As we age, materialistic things become less important, spending time with family and friends is what matters most. Making memories to look back on when we’re older is what it’s all about. I did just that this year; I spent the day with my sister, two nieces and nephew. We took a road trip to Natural Falls State Park which is located in Northeastern OK not too far from Arkansas. It was a last minute trip, very spontaneous and someplace I have never been!
The day started with handmade birthday cards from some of my favorite little people and of course the obligatory selfie.This was not your normal selfie; you know the kind where you extend your arm out as far as you can all while trying to keep the perfect smile. This, my friends was a full-fledged dashboard Nikon selfie.
As we traveled closer to our destination the weather was a little on the dreary side. The clouds were low and it drizzled most of the way there. We sure hoped it wouldn’t be like that all day. When we finally arrived, three hours later, the ground was soggy from all the moisture in the air. The trails were a little slick but that wasn’t stopping us. Shortly after we arrived, the sun decided to grace us with her presence, yes; I think the Sun is a woman!
The 77’ waterfall was absolutely gorgeous! It was flowing with ease from all the rain we have had in the past month. The foliage and wildflowers had such vibrant colors, just being in the general vicinity made you happy. We saw some flowers neither of us had seen before. It’s refreshing to see things that are out of the norm. As I was enjoying the sights and sounds of the falls I noticed a few families trying to get that perfect picture. Their arms were extended so far out they looked like Stretch Armstrong! They deserved a great memory to look back on, one without a stretched out arm, so I stepped up and offered to capture the moment for them. I am a photographer after all.
As we worked out way to the bottom of the canyon, we came up on a pond that was as calm as the midnight ocean floor. Smooth and free of ripples. I knew this moment wouldn’t last long because this was the perfect place for some good ol’ fashion rock skipping! I took advantage of the “calm before the storm” for some reflection photos.
At the edge of the pond was a wide waterfall, the width of the pond, there was also a running stream nearby. This was perfect opportunity for some long exposure photography. To get a better vantage point, I took my socks and shoes off, whew, was it cold! But, I got the shots I wanted and my sister and the kids got a good laugh out of it as well! Another memory made!
While hiking all the trails, there was a little stream we crossed about 4 times. It was too wide to cross in one step; we had to support our steps with an unstable piece of driftwood and one slippery rock. The little people got a kick out of watching Auntie trying to cross this stream. I don’t know if they were laughing or worried, but by the end of our trip it claimed one of us…Yep, it claimed Auntie. I lost my footing and down I went. We laughed a good while at this. Thankfully, no injuries occurred to any humans or equipment.
My birthday was a great day. I got to spend it with things that are important to me; my family and my new found friend, Nikon. Together we’ve made many memories and I can assure you there are many more to come!
