Buffalos Grazing in the Spring

We saw this group of bison grazing as we traveled west on Highway 49 to French Lake. Ethelbert once had a memorable encounter with a buffalo in the Narrows.

Family Time

The sheer beauty of this place makes one naturally want to share it with others. Doing so with family is especially meaningful.

Through the Tall-Grass Prairie

Nothing like an invigorating hike - off the trail and through the prairie. This was near the Charon Garden area, just over a hill on the opposite side of the parking/picnic area near the Elk Mountain trail head.

Crossing the Quannah Parker Dam

It was a cloudy day, and one can see the sky mirrored perfectly in the water. On the other side, one of my favorite places in the refuge.

Indian Blanket

The state wildflower of Oklahoma, these small flowers are a common site in the refuge. I always knew them by the name Indian Blanket, which suits them well.

Mount Scott Vista

Many from this area are familiar with the view from atop Mount Scott, whose summit can be reached by car. But hiking to the top is well worth the effort.

Parallel Forest

Pictured here, the trail through the Parallel Forest, which leads to the remains of an old mining operation and a very distinctive part of Cedar Creek.

My Dad and Sister

As a teenager, my dad led us on hikes up Mount Scott. I took a Kodak 110 instamatic camera on this hike in the early 1970's and captured this shot on our way up the mountain.

That little camera was a Christmas gift from my parents. It started me on a journey of photographing the world around me—a hobby I have enjoyed ever since.

Over the years, I have had a variety of cameras with me on my excursions, many much more expensive and powerful than that simple Kodak camera. But the photos I took with it captured many of the most memorable moments of my youth.

Scrub Oak Tree in Autumn

Some years the trees are more colorful. This Gambrel Oak, found throughout the refuge, was especially vibrant on a crisp, clear autumn afternoon.

Hanging Out

It's what these kids are doing on the little bridge at the start of the Longhorn Trail near the French Lake parking area.

Collared Camo

Two distinctive black bands (or collars) around its neck, give this lizard its name. This one's turquoise and orange highlights help camoflauge it against the weathered, lichen-stained granite rocks.

Below Quannah Parker Dam

On an autumn day in the early 2000's I snapped this photo below Quannah Parker Dam in the Wichita Mountains. Many times I have been here - and I cherish each one.

Prairie Verbena

In the springtime, one is apt to see many plant species in bloom. This vivid violet-purple Prairie Verbena looked so lovely, I just had to get a photo.

Found at Lost Lake

My lovely wife and grandson Mason posing for a quick picture as we hiked the trail around the lake.

Perilous Perspective

On Mount Scott not far from the summit, Mason appears to be in a pickle. But if you look closer, his feet are firmly planted on solid ground.

On the Bison Trail

Somewhere along the Bison Trail, pretty yellow wildflowers dot the landscape under a spring-blue sky.

Plunging In

On a hot summer day, we hiked to the Post Oak Falls. Then the kids found a fun way to cool off.

Little Icons of the Wichitas

Prairie Dogs build their homes underground. Unlike Buffalo and Longhorn, folks can see them up close, at least when they are above-ground.

Treasure Lake Treasures

"We walked through fields of coreopsis, prairie larkspur, yellow tickseed, spiderwort, antelope horns, phlox, thelesperma, sensitive briar and the extraordinarily beautiful fire wheel or Indian blanket." - Charles Ellenbrook

Wild Turkeys

Not far from refuge headquarters, we suddenly encountered a rafter of wild turkeys strolling across the autumn landscape.

Just How Far?

Along West Cache Creek, on our way to Lost Like along the Bison Trail, these young men did what young men often do: throw rocks into the water, and see if they could throw one across the stream.

Effort Supposes Resistance

Along the trail to Little Baldy, we never got this boulder to move even one millimeter. But the effort to get to the top of Little Baldy was worth it!

My Loves

On a lovely day near the Charon Garden wilderness, I snapped this photo. Each person in it is a member of my family and I love you all!

Looking West

Most every time we visited the refuge, we rode or hiked up Mount Scott. Here Mason and Zack take a break atop a granite boulder, gazing out at the widening world before them.