After three months of being quarantined at home in North Texas, several family members and I decided to take a road trip before heading back to our re-opening offices. We had a couple of places in mind, but being a mom of two very curious and hands-on children, we wanted to stay somewhat close to home yet venture to a place where they could run wild and explore nature. After listening to one of Blake Shelton’s songs, we decided to hit the road for a short four-hour drive to Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
We made a stop at Buc-ee’s and as usual, the place was packed. All the employees had some sort of mask on and wore gloves, but most customers did not. People did try their best to social distance and were in and out for the most part. I noticed hand sanitizer available for use in almost every section, especially the food area. That was the only gas station we stopped at because they were known for their cleanliness even before COVID-19.
Upon arrival at the Beaver Bend Luxury Cabins in Broken Bow, we could smell Clorox and Lysol mixed with the smells of pine forest and hardwood trees. Although the cabin itself did not have hand sanitizer available, we had packed more than enough for everyone. The cabin was cleaned and each room had a bottle full of soap and plenty of towels. Even the hot tub had been drained and cleaned before we arrived.
My only regret is being there for just three days and not staying longer. I wished we had been there for a full week so could have done more activities like fishing in the Lower Mountain Fork River, boating on Broken Bow Lake, and horseback riding or hiking along the David Boren Hiking Trail. Broken Bow is a captivating place to indulge in copious amounts of beautiful scenery and have an adventure in the great outdoors. I was not worried once about COVID-19 the entire time I was there.
Sure, long road trips can get boring but I will say I enjoyed the scenic views, looking at farmhouses and ranches, and wondering how other people live. Embrace the open roads and take in some greenery every once in a while. Any trip is as good as YOU make it, and if you allow yourself to take in all of the amazing things this country has to offer, you won't be disappointed.
Reach out to see where in America you can venture next.
Credits:
Created with images by Nigel Tadyanehondo - "untitled image" • Amos G - "Wooden bridge on a forest path" • Mickey Dziwulski - "Camp fire - Joshua Tree" • Fabrice Nerfin - "Clear Water Lake"