KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST
This was a place that I had kept my eye on. Due to limited windows of opportunity between my schedule and that of Keystone Ancient Forest's opening I had to push this hike back further than I would have preferred. Finally time to pay this unique place a visit, I traveled out Saturday morning through Sand Springs to the edge of Keystone Lake where this gem of a land lay protected. This is a forest harboring much plant life as well as the Cross Timbers which run through Oklahoma and the neighboring states, "trees like iron" some say which oddly reminds me of the song In The Wake Of An Iron Wind by ALDA. Oklahoma is a hard place to live, with the threat of tornadoes, earthquakes, humid heat, and freezing cold, this state tests all manner of life. However, those who stick it out and weather the tests are rewarded by fertile soil and warm hearts. 'Tis a grand place to call Home.
I had done a bit of research before deciding to venture forth into these wild parts yet there was something new unknown to me: a new trail. Referred to as "The Trail Less Traveled" it immediately caught my attention with its rugged terrain and four mile length (which was only possible one way since the place only open for a small window). Gathering my gear, I set out for the first path that would lead me to the newest trail addition. Unlike all of my recent hikes, this one was much more populated with people who were there to hike, exercise, or take in the beauty around on such a cool summer morning. I keep to myself yet I don't mind greeting others or having a passing exchange of words especially considering all on the trail are there for the same reason and all we have beyond ourselves is one another. As usual, solo travelers were less frequent, only seeing a handful in a span of about four hours. This experience also helped me solidify why I like to hike alone. One, I can go at my own pace. Two, I keep quiet which allows me to encounter nature to its fullest. Third, I carry the stress of those with me which derails one of the most important aspects of why I hike: to relax and deload. The list can keep going but so far I prefer my own solitude and misery which in turn rewards me for my efforts, for which I will share.
The first path was paved which helped me break in my stride and wake up my body, adjusting my pack along the way. The forest was gorgeous in the early morning light and various birds darted to and fro, calling and chattering as they do. Really, this trip was once again more about the hike itself than the scenery, being removed from the city life and creature comforts, pushing me to keep moving and giving me a goal. After some time, I made my way to the new path which slowly spiraled and descended into the wilds ahead. Since this was a newer addition, the trail was still untamed albeit cutdown and carved which made it easy to follow however it was not easily tamed. There were many uneven spots, rocky, sandy, or still green with defiance, yet I continued on, allowing the path to carry me through tall, silver trees and moss covered boulders. In a sandy stretch, I caught part of snake tracks that S'ed across the way with no signs or where or when it went. This was only the beginning though for later in my trek I happened across a long, black snake, most likely a king snake or rat snake of a sort, slender but powerful. Before I was able to take a picture, it noisely bolted into the tall grass and away from me leaving me only enough of a moment to nod and move on.
This was an arduous trail and it made me earn every step taken, challenging me to finish with my pack. Staff in hand, I pushed on, peeling a few layers off as I sweat profusely. Some of the stretches left me sun exposed while others gave me shade and respite yet there were never any decent spots to rest so I usually chose the shade when able. Ascending, the vegetation gathered in peculiar groups or patterns, small yellow flowers running along both sides as if to guide the way while blooms and boughs loomed around. Almost at the end of the this long and less traveled trail, I happened across a creature for which I did not recognize at first. On the side of the path, leading into the brush and trees, was a small black tail which appeared to be almost a black velvet color. At first, I thought to myself "What strange animal is this?" yet I was elated when I drew closer and saw the rest of the creature to properly identify it: a black-tailed rattlesnake. I have been quite dismayed with the lack of rattlesnake sightings on my trails, having never witnessed one in the wild until this very trip. After the reveal, I made myself still and more quiet, not wanting to startle it or provoke it. It paid me no mind as I watched, rubbing its face against a leaf with a weird kind of curiosity before moving deeper into the grass, slowly. It was a glorious sight, a perfect way to end my hike which almost seemed uneventful yet my perserverance paid off. I had to wonder though if anyone else came upon it? I was also under the impression if may have just fed which is why its main body seemed so thick and its movements slow. Regardless, I saw something in those woods that no other place had offered me yet and for that it will hold a special place for me. I left the area and wandered back to the main trail, finding my way to my car and cooling down from the heat and excitement before I headed towards my home, away from the mysteries of the forest and all of the marvels it guarded.
This was a place that I had kept my eye on. Due to limited windows of opportunity between my schedule and that of Keystone Ancient Forest's opening I had to push this hike back further than I would have preferred. Finally time to pay this unique place a visit, I traveled out Saturday morning through Sand Springs to the edge of Keystone Lake where this gem of a land lay protected. This is a forest harboring much plant life as well as the Cross Timbers which run through Oklahoma and the neighboring states, "trees like iron" some say which oddly reminds me of the song In The Wake Of An Iron Wind by ALDA. Oklahoma is a hard place to live, with the threat of tornadoes, earthquakes, humid heat, and freezing cold, this state tests all manner of life. However, those who stick it out and weather the tests are rewarded by fertile soil and warm hearts. 'Tis a grand place to call Home.
I had done a bit of research before deciding to venture forth into these wild parts yet there was something new unknown to me: a new trail. Referred to as "The Trail Less Traveled" it immediately caught my attention with its rugged terrain and four mile length (which was only possible one way since the place only open for a small window). Gathering my gear, I set out for the first path that would lead me to the newest trail addition. Unlike all of my recent hikes, this one was much more populated with people who were there to hike, exercise, or take in the beauty around on such a cool summer morning. I keep to myself yet I don't mind greeting others or having a passing exchange of words especially considering all on the trail are there for the same reason and all we have beyond ourselves is one another. As usual, solo travelers were less frequent, only seeing a handful in a span of about four hours. This experience also helped me solidify why I like to hike alone. One, I can go at my own pace. Two, I keep quiet which allows me to encounter nature to its fullest. Third, I carry the stress of those with me which derails one of the most important aspects of why I hike: to relax and deload. The list can keep going but so far I prefer my own solitude and misery which in turn rewards me for my efforts, for which I will share.
The first path was paved which helped me break in my stride and wake up my body, adjusting my pack along the way. The forest was gorgeous in the early morning light and various birds darted to and fro, calling and chattering as they do. Really, this trip was once again more about the hike itself than the scenery, being removed from the city life and creature comforts, pushing me to keep moving and giving me a goal. After some time, I made my way to the new path which slowly spiraled and descended into the wilds ahead. Since this was a newer addition, the trail was still untamed albeit cutdown and carved which made it easy to follow however it was not easily tamed. There were many uneven spots, rocky, sandy, or still green with defiance, yet I continued on, allowing the path to carry me through tall, silver trees and moss covered boulders. In a sandy stretch, I caught part of snake tracks that S'ed across the way with no signs or where or when it went. This was only the beginning though for later in my trek I happened across a long, black snake, most likely a king snake or rat snake of a sort, slender but powerful. Before I was able to take a picture, it noisely bolted into the tall grass and away from me leaving me only enough of a moment to nod and move on.
This was an arduous trail and it made me earn every step taken, challenging me to finish with my pack. Staff in hand, I pushed on, peeling a few layers off as I sweat profusely. Some of the stretches left me sun exposed while others gave me shade and respite yet there were never any decent spots to rest so I usually chose the shade when able. Ascending, the vegetation gathered in peculiar groups or patterns, small yellow flowers running along both sides as if to guide the way while blooms and boughs loomed around. Almost at the end of the this long and less traveled trail, I happened across a creature for which I did not recognize at first. On the side of the path, leading into the brush and trees, was a small black tail which appeared to be almost a black velvet color. At first, I thought to myself "What strange animal is this?" yet I was elated when I drew closer and saw the rest of the creature to properly identify it: a black-tailed rattlesnake. I have been quite dismayed with the lack of rattlesnake sightings on my trails, having never witnessed one in the wild until this very trip. After the reveal, I made myself still and more quiet, not wanting to startle it or provoke it. It paid me no mind as I watched, rubbing its face against a leaf with a weird kind of curiosity before moving deeper into the grass, slowly. It was a glorious sight, a perfect way to end my hike which almost seemed uneventful yet my perserverance paid off. I had to wonder though if anyone else came upon it? I was also under the impression if may have just fed which is why its main body seemed so thick and its movements slow. Regardless, I saw something in those woods that no other place had offered me yet and for that it will hold a special place for me. I left the area and wandered back to the main trail, finding my way to my car and cooling down from the heat and excitement before I headed towards my home, away from the mysteries of the forest and all of the marvels it guarded.