Weekend at Platt Historic District

which is a part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, OK.  I spent a lot of time here growing up and in my 20s.  But moved away and didn't get back much.  Now I am taking my grandson, Adrion, and sharing some of my love of this area with him.

Saw this sign at a local American Legion post.  I kinda liked it.

Bromide well.

I think that says it all.  In the early 1900s there were 33 springs in this area, but by  the 1930s there were only 19.  Some dried up and others joined together.  Today there are only about 4 significant springs left.   The springs have been affected by drought, contaminants and changes by developers outside the park area.

This bridge was built by the CCC back in the 1930s.  For more info on this park and the surrounding area, visit my blog from my visit to Sulphur in 2009.

I actually got Adrion to try the water from the Vendome Well.  They say sulphur water is good for you, but I don't want to drink it.  After he tasted it, neither did he. Yuck.

Antelope Springs, one of the remaining springs.  In 2009 it was almost dry.

This is Buffalo Springs today.

This was Buffalo Springs in 2009.  They had a very bad drought that year.  The ranger said the springs all have water in them this year so far, but could go dry again if there isn't enough rain.

This park is located inside Sulphur city limits.  Wandering through the trails it is hard to remember that houses are just a few blocks away, and downtown is only .5 mile.

This is Little Niagara Falls.  I still think its too cold for swimming, but there were some kids who didn't care, they swam anyway.

These stone picnic benches are made from the natural rock found in this area, called  travertine.  They were also built by the CCC back in the 1930s.

Adrion crossing the top of Little Niagara.  

We were camped out at Lake of the Arbuckles, about 5 miles out of town.  We had  a campfire every night and Adrion roasted and ate a whole package of marshmellows over the weekend.

The rest of the dance rally

Ron and Patty were on their way back to Arizona and stopped by for a few days.  Here they stopped by at one of the dances.

The Purple Team

The Green Team

Liz and the Red Team entertained one afternoon with an after Easter fashion parade.

Several people did not recognize me in my costume.

There was no doubt that Ralph was the hit of the fashion parade as he modeled his girly outfit.  

All of the fashion parade got together for a photo.

The Red Team

The afternoon of the Mardi Gras we even had a Mardi Gras Parade.   Tom was the MC for the event.

The Crewe of RVIOUS threw out bundles of beads to the audience and parade watchers.

The Crewe after the parade was over.

Judy P. caught the most beads.

The Blue Team

On Saturday we heard they were having crawfish at this deli on Medina Lake.

Yum....4 pounds of crawfish.

Here everyone is chowing down.

The dance rally is over and everyone has gone their separate ways.  Some will meet up again throughout the year, while others will go home for the summer, not to be seen again until next winter or the next years dance rally.   Safe travels to all until we meet again.

Bandera Dance Rally Mardi Gras

One of the theme nights at the dance rally was Mardi Gras.  Since I had attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans back in february, I was ready.  Here are a few shots of the costumes.

By no means was this all of the great costumes, but just an idea of some of the ideas people came up with.  I think everyone had a great time.

At the end of the dance the band had the "irritations" come up on stage.  This is a tradition now for several years.  As you can see, everyone got into the spirit of things.

More Bandera Dance Rally

There is usually one evening for dressing up. 

Max wasn't the only man to wear his 'tux'

Our last get together before we all head separate ways for a while.  We all traveled together out on the east coast this past summer and fall.

I just really liked Gretchen's outfit.  

We all brought our red solo cups.

About 100 of us showed up at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for steak night.

We also celebrated Bob's birthday.

Had some dancing after dinner.

The band took more breaks than they played.

We left the 11th Street Bar and headed out to the Longhorn Saloon.  Here the band was much better and we got to see our friend Chuck play the washboard.  My only complaint, it was sooooooo loud.

Another nice ending to a wonderful day in Bandera.