Southwest AdVANtures: Day 3

Day 3, Monday, February 28th

amethyst & palo santo

If you missed Days 1 & 2, start here.

Waking up along the Blue River, we could see just how amazing the spot was. We definitely wanted to stay longer than just overnight. The river itself is actually one of the largest free-flowing streams in Oklahoma, unassisted by manmade structures or interventions. The Nature Conservancy owns a preserve along the banks called "Oka' Yanahli", or "water flowing" (in Chickasaw).

Blue River (Frank's pic)

my pic

Throughout the day, an epic amount of Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures glided overhead, suspended between the clouds and treetops. We had a relaxing day reading, napping, birding, hiking, and in Frank's case, fishing. There were rapids, beautiful views, and lots of rock outcroppings to climb. At one point, I took off my shoes and stuck my feet in the red-skin-making water, stepping over lichen and under rippling water until I shimmied up a sizeable tree trunk. Barefoot and climbing up a tree always makes me feel more like myself.

When darkness fell, we settled in for more stargazing and fireside relaxation. A Barred Owl called from a distance, while nearby, another visitor was about to appear. We were deep in campfireside conversation, when suddenly, we heard a rustling in the leaves nearby. We took out our flashlights and followed the sound until we caught glimpses of a little white possum-like creature scurrying about, which we soon identified as an armadillo (a Nine-banded Armadillo, specifically). This was a first for both of us, and our consensus was - it was adorable!

I did a little research to uncover the spiritual symbolism and scientific background about this creature. Both proved fascinating. As for the former, the animal is said to represent digging down to the heart of a matter, probing toward the truth, sensing, exploration, self-protection, and rest. These themes really fit in with the conversations we'd just been having. As for the scientific bit, some facts to follow... Armadillos excavate and maintain up to 15 burrows each. Instead of rolling up into a ball when scared, as many people might imagine, these guys actually jump straight up and take off running. They almost always have four babies per litter (same sex quadruplets). Aside from all their burrow building, digging, and jumping, armadillos sleep for most of the day (about 16 hours). Finally, they make this sort of ungodly scream, which we soon heard ringing out in the dark woods (to which we acted like those people in scary movies everybody yells at; you know, the ones who go investigating toward the horror).

What a magical sighting to top off a beautiful day!

photo cred: Frank

Sleeping Spot: Blue River Fishing & Hunting Area, Tishomingo, Oklahoma (PROs - the river itself, not many people around/privacy, all those vultures and other wildlife, great rocks to sit and climb on, nice areas for hiking, birding, fishing / CONs - no major ones to speak of!)

Notable Wildlife: Nine-banded Armadillo