April 3, 2014
Left Devil's Den this morning about 9:30. Good thing we were on the road that early. On the way out a vicious thunderstorm with heavy rain, wind and hail caught us. Over in about an hour but made driving difficult. We drove out if the weather heading west, but the wind has been difficult to drive in. We are now at Salt Plains State Park in north central Oklahoma. Temp has now dropped to 50 and supposed to be 38 as the low tonight. Quite a differences from this morning. Went out and saw some birds after dinner. Gulls, herons, cormorants and lots of Vultures.


April 2, 2014

Yesterday, after a delightful stay at Petit Jean State Park, we drove 131 miles to Devils Den State Park. Not a bad drive at all. Got off I 540 at exit 43. Sign said use Exit 53 if your RV was 30 ft or longer. Since ours is shorter, we did not use that exit. A narrow road, not well maintained. But, the problem for longer RVs is the 8 switchbacks coming down a steep mountain. Checked in at the visitors center, paid for two nights. Again very inexpensive and then we set our unit up. Just can't get over how much easier it is than our old one.

We brought a small TV with us, as the camper has an antenna. We have been getting in excess of 20 channels, but at this location we only get 4. The major networks so we can keep up with the news and weather forecasts. We are so deep in this valley that there is no cell coverage. If we go up on the ridge we get a signal.

Our first job was to do laundry. Got half of it done because while there were 4 washers, only one dryer worked.

This morning I hiked the Devils Den trail while Joyce looked for wildflowers along the trails near the creek. My hike took me along the creek and then up thro the mountain to a set of waterfalls. Nothing big but nice just the same. Ended up putting my camera in my pack and then hurrying thro a section of trail where water was falling on it from a rock outcropping.

The geology here is fascinating. Caves that go back into the mountain several hundred feet. They are very narrow. There is one called the Devil's Icebox. Air coming out of it is 55 degrees and is quite welcome on hot humid days. As I hiked along the trail it was very evident where I was.

Saw some wildflowers that I hadn't seen this year. Bloodroot and Cut-leafed Toothwort among them.

We leave here tomorrow and head into Oklahoma. Not sure where we will end up.