The Benefits of Rain

This is just a day hike in the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma on the 18th of May.  A year ago many parts of the refuge were scorched by wildfires and in desperate need of rain.  This particular area was brown and the lakes were quickly draining.  Some of the trees were burnt from a previous fire. I saw one other hiker this day and he was photographing the lizards.

Wow, great pics Rob!

Looks like a good way to spend the day to me! 

I can picture myself sitting on that rock lake side killing time and drowning worms.

That last one is especially nice. Warm enough for a mid-hike swim?

Pretty nice pictures for "just" a day hike. I could certainly use a day like that right now.

Yes, rain is good. Hope you don't have to watch that place turn into a desert over the next couple decades. Weather here is getting freaky and unpredictable as can be.

Jake W said:

That last one is especially nice. Warm enough for a mid-hike swim?

 The lakes are for fishing only.  They don't even allow wading.  However, in the photo of the little waterfall area, the middle pool is deep enough to sit in.  The water this time of year would be warm enough to get a quick dip.  I was surprised not to see any buffalo that day.  The wildlife managers must have had them occupying a different part of the refuge.

Fantastic pictures Rob

Looks like a very cool Dayhike Rob!

I don't think I have ever saw photos of that region, thanks they were a great way for me to see what the area looks like.

Pretty good size Rattler too, how common are they there?

Have you done any fishing there?

Thanks again, Mike G.

The topography caters to the snakes. It's very common to see them. I've come across larger ones than in the photo. I have not fished there but I have talked to people who have and I've always seen bass on the stringers. Idk if they stock the lakes with trout.

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