Once upon a time, a few weeks ago , hubby and I took a few days off to travel in our fair state. We went to Oklahoma City, visited with my parents and with friends and then, one morning, hubby said, “What would you think about heading down 35 South, then cut back east and cover some new roads? I think we might find some great photo opts for you.” He knows that magic word, photo opts, and off we went. We founds some fun towns with interesting buildings. Bar-b-que in Pauls Valley was delicious and finally, we were in McAllister where we got some interesting prison photos.
Since we were not on a schedule, we didn’t know where we would spend the night, but never thought about that being a problem. We were close to the beautiful and huge Lake Eufala, and that’s where I wanted to stay. On the lake. And then it came back to me. When I was a little girl, our family would stay right on the lake at a state resort. Arrowhead. I googled it. Nothing. I googled again. Again…no existance. I attempted to call the state park services. Recording. So we just drove because I knew I could find it. AND FINALLY….we saw a promising sign and took the exit.
And we came upon this view when I said, “YES! That’s it!” So we drove and we drove and well, you get the picture. We saw a golf course and wildlife and I was getting more anxious with each curve we rounded. Then we started seeing signs on the side of the road saying, “No trespassing” and “Remain in Car”. What? We arrived. But we didn’t stay. In fact, we turned around pretty fast as we knew we were on camera. This is what my childhood state resort had become:
Our eyes were big as we BOTH talking, “THIS IS THE PLACE THAT’S UNDER INVESTIGATION.” We had recently watched it on the national news. Nope. We did not need their rehab services on this day.
OH MY, NO!
Nope….no room in the Inn.
And so this is where we landed. Just twenty minutes from our house….after 10pm at night. But we would NOT scare our house sitter and go home. Plus I’d always wanted to stay here! The place never sleeps and no problem finding great restaurants and entertainment! A lovely place that I would stay again. When we get lost and end up twenty minutes from our house.
And they lived happily ever after. THE END ~ 🙂
Have a good day, friends 🙂 And be nice to others! ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
That was a great story. You stayed in a hotel twenty minutes from your house… I love it!
🙂 and it’s a fun place! haha
Interesting!
Once day you will see us on the national news because of a bad turn we made! 🙂
I love the idea of a husband who says, let’s go and see where we end up!
It is fun, usually, that is! Headed out again tomorrow, so we shall see!
Safe travels!
thanks! have a great weekend!
I LOVE this! Partly because of the story you tell..but even more so because I remember talking/emailing with you while you were on that trip, and you telling me you were at a hotel 20 min from home..so fun!! I love the way you guys travel! 🙂
haha….thanks goodness for Hard Rock Hotel wifi! 🙂 This was fun….and fuNNy ~
Sounds like a fun trip for everyone!
that it was 🙂
I think I told you before that my sister was born in McAllister way back in 1926. I’m sure it doesn’t look the same now. The only reason for needing “rehab” then, (if there had even been a place like that) would be for people suffering from the Great Depression. My goodness, how our lives have changed.
You and Hubby sure think up interesting things to do. I can’t imagine my Hubby suggesting we pay for a hotel if our house was 20 min. away. As you can tell, the Great Depression and being very poor, are still prevalent in our old heads. I’m glad you don’t have to deal with all that.
Well, Delores, we were afterall on vacation! It just took an unexpected turn, or two, or three! And we did (and still are) get some good chuckles out of it! 🙂
I think I do recall you saying your sister was born in McAllister. And I’m guessing it has changed a bit 🙂
Hahaha, you weren’t ending your vacation early at all, were you??! This cracks me up. My husband has golfed at Lake Eufala but I’ve never been. Gorgeous photo 🙂
Exactly! It is a huge and beautiful lake. So is Grove….check em out sometime!
Will do!
I like how you just roll with the punches!
haha….what else can ya do!? 🙂
I probably waste a lot of energy doing otherwise!
🙂
Delores, the funny thing is I dropped $2 in a quarter slot machine, gave it a spin and it paid for the room. Took about 1 minute! Cashed out and even had enough for dinner. Yup…. we are cheap dates.
Marvin….sounds like the Lord’s Will, if you ask me! I like your relaxed way of vacationing.
now that’s funny! 🙂
What an adventure. I love that you stayed at a hotel near your house. This spring my sister and I took a trip where we got a rental car and just drove for 6 days. We stayed where we stopped and we stopped when we were tired. It was a blast, we’re doing it again next spring.
That sounds like a blast. We did a route 66 into New Mexico last year the same way. It was fun and there was so much to stop at along the way! We even stayed at an old rt 66 motel….the one that was in the movie “cars”. I wouldn’t wanna stay there again…but it was definately vintage and really nice folks that owned it. Where did your trip take you?
We took the train from San Francisco to Denver, then we rented a car and drove off in search of National Parks Passport Stamps in the panhandle of Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. We stayed in some very cool places. Our adventures were the fodder for my first few blog posts. Next year we are thinking the train from Chicago to Seattle and hit all the beautiful places in Washington, Oregon and BC.
I love Rt 66 and have passed through many times, but never with the intention of exploring – I gotta do that!
Well I am going to go back and read those blogs! Sounds awesome! Route 66 offers so much. And we met folks along the way doing the same thing we were (and they stayed where we did! ha) We are catching the train tomorrow morning. LOVE train travel!
Ooooo – I love the train. My grandpa was a Union Pacific engineer for 40 years so I’m a bit sentimental. Have a blast!
Oh….bless him….and you have reason to be! Thanks….we will drive this afternoon to pick it up….gotta go finish the packing! 🙂
Great story, with a happy ending. 🙂 Hard Rock Hotel sounds very tempting.
fun and really nice!
Staying in a hotel 20 minutes from home is the best way to end this adventure! What fun and you two are showing the rest of us how it’s done! Hard Rock On Paula…can’t wait to see what comes up next.
xo
R
🙂 …..many hours on the train = awesome….until those last three hours. Then I just wanted to be off of that train!!! 🙂 More later….♥