Took off today to go swimming out at Blue Hole Spring. But just before leaving town I called them and they’re atypically closed til next Spring, so we went instead to Flint Creek on east 412 almost to the border of OK and AR. About an hour from Tulsa. An excellent alternative if you can’t make it to Blue Hole.
Had to first weed my prepper garden and give my corn it’s once a week deep soak. Then it was down east 412 from T-town, stopping for a half hour to drive slowly around rural Amish farm land near Chouteau, should we buy land in that area. Interestingly, drove by a yurt on a kind of homestead with a statue of the BVM out front, I imagine being a Catholic transplant to be near the Amish.
Funny experience, as I drove by an Amish farmer on his tractor, I slowed down, put down my window, and gave him a wide wave. He gave me an odd, suspicious look but did wave back. For a few minutes heading back east to Flint Creek swimming hole, I pondered that look. Perhaps it was the rosary hanging from the rear view mirror or statue of Mary on the dashboard. The more I considered the brief exchange, I concluded probably not. I remembered the Amish are mildly friendly to passers by but not very engaged, keeping their distance from “the English.” He probably picked up on me looking like a tourist checking out the Amish farms, which in fact I was. Next time I’ll wave with more discretion. Beautiful pastoral setting it was.
At any rate, we went swimming in September during the week to avoid the large crowds and immodest swimwear, and that plan was a success. The dogs practiced their swimming loving it, and I jumped off one of the cliffs which took me back to my youth. It was warm outside enough for a refreshing swim, but pleasantly warm and no longer hot, praise God.
Going back home we took scenic 412 which is a winding highway through the lower foothills of the Ozarks, through the areas literally portrayed in the book Where the Red Fern Grows. Must’ve passed a dozen Baptist churches and several large chicken farms. Would be a nice area to build a house and start a homestead.
Had dinner at the famous Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove known for its Victorian atmosphere and southern buffet. Asked one of the girls how she liked living in that area, and she gave me a charming, enchanting depiction of her life in rural Oklahoma. Everyone looked very humble and serene. Very different from the city and suburbs.
Oh and the highlight of the day was an early morning 45 minute phone chat with the Vice Mayor of Broken Arrow, my hometown we are moving back to this Fall, discussing the first pro-homosexuality “Pride Fest” last month on public land, which I had protested and then gave a speech about last night to the city council. It was an edifying conversation about strategies to respond to the group in an organized way.
Good day today. Thank God. Back to the grind tomorrow.