Importance of Nature

 

Our location is pretty close to Lake Lawtonka. It's a super-short drive and bicycle ride to enjoy a walk (or ride) along the shoreline or even just to wander down the road connecting camp sites. We believe nature is essential to one's overall well-being. It's a way to recharge our souls. Enjoying, appreciating, and taking care of nature builds a connection that is holy. When that connection is lost, we aren't well. This concept is not new, of course, but it definitely seems to be forgotten in our society of working, buying, buying some more, and always going.

As we were strolling along the lake the other morning we were in shock as to how people left their campsites and the beautiful shore. How can we not take care of something so beautiful and perfect which was made for us?  How can we recharge when nature has been trashed? We believe that it's because that connection to nature is not seen.

In central Europe this connection has been cherished and cultivated. Place of nature, something left green, within a town or close to a town which is easily reachable offering a reprieve from the hustle and bustle from the hectic lives we live can be found all over Europe . It's a place to recharge. An emotional and mental retreat. In Europe they have many opportunities for the public to enjoy nature; to breathe fresh air! In the U.S., at least in our area, most land is privately owned and fenced in. Which is why living near the Wichita Mountains and the lake is such a blessing! We are able to enjoy nature, breathe in fresh air, and recharge our souls. In Germany they have a word for such a place. It's called a Naherholungsgebiet. Literally it means, close recuperation area. As far as we know, there is no term for this type of place in the U.S. other than park. But, it's so much more than a park.

These areas are meant for daily use (and appreciation). Something to be valued and not used and abused. To be cared for and protected. Not just for us, but for others to enjoy as well.So when we find such an area, let us be thankful and respectful. Enjoy it, but do not abuse it; A trashy area is not very recharging.

With the increasing use of technology (always being reachable), this type of place is even more important today than it was 10-20 years ago. As the Germans would say, nature is "Balsam fuer die Seele." Roughly translated it means that nature is a healing remedy for the soul Actively seeking out quiet and nature is important for our overall health. This is the main reason we do not offer cable or internet in our cabins.

"Study Nature. Love nature. Stay close to nature. It will never fail you."

                                                             - Frank Lloyd WrightGreetings from the Stone Turtle - Lodging!

This blog is brought to you by the lovely (biased opinion, we know) Stone Turtle – Lodging, a small family owned and operated hotel / lodging business near Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Sill,  the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Meers and Medicine Park. Yeah, that’s right we’re a small lodging business close to all the awesomeness Oklahoma has to offer!!

Hiking in the Wichita Mountains: The Narrows.

Hello and welcome!

The Wichita Mountains offer adventurers (that's you) so many hiking opportunities that it's hard to choose. Who doesn't love such an abundance in opportunities.Whether you want to explore off the trail or on the trail, it's all just pretty awesome. We thought it would be fun to do some blog posts on these abundant possibilities, and not just because we're looking for another excuse to go hiking. If you care to stick to the trails, the options range from short and easy to longer and more challenging. We hope to cover them all!

We understand that time isn't always on your side, so we'd like to share some of the trails that give you the most bang for your buck. If you were paying for it, that is. For your time-buck, then. 

The Narrows!

View: Breath-taking
Hiking level: Easy. There's only one steep switchback you need to worry about (not like worry worry, though).
Round-trip walking time: About 30 minutes.
Extra info: If you're a climber, pack your ropes! There are a couple of tie-in points in the narrows. 
Hiking tips: Wear good shoes! And make sure you take water. Keep your eyes peeled because there's always something cool to see (from flowers, to porcupines, you never know!)

How to get there from the Wichita Mountains Visitor Center: Turn right from the Visitor Center's parking lot onto hwy 49, at the stop sign turn right and continue on this road passing Camp Doris and Burford Lake. Turn left onto the next road after Burford Lake. There should be a sign stating Boulder Picnic Area or something of the sort. After a little while, you'll pass the Lost Lake parking lot on your right, and then you'll find two parking areas on your left. The first one has a big gate which is usually locked.
 

Boulder Cabin

Walk around this gate and stay to the right of the boulder cabin where a trail will pick up. When the trail forks, stick to the left. The trail will eventually lead you into a creek bed, cross over to the other side. The trail picks up again to the left. Follow the trail up the hill and behold the wonders of the Narrows. The trail will continue from the top of the hill and lead you down into the Narrows via a switchback (where the water flows when it rains). The trail branches off to the right which would lead you up the side of Eagle Mountain if you want a view from the top. Following the switchback into the Narrows will deposit you in the creek. Sticking to the right leads to another trail and to the climbing walls if you have more time.We love to climb up to the climbing wall to enjoy the views and some coffee before heading back when we're short on time. There are no official trail markers. At least we've never seen 'em.

This is the view to the left in the creekbed you'll be crossing.

Definitely one of our favorite locations...if we absolutely had to choose.

The view from the top...if you decide to go off the trail

 Happy exploring!

Greetings from Oklahoma,

Dani (Wanderings of a Girl Ryder)

This blog is brought to you by the lovely (biased opinion, we know) Stone Turtle – Lodging, a small family owned and operated hotel / lodging business near Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Sill,  the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Meers and Medicine Park. Yeah, that’s right we’re a small lodging business close to all the awesomeness Oklahoma has to offer!!