Crystal Hunting in Oklahoma
I don’t know about Aaron, but I’ve never actually experienced slat flats of any variety, therefore neither have the kids. And I was tickled pink when I found that we could incorporate some on our way west.
I booked only 2 nights at the State Park in Jet Oklahoma, and it was one of the places were were sad to say goodbye to after spending just a short visit there. It has become a theme - we really love the more wild feel of the state parks we end up in, and our stay is never quite long enough. This campground was actually in a bird sanctuary, so when I woke before the sun fully rose I ventured out into the quiet. The v-shaped formations of migrating pelicans flying overhead, and all manner of small birds resting in the reservoir. It was peaceful and gorgeous and made my soul happy.
So, onto the salt plains…the salt plains in Oklahoma are special because they produce crystals - and not only can you dig for them, but you get to keep any you find. They are selenite crystals, and are very delicate. The best part, you get absolutely filthy with mud from head to toe trying to get them, so it was a sensory experience. You drive down a torn up salty “road” for a mile or so and just stop at the ropes, hop out, and have at it in a designated area. After they got bored of digging (its real work, a true shovel is needed), they ran amok, jumping over old digging holes and mounds, pretending and creating fantastical stories the way only kids can pull off. I took the kids while Aaron worked the one Friday we were there, but it was so much fun we ended up going back again the same day so Aaron could experience it. This second time I did most of the digging while the kids explored and made their stories.
