Vaca Part Four: Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur

Okay, so this is the final vacation post. I originally included in Part 3, but it was getting way too long even without this segment.

Day 6:
Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur

My dad grew up in Tishomingo and my late Grandma Cleatis lived there for a long while. In fact, we still have my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Larry who live there today. From Shawnee, we would travel through Sulphur to get to Tishomingo, so our family would often stop and swim at the national park in Sulphur. This park would make our final vacation stop.

Cathy knew of the perfect trail just the right distance for the kids that we could follow to a lookout point over the park. We had to be extra careful since poison ivy lined the edges of the trail here and there. Once we made it to the top and back we had worked up an appetite and were ready for a picnic lunch along the spring. We chose a place recommended because it was much warmer than other swimming areas for the kids to splash and play.

Kenzie and Connor were supposed to keep Cooper on his feet for this picture...



Next, we headed to the most popular swimming area of the park, Little Niagra, and that water was ice cold, just as we remembered it would be! Took Kenzie and Connor a while to get all the way in, but they didn't mind the temperature too much after a little while.

Cooper's initial reaction to the cold water. Don't worry, we only stuck his feet in a minute, and he immediately relaxed after the initial shock, all smiles as usual. Don't know why we even bothered putting on a swim diaper.

We told the kids to say goodbye to the park, and we were off.

After so much activity I was worried the kids would be so bored at home, but was quickly reminded that in a few short days they would be off on their next adventure with their aunts to go see Disney on Ice in OKC. Always something going on.

We are so thankful for all of our family and friends that made our trip possible and so memorable for us. We are truly blessed.

My wheels are already turning thinking about what we'll do next year on our vacation. I'm thinking Branson may be in our future...