On an overcast day 26 TrailBlazers, 2 canines, and 1 cockatiel under the command of Captain Katie headed to OK to hike at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton. It was about time since we have had to cancel and re-schedule beaucoup hikes this winter due to bad weather or conditions. We began to think this particular hike was jinxed so we finally caught a break and had a good turnout The weather was very pleasant for hiking and the sun even came out toward the end.

The park is huge and has land on both sides of the highway. Arriving at the parking lot for Robbers Cave, we started out on the Rough Canyon (aka Rocky Road!) trail, aptly named because lots of trails in this general area are covered with lots of rocks with boulders strewn everywhere on the hillsides and along the creek. Along the trail there is a pretty pond as well as some soaring rock formations as you reach the cave area. After eating lunch in the picnic area, we hiked a rocky nature trail up to the cave where Belle Starr reportedly hid out, and then climbed up and over the mouth of the cave and were rewarded with some majestic views. The cave area is very large and contains many smaller caves as well as several slot canyons. We walked through one large slot, and then turned left and climbed down another slot to the bottom. Kids young and old could spend quality time exploring the caves, climbing the rocks and drinking in the views.

Finally we went to the Visitors Center where there is a gift shop, nature room and heritage room manned by a friendly staff. The rustic building itself is a historic place. Great day! PS: Yours Truly heard wood being knocked on trees at lunch and, wondering about bigfoot sightings,asked a ranger. He gave her a copy of the Big Foot Print that speaks of the Giants of Kiamichis; there is even a Big Foot Festival in OK. Who knew!

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