two more stops in mind. Our drive next took us to Graham, where we switched to TX-67. During our trip we criss-crossed the Brazos River several times. Mollie commented that we had hardly seen ANY cars all day (it sure was remote...). We did see lots of dead animals along the road - wild and domesticated (including a cow). Near Ivan, we saw a sign for Possum Kingdom State Park - a place I've heard about from guys at work. We drove along "ranch roads" (1148 and 1287) until we arrived at Possum Kingdom Lake - a man made reservoir on the Brazos (1400L). It is an amazing holiday getaway - fancy cabins, boat launches, fishermen everywhere. It looked like it would be a nice respite from the Texas summer sun... Another amazing thing to see was the many "mesas" that surround the lake. We got out and walked on some docks and explored little neighborhoods on fingers of the man-made lake. But then we came to a dead end - and we had to turn back to get around the lake. Fortunately, we saw a rancher lady (with her Australian Sheepdog) who told us how we could find a way around. Soon afterwards (near a big red barn), I spotted what looked like a wild javalina (boar). Mollie made me turn around - and it was worth it! We saw a pack of wild pigs (later learned they were "ferral hogs") - probably 10 fully grown with 10 babies following each one! Moving on, we turned onto a farm road (3253) that took us to Park Road 33 - and into the State Park (1500L). Boats were not available for rent (too windy) but we had a nice conversation with the proprietors of the park store - very friendly. We learned a lot about life in this extremely rural place (only 75 miles from DFW!). Walked for a bit before getting on the road for our last stop: Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway. It was easy to find - we took US-180 east. Once we reached down-town Mineral Wells, we turned onto US-281 (south) and then parked at the trailhead (1630L). After lending a family our air-pump, Mollie and I began riding the paved bike trail (beginning at mile marker #20). During the first mile, we had to stop at every cross street - it made the ride very a little more difficult. But, finally, we reached the edge of town, and the pavement ended. The railroad bed continued onto State Park land. It then got a little harder to ride, but we made it to Farm Road 1195 (mile marker #17) before we turned around. On the way back to the car, we saw some goats, chickens and pot-bellied pigs in a family's back-yard. Finished our ride around 1815L. We had dinner at KFC: both of us were in good spirits. Drive home wasn't too bad - US-180 to I-20 and then home on I-820. Tired, but already thinking about a trip back to the bikepath!