Exploring Gems and Friends in Kansas and Oklahoma: Day 2

Lake Talawanda

My adventure began with a visit to Lake Talawanda, a name that sounds like it could be straight out of a fantasy novel. The journey there was uneventful, but on the way, I couldn't resist pulling over to capture the magic of a perfectly still pond. I mean, this pond had water smoother than a baby's bottom, reflecting the landscape like a masterful artist's canvas. And, as if to add some drama, a giant bird appeared, perfectly mirrored in the pond's glassy surface. If anyone knows what bird that is – write me.

When I finally reached Lake Talawanda, I was greeted by an access road that could only be described as a rocky rollercoaster. I gave it my best shot, but one look at the pictures will tell you that attempting to go all the way down would have been a kamikaze mission. Luckily, it was just a short hike down to the lake, where I plopped down on what they generously called a "picnic table" and enjoyed a sandwich.

The lake itself was a masterpiece of stillness, making for a perfect reflection of the surrounding landscape. It kind of reminded me of the tranquility of Northern Canada, near Banff National Park. But let me tell you, my friends, the real adventure was dodging a spider web that could double as a hammock for King Kong. Seriously, what in the world was that beast having for breakfast, a small elephant? LOL

Robbers Cave

Alright, let's switch gears to Robbers Cave, a place that sounds like it could be a hideout for a gang of mischievous bandits. Getting there, though, was like following the world's worst GPS directions. Steele, using my trusty GPS, seemed hell-bent on taking me through the narrowest and roughest roads known to humanity. Sometimes I swear my car enjoys a little off-roading adventure. Ronit will attest to this bizarre behavior – as last time the 2 of us were near Amarillo – Steele took us right thru farmers corn fields !!

Now, here's where the fun begins. I saw a sign that boldly proclaimed "Robbers Cave" with a big yellow arrow, so naturally, I followed it. What could go wrong, right? Well, turns out, the road was more of a dirt obstacle course than anything else. After half a mile of praying I wouldn't pop a tire, I executed a on the dime 180-degree turn and got back to paved roads.

On my way back to the main road, I ran into a big red 4x4 pickup truck, and I told the driver that my car couldn't handle the terrain. Lucky him, he had a monster truck that could probably drive up a vertical wall. As I made my exit, I squinted at the sign and found in tiny letters beneath the arrow, "Park entrance is 3 miles ahead." Go figure! Three miles later, I discovered a nice, paved entrance to Robbers Cave.

Robbers Cave itself was like a giant natural playground, with nooks and crannies to explore (Like SMART TS XL capabilities) and secrets to hide. I guess that's why they call it Robbers Cave. I even bumped into the owner of that red monster truck, and guess what? He didn't take the rough road either. He said he made a u-turn right after talking to me.

if I had wheels like that, I'd be all in for some rough-and-tumble adventure. Hmmm….Maybe it’s best I don’t have those wheels – Steele might try to Boldly Go Where NO Man Has Gone Before

After a solid 45-minute hike up and down Robbers Cave, it was time to say farewell and move on to the next chapter of my adventure.

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Bartlesville – a town with a name that's as charming as the place itself. Always makes me think of the Simpsons. This visit had a special touch of nostalgia because my buddy Michael, who lives here, and I go way back, all the way to 1988, back when the world was a different place and pace, and we worked together at Sprint Telecommunications.

Life took its twists and turns, and Michael eventually packed his bags and ended up in Thailand, where he met his beautiful wife, Pooky. Together, they brought into the world an even more beautiful daughter named Marissa. I've been following the adventures of Michael, Pooky, and Marissa from afar, and this marked my second visit to Bartlesville in the last six years.

Michael had a treat in store for me. He showed me videos of Marissa's performance in a Wizard of Oz play put on by the children's theater in Bartlesville. Let me tell you, it was a production that would put Broadway to shame. Authentic costumes, mind-blowing props, and even actors flying in the sky – this was next-level stuff you'd expect to see in a major city production like New York or Chicago. Kudos to Bartlesville for raising the bar!

And speaking of treats, I had the pleasure of indulging in an authentic Thai brunch prepared by the culinary wizard herself, Pooky. The flavors danced on my taste buds like they were in a salsa competition. I couldn't help but be envious of Michael, who gets to savor this deliciousness every single day. Pooky, you're a legend in the kitchen! You let me know when that restaurant opens hehe

I also got to meet Tan-on, their 15-year-old pug, who was as friendly as a Labrador. Leaving Michael and his beautiful family was tough, but the road was calling, and I had to answer.

Right smack in the middle ;-)

Elk Falls Bridge and Waterfalls

Next on the itinerary was the Elk Falls Bridge and Waterfalls. The bridge was a marvel, but there was a twist – there was no water! Kansas had been in a drought for the last three years, so the waterfall had turned into not even a trickle. But hey, the bridge itself was a work of art.

As I walked across it, the whole bridge seemed to come alive, creaking and swaying like a living creature. But don't worry, folks, it was perfectly safe for humans, or at least I hoped so! I'm starting to think I'm developing a bit of a bridge fetish. There's just something about these older structures in remote places that makes my heart skip a beat.

Take a peek at the pictures, and you'll see where the waterfalls would've been if Mother Nature hadn't gone on a water conservation spree. And, of course, only in America would you find a sign that reads "No shooting off the bridge." Go figure!

Moline, Kansas

Did someone mention a bridge??

Speaking of bridges, I had to make a pitstop in Moline, home to Kansas's oldest swinging bridge. But let me tell you, driving through Moline felt like stepping into a ghost town, even though I knew folks still lived there. I snapped a picture of Main Street on a Friday night at 6:00 PM, and it looked more deserted than a tumbleweed convention. Well – even tumbleweeds were no where to be seen.

Most of the homes in Moline weren't exactly in their prime, as you can see from the pictures. But I was on a mission to find that swinging bridge, and find it I did. I ventured onto it, and it swayed left and right and up and down. It left me feeling a tad nauseous, but hey, I did it for the adventure and so you, my dear readers, could experience it with me.

Downtown 6pm friday night

Bucks Cabins

While I was visiting Michael in Bartlesville, I booked a night at a place called Bucks Cabins in Howard, Kansas. The road leading there was as peaceful as can be, and I tried to snap a pic of the endless wind turbines stretching to the horizon

These turbine farms always fascinated me, reminding me that even in the middle of nowhere, there's a touch of modern marvel as far as the eye can see.

As I drove on, I passed a couple of horses cuddling together, their necks intertwined like they were showing affection to each other. I couldn't resist pulling a U-turn to capture that Kodak moment. Looking at the pictures now, it seems like a family portrait – a mother, father, and baby horse all snuggled up.

And when I finally reached Bucks Cabins, all I could say was, "Wow!" The location was like a scene from a postcard, with open fields and tranquil ponds. The cabin itself was a treasure trove of amenities, equipped with everything one could possibly imagine. If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, I'd wholeheartedly recommend staying in one of these cabins.

During dinner (eggs and toast) I tasted the strawberries that I purchased in one of the little towns - that were all farm grown. They were VERY red, had a strong sweet smell AND tasted like strawberries used to taste 30 years ago. Yup-these berries were not just sprayed with straberry scent, like they do these days - They had their own real scent and they were sweet as STRAWBERRIES shoud be !

Well, that's a wrap for tonight. Tomorrow, I'm off to visit another friend, and who knows where the winding road will lead me….maybe all the way into Nebraska?

Nighty-night, y'all!

Bucks Cabins backyard

Dinner