And now we shall travel back in time again to the year of 1868 where General Custer led a surprise (and unprovoked) attack on a peacefully, slumbering Cheyenne and Arapaho village. There were over 250 people wintering along the Washita River that fateful morning, most to be slaughtered in nothing short of genocide. You can read about the battle here.

The Washita Battlefield National History Site is a well-maintained and sacred area for the Cheyenne and Arapaho. We were lucky on our visit, in that we were the only visitors that morning and were able to have a privately-guided tour by the park ranger.

Looking around the field, in August, it was difficult to picture a foot of snow on the ground and 50 lodges (teepees) throughout the vicinity.

It was also sobering to imagine the massacre that occurred where we stood. To call it a battle seems unjustified, given the nature of the attack. The ranger did an excellent job of telling us the history of the area and the battle that ensued. He was also pleased that we had Logan participate in the walk and lesson, even those he’s only three years old, and that Logan was not just along for the ride with an electronic device stuck to his face.

If you’re ever in western Oklahoma, enjoy19th century US history and want to be disgusted at white people, visiting the battle site should definitely be on your agenda!

Upon never have been to Oklahoma before, I was expecting flat, treeless and brown. What we experienced was rolling hills, a decent amount of trees and green, lots of green. The influx and green and trees was expounded when we headed south to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The Recreation Area featured several natural mineral springs, some of which you could even drink from. I refused given the high stench of sulfur, but Noah partook. Logan was not a fan.

Outside Pavilion Springs is also where I was attacked by this praying mantis that did NOT want his picture taken. True story.

There were also several swimming holes, full of overweight and mostly naked hicks. This is what people expect to see in the South. According to the information on the NPS website and at the visitor center, there were also several hiking trails, but given all the natural water sources it was just WAY too humid for this dry-air Coloradoan family.

…where the wind comes sweeping down the plain!

This summer our vacation has taken us on a road trip to Oklahoma. Why Oklahoma you ask? Well, it’s a state I’ve never been to, for starters. But most importantly, one of my best friends, Melissa, graduated from the police academy and we went to celebrate with her!

This lovely lady and I have been friends for over 20-years! But when we’re together, you’d never know that we only see each other every few years. Noah and I were so determined to not miss her graduation ceremony that we drove straight through the night to get from Colorado to Oklahoma in time! Only, our exhaustion instigated a mandatory nap-time once we arrived that almost caused us  to oversleep and need to rush to the graduation! But we made it! Whew!

By the way, if you ever visit Oklahoma – don’t use Apple Maps.