woodscounty

Since childhood, Sunday was a day that called for a drive into the countryside. My Sunday drives since moving to Alva, Oklahoma have been to discover the area of Woods County and beyond. One of my favorite drives is east from Alva to The Great Salt Plains State Park and The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. Rainy or overcast days are usually not thought of as a time for a drive, but the area of The Salt Plains calls to me  on gray days. I love the way the Great Salt Plains Lake shrouded in fog looks more like an ocean reflecting the gray skies and the choppiness of the water seem as if an angry Neptune is daring any craft to venture forth. The area is known for the avian species that either call this home or stop on their migratory paths, and these less than fair weather days don't hamper the chance to view these creatures in their habitat. I have a favorite spot that allows my English Springer-Spaniel to bound into the water fetching the sticks that I throw for him and the sandy shore beckons one to stroll. The solitude of the area on these types of days is like a healing balm for my soul, a reconnecting with myself; the chance to allow silence and nature to nourish me.