Oklahoma City

With a little sigh of regret, we left the rolling limestone hills of the Ozarks behind and lit out for Oklahoma City.  As many of my readers know, I have ties to Iceland and we recently owned an Icelandic Sheepdog named Tinna.  The Icelandic Sheepdog community is a tightly knit group several of whom are Icelandic expats living permanently in the U.S. and I was interested in meeting up with Thordur, a professor at the University of Oklahoma and owner of several fine Icelandic Sheepdogs.  We made a camping reservation at Lake Thunderbird State park just outside of the University town of Norman.

 

Breaking Camp at Lake Thunderbird State Park

 

 

Lake Thunderbird is a huge and nicely equipped park with several camping areas nestled among leafy scrub oak trees.  I can only imagine that on weekends and in summer it is packed with people looking to escape the heat and swim or boat in the lake.  However, in early May on a weekday, we had the place mostly to ourselves.  We unhooked our trailer and headed out to Thordur’s house.

It is always a bit nerve wracking to meet someone in person you have only known on the internet – sort of that going on a blind-date feeling.  But of course it was fine.  We really enjoyed meeting Thordur and catching up on gossip about Iceland’s economy and politics while his daughter played hostess to our children and the dogs (including Quinn our Collie) enjoyed a romp in the backyard.  Thordur’s dogs were a trip.  Spori is a very handsome and easy-going male who to me epitomizes what and Icelandic Sheepdog should be both in looks and personality.  Veiga, a very atypical looking girl, tiny with short legs, long body, and grey fur, stole all our hearts, she is quite possibly the sweetest dog ever!  Thank you Thordur for welcoming my “pack” into your home!

We asked Thordur for his recommendation on where to eat in town and he directed us to Van’s Pig Stand for some authentic Oklahoma BBQ.  We thoroughly enjoyed this fun and family friendly restaurant where we ordered the family BBQ platter with ribs, brisket, curly fries, fried okra, and Texas toast.

 

Van's Pig Stand - Authentic Oklahoma BBQ

 

We did not linger in Oklahoma although there are many fine things to explore in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy Museum, the Federal Building Monument, etc. but it was time to move on.  For one thing, the tick situation at the State Park was out of control.  Tiny deer ticks everywhere.  For another, rumors of severe thunderstorms on the horizon didn’t sound great.  Finally, we were eager to get to the real west, Mountain Time, red rock, prickly pear cactus, roadrunners.  It was time to set out for the long, flat, miserable drive along I-40 and head for New Mexico.

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