Southwest Oklahoma is a Thing of Beauty

We've talked about it before, how boring people seem to think Oklahoma is a boring place. They call it "flyover territory" and other slanderous names of the like. It bothers me when I hear it because I know they aren't right. You see, there are no boring places, just boring people.

Take for instance, most people get one or two trips through the Wichita Mountains and decide that they've seen it. It's hard to believe but it's true. The only time most people venture out of their car in our mountains is to either take a look off the top of Mount Scott and the obligatory walk around the visitors center. Then they have the gall to say they've seen the mountains.

I've spent a lot of my time just randomly driving around to find new and interesting places. Some of the best views can be found roadside, but it's not along the roads most people travel.

It's understandable I guess. When I go home to see my family, I don't lollygag my way up there. I hop on the turnpike and make a three-hour drive in about two and a half. I imagine most people do the same regardless of where they're going. It's all about getting there these days.

Most of the time, I've made the same drive so often, I get tired of seeing the same things and places. Even if it's just the commute home, once in a while, I've got to take a different route. In doing this, I almost always find a new beautiful little spot everywhere I go. Even if it's the same old place but from a different angle.

If more people did that, I'm convinced the Southwest Oklahoma reputation of being "fly-over" territory would come to an end. It's amazing what you can spot along the older roads and highways in this part of the state.