Girl Goes Camping

I am most definitely a city girl. I think most people could easily tell by my shoes alone. I love the energy of the city, having everything nearby. Finding new pockets with special and interesting neighborhoods. There’s really nothing I love more than being able to disappear in a big city.

But every once and a while, this city girl trades in her Louboutins for an old pair of North Face hiking boots. It’s been more than a few years, but I’m spending a weekend getaway with old friends in Broken Bow. It’s the place that all of Dallas seems to love for camping, fishing and cabins (that come set up with Direct TV).

 

DAY 1

After another 3-hour drive to Oklahoma, through the flattest farmland you’ve ever seen, the terrain makes a subtle change from green fields to tall trees (well, tall for Oklahoma). It’s November, and the trees are just starting to change with spots of golden leaves poking out among the green.

Through the town (home to a surprising amount of signs for Bigfoot) and past the State Park, we find our way down a very bumpy, winding road. Several wrong turns later and we finally made it to our own little cabin in the woods. It’s about as close to camping as I’ll get with 3 bedrooms (all with king-sized beds), full kitchen, basketball/volleyball/badminton court, hot tub and pool table. Oh, and of course flat screens with Direct TV in every room (but inexplicably not outside over the fireplace where there obviously should be an outdoor tv – note to owners).

Our first night is spent exploring the area and catching up with old friends. It’s been a while but it’s like we never missed a beat. A late night dip in the hot tub seemed to make everyone’s day and there are even plans to have breakfast in there again the next morning. Not sure this is really camping, but I like it.

 

DAY 2

A lazier morning has not been had. This is probably going to be the best part of the trip. I made my first fire (thank you google) in the backyard fireplace. I’m enjoying a solitary morning near my own fire while the kids are playing. It’s good to see William outdoors and not glued to his iPad for once. This is something that you definitely don’t get in the city. If anyone else out there is having the same struggle of disconnecting their kids, then I highly recommend getting to a cabin immediately.

Hiking is Really Just Walking

Who knew that hiking was just a really fancy word for walking around. Sure you aren’t always on smooth pavement, but why do they make it sound so much harder than it is. There are an endless amount of trails to find in Broken Bow. Here are my tips:

• If you’re a beginner or have small kids, check the difficulty and distance. You’ll want an easy hike with obviously marked trails, no steep hills or dropoffs. I’d also go for the shorter ones, the last thing you want is to have to carry 30+ pounds of weight with you longer than absolutely necessary.
• Choose the trails that loop back around. A single direction trail sounds great at first but pretty soon you’ll realize you’re not back at the start where the car was parked. So find a trail to loops so you don’t have to retrace your steps and see the same thing again. This way you’ll also end up where you started – ie where you want to be when everyone is tired and hungry.
• Choose the most scenic options. Find the trails near water. This never fails. Kids love water, skipping stones and just the soothing sounds are great. Also look for anything with a scenic view or special observation point.

The Good Life

Seriously how did I ever watch a football game without a fire and a hot tub? I am now officially spoiled and proud to say that this whole cabin thing is totally my jam. You can’t beat a hot soak on a cold night with football, smores and some light rain. So even if it’s cold, pack the swimsuits. The kids (and adults) will want to be in there every day.

 

DAY 3

Time to Head Home

Well, it’s been an adventure and I am surely sad to leave. Had a great time reconnecting. Cooking dinner together. Learning and mastering the art of the outdoor fire and just really unplugging from everything. The cabin had great Wifi and DirectTV but the best part was not needing it. Ok, we did watch football, but that’s it! The kids didn’t even ask for it but opted to play games, go on a hiking adventure or just plain goof around. BoyMom Tip: bring along some nerf guns and extra ammo for a wilderness nerf war or indoor battle. Kept the kids entertained for hours. Loud – yes. But totally worth it.

I definitely can’t wait to get back. For sure check out Broken Bow Cabin Lodging for your next stay. Moon Over Paradise was just what it said. A great retreat that this city girl will not soon forget.

Love,

Sara

 

WHAT TO PACK:

• Comfy layers. It’s cold in the mornings and evenings.
• Jackets, hats and gloves in winter
• Swimsuits
• Athletic clothes, yoga pants, this is not a fashion show
• Good hiking shoes (opt to buy a pair – it’s so much better than just running shoes)
• Food and snacks. We brought a ton of groceries to grill and eat at home.
• Pillows, blankets
• Long lighter for starting fires
• Newspaper or dryer lint to use as a fire starter
• Nerf Guns and Ammo
• Paper Towels

That’s it. The house had games and everything else you need!