Rose Rocks

I recently received a couple of rose rocks as a thank-you gift.....never knew they existed.....

Oklahoma designated rose rock (barite rose) as the official state rock in 1968. These rocks were formed by barite rock crystals during the Permian Age and resemble blooming roses. They are found in only a few rare places around the globe. Barite Rose Rocks can be found in clusters with only two roses to as many as hundreds of roses (some clusters weigh hundreds of pounds).
In Oklahoma, the distinctive red soil colors them in hues ranging from reddish brown to cinnamon - rose rocks are sought after and prized worldwide. An old Cherokee legend says the rocks represent the blood of the braves and the tears of the maidens who made the devastating "Trail of Tears" journey in the 1800's to Oklahoma.

Hiking the Crags!

Bristlecone Pine

Good views of the Waldo Canyon Fire burn area

Charlie dug a little hole in the creek and  made a cool spot for himself.



Need to ID this bird!



On Sunday after the Woodchopper Golf Tournament (the guys won) we took Mike on the Crag's Hike with Tyler, Lauren, and Charlie.  It was a beautiful day and the hike was wonderful.  We stopped at Amanda Fonda for a birthday lunch (Mike's). Charlie did great on the hike (so did Mike).

Woodchoppers.....2012

This past week was the Woodchopper's Golf Tournament.  Mike came out from Ohio to play with Arn.  They played lots of golf and had a great time and came  in 1st place in their flight.  The trophy looks similar to the British Open trophy.  Watch for pics......we ordered a DVD of the weeks activities.

Kissing Camels!

Last Monday I was able to golf at Kissing Camels Country Club.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Our opponents were great, the food was delicious, and the pro shop is well stocked.  I shot 105 (47 on the front).  It is much easier than our course which really helps my score since I'm frequently out of bounds, in water, etc. The Waldo Canyon Fire came very close to Kissing Camels and the burn area was extensive very close to the area.

Dawson's Butte

My usual hiking trails are closed right now due to the fire danger so this past week I headed north to try out Dawson's Butte.  It was an easy 5 mile loop which would make a great snowshoe or cross country ski trail. It would also be great for kids.  I started out a little late and it was hot so next time I'll go in the early morn or later evening.  I was dissapointed that the trail didn't go up on the top of the butte.  Also for about 2 miles of the trail I could see and hear an occasional car.  The views were pretty and the length was good so I'd probably do it again sometime.


Dawson Butte sometimes known as Dawson Mountain was named for an early homesteader on West Plum Creek named Thomas Dawson. Mr. Dawson came to the area in the early 1860's and staked out squatters rights below the butte. He was the first postmaster at Bear Canyon. Dawson Butte is a 7,476 foot landmark for both East and West Plum Creek. The 1820 Stephen Long expedition climbed the butte to determine their location. This was one of the early expeditions through Plum Creek and this mountain is documented in field notes. Because of the unusual washes on the side and the way the sun would shadow on those washes the turn of the century settlers could always tell what time it was. The Dawson arkose geological formation which extends over much of Douglas County derived its name from Thomas Dawson and Dawson Butte. - Larkspur Historical Society

More Rodeo Pics!

What a View!