Day 10 - Oklahoma

Day 10
October 26
Oklahoma

        My Dear Miss Smith,
    Having a three hour drive ahead of us, we departed quite early. In fact, it was so early that I was the only one awake. Yes, I do realize, Miss Smith, that I am not an early riser. However, this morning I was awake even before Amy, so, leaving the three girls to slumber, I got in the driver’s seat and set off. I debated about what I should listen to, and then settled on Gilbert & Sullivan. I do enjoy their music.

Isn't the lake just lovely?

    Seeing a sign for Great Plains State Park, I turned in and parked. As I had thought, everyone was up, and after a quick but hearty breakfast of Cream of Wheat and toast with orange juice, we all set off for a walk. Well, let me rephrase that. Natalie, Lydia and I set off for a walk with Penelope, while Amy got out her bike and took Timber for a run. One cannot fully use up the energy of that German Shepherd on foot. The younger girls took turns running with Penelope. We took one of the easier trails which was flatter and less rugged. The rocks and trees, the deep blue of the lake shimmering in the early morning sun, the clean, fresh air all combined to make it a lovely place.
    After spending about an hour at the state park, we once again hit the road, if I may use an expression so devoid of truth. As we drove we practiced our Cherokee. I do believe it will take us longer that a week to learn the language.
    Miss Smith, as we continued on our way, we came across an interesting topic for discussion. Twice we crossed over the Canadian River. Now what was the Canadian River doing so far south as to be in Oklahoma? And why did we cross it twice? Having never studied or even heard about the Canadian River, I could not answer the girls questions about where it came from. Therefore, we got out maps; well, Amy, Natalie and Lydia did for I was driving, and began to study them. They found out what river the Canadian emptied into and what states it traveled through. Really, Miss Smith, that would be a good project for you. Call Bekah over some day and I’m sure the two of you will enjoy the research.

The Officer's Quarters

Guard House

    All were quite excited to arrive at Fort Supply. Most of the buildings have been restored to
their original look. There we visited the officer’s quarters, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters and the only brick building, which was the Guard House. Did you know that this was the supply depot for General Phillip Sheridan’s winter campaign of 1868-1869? It was also where the 10th U.S. Cavalry was stationed. That would be Pershing’s own favored 10th. The ones who really saved the day on San Juan hill with Teddy’s Rough Riders, the ones whose only defeat was in Mexico when the fault was not theirs, the ones who helped earn Pershing the name he treasured, “Black Jack.” You must read up about them, Miss Smith.

Fort Supply

    But, to return to the Fort. It was established as a supply base for the winter campaign against the Southern Plains Indians. Did you realize that George A. Custer, who was then a Lieutenant Colonel, was at this post for a time? I always thought of him up north in the Black hills of the Dakotas and Montana. I see I have much to learn about this great nation. Cavalry units also escorted cattle drives traveling from Texas to Dodge City.
    We all enjoyed wandering around and visiting with the staff of the fort. We ate our lunch there and after a bit more visiting, we took the dogs for a run and then we again were ready to depart. The anticipation for our next and final stop in Oklahoma was growing by the minute. Lydia and Natalie could talk of nothing else but riding horses at the dude ranch. Seeing that not one of us had the proper attire for cowboys (or cowgirls, I should say), we made a stop at a western store where we picked up hats and boots for us all. My hat is black. There is a braided black band around it fastened with a silver piece, but it is rather plain. I would have dressed it up more, but Amy told me I might scare the horses if I added any “fancy do-dads” I believe she called them.
    We arrived at The Hitching Post Bed & Breakfast mid afternoon. We are staying in a log cabin. Quiet and clean; this is refreshing. This evening we wandered around and made plans for tomorrow. We are going to go on an 1882 stagecoach ride, go on a trail ride and enjoy western life to the fullest.
    And now, I must end, Miss Smith, for I do not wish to be tired tomorrow for our full day of ranch life.

With much love,
~ Priscilla