Wednesday, November 27, 2019

A Bit of End of Day Fishing at Tulsa Lake

Fishing at the end of the day with Peanut.




Saturday, November 16, 2019

My Half Day Trip to Clear Creek

For me, knowing I had an hour plus drive from Tulsa to make it to the monastery’s Office of Lauds at the wee 6:15 am, I wasn’t exactly inclined to rest easy and fall asleep early, though I tried.    How these monks arise daily at what 5 am to pray for over three hours before even having their breakfast, God knows.

My day pack was packed, and my dauchshund Peanut snuggled under her blanket in the front seat.  Had to first hit QuickTrip for Diet Coke, my go-to source of caffeine.

An hour and fifteen minutes later I arrived in the monastery parking lot, it still pitch black outside.  Peanut was restless, but I kept the car and heater running, and after a spell she stopped barking while I attended Lauds and Low Mass, the latter being a most edifying spiritual experience in the monastic crypt.





Entering the upper church for Lauds

Though I will say the challenge during Low Mass, with a church of side altars with priests simultaneously offering the Mass in silence, with a large figure like mine, is to stand, sit, and kneel without making much of a peep. 

Back to the car, Peanut was electrified to see me.  Her reward for waiting was a section of a Slim Jim. 

And then off to our outdoor retreat we went.  Drove past the orchard, farm, and through three gates to finally arrive at Eagle’s Bluff overlooking the clear and majestic Clear Creek.  Grabbed my gear, and let Peanut run wild, with no human being at least within a quarter mile of the monastery.  Bald Eagles soared overhead.  The Fall colors and hilly landscape was serene.  




Had to climb across a fence and down a steep ravine, everything in hand, but was myself rewarded this beautiful setting.  Set up my chair, a space on plastic with my gear, and my fly rod.  Lit up my backpacking stove using charcoal, and started breakfast while Peanut experienced unbridled freedom. 
I was thankful that morning I was able to receive Our Lord truly present in Holy Communion, and for this bit of retreat of my own in nature.
  Here are some pics, which unfortunately won't open up as videos.
Will have to figure out how to upload videos better from my phone.







Made an egg scramble on my backpacking stove.  Peanut had her share.  

Didn't catch any fish, but had a restful morning get-away from the city, thanks to the hospitality of the Clear Creek monks.




Friday, November 15, 2019

Going to Clear Creek Tomorrow

Yep, as in CC monastery.  Just a half day of prayer and fly-fishing.  Leaving very early at 5:30.  
Will post pics here, maybe even some videos. 

Low Mass, then cook breakfast on the creek bank, wait ‘til there’s enough sunlight hitting the water, and then fish for bass and perch.   Pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament on my way out, buy some excellent monk cheese.  Back by early afternoon.  God willing. 

Anyway, Bishop Gracida wrote me back, cannot do the interview due to not having time, related he says to his age.  Which is 96!   The Pachamama tossing guy Alexander the Courageous replied again still open to an interview, hopefully he has time to answer the further questions I emailed him I anticipate others are asking.  Did listen to part of a talk by him last night live from Virginia, USA, c/o LifeSiteNews.   He’s definitely a great catalyst in this current phase of the counter-revolution. 

Wishing you all a good Fall weakend, Okie Trads and Beyond!

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Fall Saturday Outing

Lovin’ this Fall weather. And the wide spectrum of Fall colors.  I dream during the hot summer months of this slice of the annual calendar.  

As I write this, we’re finishing up an Amish breakfast in Chouteau, OK, centered in Amish country, before we drive east for a day fishing trip on the upper Illinois River north of Tahlequah.   Somewhat in the vicinity of Clear Creek monastery actually.  Note to self, check google maps to see the extra driving distance should we decide to drop by on our way home. 

The plan is to partake of the hilly scenery and Fall decor as we drive down highway 10 with the river on our left, take one of the public side roads to the river bank, and set up a quick day camp with a canopy tent, chairs, and a cooler full of diet A&W and salami and swiss cheese sandwiches care of my German mother.  Then spend the afternoon fishing for perch and bass punctuated by breaks under the canopy to just take it all in. 

Oh before we leave Chouteau now, we’re gonna stop by the Amish bakery.  

Hope you all likewise enjoy some holy leisure connecting with the Creator by means of His Creation. 

Onwards and upwards!