Erinn rode with Adam in the RV while Maia & Sheri rode along in Sepehr’s refurbished police cruiser — all black with tinted windows, and even had the spotlight still attached. Watching other drivers’ behavior around the vehicle was amusing to say the least.
On the way to the lake, we took a short detour to the historic Route 66. While Maia slept in the car, we stopped at a little tourist attraction called Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK. This whale was originally built by Hugh S. Davis, a zoologist and family man who envisioned the whale as a special place where his grandchildren could play and swim in the nearby pond. Well, the pond was not swimmable and the whale looked like it needed some sprucing up. The energy in and around this attraction was ominous but it made for a few cool photos.
After about an hour of driving, we arrived at the Cherokee Area of Grand Lake State Park. On the way in, many a cow and bison grazed the lush green grasses, and one of the cows even lolled in a small pond. The RV campground was a small little circular area with a restroom/shower area at a dead end.
Shortly after we began setting up, Otis (the campground steward) came by in his golf cart to let us know we had set up in the wrong side of the park; however, the spot we had already claimed was vacant for the evening so he let us stay put.
Before Adam got too caught up in setting up the dining tent, etc…we all took a short drive in Sepehr’s car to a small beach area nearby called Little Blue Area of Grand Lake State Park. Normally this area is packed with people; however, today, it was all ours. The water chilled us to the bone, but felt so refreshing after being in the heat of mid-September heartland weather. The scenery was too beautiful to describe in words, so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
On our way back from our swim break, we stopped by a local convenience store…the first place we stopped where we were the only ones wearing masks inside. People are generally more relaxed here. Adam bought some local meat and veggies.
When we returned to site, Otis and his wife came by again, but this time with their two small dogs, Boomer and Lil’ Bit (the most country dog name I’ve ever heard). I naturally ran up to the dogs and gave them lots of pats…Maia followed suit. She quickly befriended Lil’ Bit by retrieving and giving her lots of sticks to chew on while Boomer showered Maia in doggie kisses.
We chatted with the couple for some time. One thing I quickly learned on this trip was not to judge a book by its cover. At first glance, my internal dialogue was judging Otis as a typical redneck. Bowling ball belly, trucker hat, thick Oklahoma drawl, sleeveless shirt and goatee. But after a few minutes of conversation, I realized that this was what America was really made of — warm, intelligent, hard-working people that just want to connect with others and have a good laugh.
Adam whipped up some juicy burgers with a side of shrimp and Persian garnish from Sheri’s mom. Ice cream for dessert!
We set up a little campfire (something we won’t be able to enjoy as we get closer to the western states) and sipped on spirits. Maia stayed up later than usual with us to enjoy the warmth of the fire as the evening air cooled our skin.
While I put Maia down to bed, Adam and Sepehr witnessed strange sounds echo in the night…wild turkeys, owls, and even a cougar! Sepehr ended up crashing in the RV with us, and we were all asleep by 11:30 (party animals, I tell you).
Next morning, Maia & I woke to Adam, Sepehr and Erinn all doing work or on work calls. I made some pancakes lathered with Nutella for the crew.
As soon as Sepehr was done, we took some cute photos and had a teary-eyed goodbye. Or, as I’ve been saying, until next time…
The Welshs Voyage West! 