Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 ft.
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Weather: Warm, mid-50's, mostly sunny with scattered clouds, beautiful day.
Back home for the holidays had this week's hike in my home state of Oklahoma. I was looking for a hike somewhat close to my parent's house in Oklahoma City, but there were not many options in my Oklahoma Hiking Trails book that were less than an hour away. I settled on a 7 mile hike about a hour away at a lake named Lake Thunderbird.
My sister and I were on the road by 9:40 am and at the trailhead by 10:55 am. There were a few cars in the lot, but we did not see anyone there. I geared up, and we began walking by 11. We were walking in a trail system that the Bike League of Norman had helped establish and maintain. The trails are shared with mountain bikers and hikers. An extensive spider web network of trails covers the area known as Clear Bay in the southwest corner of Lake Thunderbird.
The weather was amazing. The skies were a brilliant blue, and the sun was warm when we were out of the shade. The trails meandered through a wooded area near the lake and after about 15 minutes the sound of the traffic was no longer audible. The trees had lost all their leaves, and the landscape was familiar and made me feel at home. The dirt in my home state is a red color similar to that of Arizona or New Mexico, a wonderful aspect of the American Southwest. As we walked, I was so happy to see the beauty of my home state with fresh eyes. Growing up in a place, it is easy to miss out on what is actually there. This commitment of hiking every weekend has allowed me a second chance to appreciate the beauty of where I grew up.
The hike was great. We got to the lake and took a little snack break. We walked a nice lollipop loop, and we were back at the car by 2 pm. We saw only 3 other people and had a glorious time.
Orchid: Snack break at the lake, and a wonderful hike with my sister.
Onion: I couldn't find one on this hike.
Picture:
Google Map
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