October 12, 2014
My weekend was virtually consumed by the composition of complex documents to help the district’s teachers with new state appraisal requirements. But Wendy and I took a break on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the 3.26 mile Red Bike Loop at Osage Hills State Park.
Wendy on the trail (click image for slideshow)
We passed the new Osage Trail blazes which redirected the route westward. Wendy noticed an unusual growth high up on one of the trees, and I asked her to pose to provide scale. A flower she picked had a little critter on board, and when we reached the grotto pool we took a break. I was drinking water instead of my usual trail Fanta, enjoying the rippling little pools of water as a thin stream poured across the rocks.
Uphill climb
One of the original red metal Osage Trail markers was still in place and we wound our way up the hillside. On the downslope, Wendy noticed several bunches of small mushrooms.
Mushrooms
I am very grateful that Fall Break has arrived, and Wendy and I will head out on Friday for Poteau for some hiking in southeastern Oklahoma and/or southwestern Arkansas.
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