TOM'S COMMENTARY - Older stuff

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Voting day.  We've always been considered the greatest nation on earth.  Why change it?  Let other nations be wise enough to convert to our way of operating a country.  Let's not allow anyone to make us less American.  Be careful how you vote.

Mrs. Tom and I just got back from a fall foliage tour of SE Oklahoma.  It don't get no better than that.  Weather and tree colors were perfect.  The mountains and landscape are something you just wouldn't expect to see in Oklahoma unless you've been here.  Come check it out. 

Our river is running very low due to no rain in several weeks.  We are still skinny dipping in the river.  You would have to be skinny to get wet in 2 inches of water.

Tom G

Monday, October 13, 2008

Family reunion is over for this year.  No casualties.  The river is running nice and clear but is too low for decent canoeing.  Expecting rain this evening for a couple of days.  Texas beat Oklahoma at the Texas State Fair.  I think they cheated. 

Excellent camp out weather except for the rainy days which are not really common this time of year.  Tent camping is pretty good until mid November when it gets down to freezing some nights.  Too cold to suit me.  We do get tent campers all the way through Christmas.  (Hardy souls or mentally iffy).  A few folks will stay the winter with us in their RV and cabin camping is always in style.   Come see us.  Tom

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Lots of fun with the gold prospectors this past weekend.  Had about 30 participants out there in the river working hard to find real Oklahoma gold.  All had success and reported finding some gold flakes.  And the experts say there is "no gold in Oklahoma".  Don Brisendine did a good job of getting his NE TX GPAA members out for the event.  Also had a lot of locals and first time gold hunters who came to watch and learn.  Its a neat hobby and something we can do right here in Oklahoma at the K River Campground.

Beautiful weather here at the campground.  We are getting ready for the fall colors that surround our part of the world.  The best colors show up the last of October and early November.  Should also be getting rain that will bring the river up for some really neat cool weather canoeing.

Garrett family reunion coming this weekend.  Don't tell the sheriff that we are all here at one time.  The jail is too full already.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Mrs. Tom doing well.  We are getting ready for a big weekend here at the campground.  Several campers coming and a large church teen group coming to canoe and camp.  Lots of fun for all.

October 3,4,5  is our big GPAA gold propectors meeting here at the camp.  Several will find gold in our river while here.  Visitors are invited to join in and help with the gold prospecting using dredges and panning equipment.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Spent the last 4 days with Mrs. Tom in the Oklahoma Heart Hospital.  She had a mild heart attack and had to have a stint put in to fix a blockage.  Really nice hospital if you ever have the need.  We are going home today.  She is doing okay.  May have trouble paying off the medical bills.  I plan to give each camper 1 of the bills to pay.  Come be the first to get yours.

We have some good water in the river for canoeing or fishing.  Would be a good time to come camping because weather is near perfect also.  High temp in the 70's today.  Air is getting that "fall" feeling.  Very refreshing.  Tom

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Fall weather is already in the air.  Nice and cool for a few days now.  Hope it lasts.  This is the best time of year for outdoor enjoyment in my opinion.  Weather will be really nice until early November when it starts to get a little chilly at night.  Lots of fall activities going on in the area.  The first weekend in October we have the Antlers Deer Festival Outdoor Show - check out - www.deerfestival.com.  Also having Honobia BigFoot Festival, see www.bigfootfestival.info.  

And at the famous K River Campground we will have lots of happy campers along with the NE Texas GPAA gold prospectors doing their thing and finding lots of gold down in the river.  Come watch or join in the fun.  October 3, 4, 5.

Some really good canoe water coming down the river today.  Running at 3000 cfs up at Big Cedar.  That water and more should be here by the weekend.  I think the rain will be over today and will be nice and sunny for a few days.

You should not plan to come to the campground on October 10, 11, 12.  That is when we have the Garrett Family Reunion.  There may be gunshots and blood and guts everywhere.  Anyway, that's the way we generally celebrate.  We've all been going for counseling to try and get along better.  The rest of them are the ones with the problem.  I don't know why they don't learn how to act.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Back from cool New Mexico.  Campground looks really good.  Just right for the Labor Day weekend coming up tomorrow.  Not much water in the river but really good swimming and fishing.  Shade trees are pretty and green.  Grass growing like crazy.  Still have room for RVs and tent campers.  All cabins are taken.

The last bridge game in NM went well.  Everyone was extra nice to me.  I guess they didn't want to take a chance on upsetting me and experiencing some more irrational behavior.  Maybe they learned a good lesson.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Still rainy and cool at the campground.  Would be a good time to get out of town and come for a campout.  Check out some new pictures I put on the Picture Page.  The gold was found in our river right here at the campground.  Don't tell anybody.  We don't want a gold rush and I might make too much money from all those camp fees and then I would have to pay taxes.

The grouchy old ladies got me again at the Bridge game.  This time I was humming while studying my cards.  The old lady said "No humming while we play Bridge".  At this point I gave up trying to be nice.  I lost my cool and told her off real good and said a few choice words I can't put in print.  I told her I didn't take orders from grouchy old women and that I would be making the rules from now on and that if any grouchy old women had a rule for me they would have to ask, not order me to do as they wanted.  I said it loud enough (actually very loud) so all of them could hear it.  I think I am no longer allowed at the Bridge game.  I will find out tomorrow when I show up to play again.  They play "Party Bridge" and I looked up all the rules for Party Bridge and found that the etiquette is supposed to be very relaxed and fun for all.   No strict behavior rules.  I plan to stand up for my rights but I am highly outnumbered and am pretty well assured of being on the losing end.  Oh well, live and learn.  It was fun while it lasted.  Maybe I better stick with running a campground.  Tom

Monday, August 11, 2008

Looks like some more rain coming at the campground.  Already had a couple inches in the last few days.  High temp today is supposed to be 79.  That's really nice for mid August.  We should have enough water for some decent canoeing for a few days.

Mrs. Tom and I are still in New Mexico along with our 5 Chihuahuas and 1 squirrel.  Try it sometime.  RV parks frown on our arrival.  Can't imagine why.  I really enjoy the weather and scenery and visiting with other RVers but I need more things to do to keep me busy.  Not sure how long I can stay away from the campground.  I do get to play Bridge with the grouchy old ladies every Tuesday.  They are way too serious about the game.  They told me I couldn't whistle or chew a toothpick while playing Bridge.  I think I will try bubble gum next time.  My brain is so powerful I have to do more than one thing at a time.  And just a reminder - I was a blonde when a small child.  There is hope for all.  Tom

Friday, Aug 1, 2008

No news this week.  Nothing is happening any where in the entire world as far as I can tell from here.  It's just routine here in the mountains of New Mexico.  Eating, fishing, site seeing and just relaxing in the cool.  We are at 8250 elevation with mountains all around the valley where we are camped for a few weeks.  Temperature gets about 82 in the heat of the day and down to about 50 at night.  Had to light the fire yesterday morning.  Got up too early.  That's not likely to happen again.  Since we've been here I don't do anything and I don't start that til noon.

Still getting a few hardy campers at the campground.  Temp is near 100 every day.  Kinda nice in the shade even then.  We have shade trees all over the camp.  Can always find a campsite with full shade.  Swimming is the favorite activity.  Wish I could be there but the cost of gasoline prohibits my soon return.  Send money - Tom

Saturday, July 26, 2008, I think.

We made it to Eagle Nest, NM.  It took us 4 days and $450 for gasoline to drive the 700 miles to get here.  Obviously we were not in a rush.  Very nice here.  A little chilly.  Yesterday it rained and the temperature was 48 at 6 pm.  NASTY.  I almost wish we were back at the campground where it is over 100 every day.  I said "almost".  Mrs. Tom has been catching rainbow trout in the Cimarron River.  The game ranger keeps following her around trying to catch her with too many fish.  It was a close call a couple of times.  Jail might be good for her.

Not much going on at the campground.  A little hot for nice camping but the shade trees really help.  A nice swim late in the evening is really relaxing and refreshing.  The river is down to a trickle and is clear and pretty.  Fall weather is not far off.

I shall try to get some new pictures on the web page while here doing nothing else.  I have collected some nice ones of the gold and fish in our river.     Stay cool.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Mrs. Tom and I will be leaving for the cool mountains in a couple of days.  Might be a good time to come camping.  Maybe Paul will give you a discount.  At least you won't have to put up with my harassment.  I will miss seeing everyone but I will enjoy camping where someone else has to do all the work.  Its going to be rough there in New Mexico.  It gets up to about 82 degrees every day and usually rains about 4 pm with a nice rainbow over the mountains just before dark.  Some neat outdoor activities also.  Its going to be a little hard to adapt but I think I can handle it.  See you Labor Day.  Tom

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Lots of fun this July 4 weekend.  The fireworks show was amazing.  Everyone really enjoyed it.  I was on location in Washington DC for two of their fireworks displays and this one we have is better.  What makes it good is that you can sit right under the action for a close up experience.  We had about 800 attendees.  About 100 came from our campground to watch.  Afterwards we blowed up a few crackers down by the river.  Lots of fun for the kids both young and old.  Several commented that fireworks always brings thoughts of how blessed we are to live in America.  I'm not sure we should vote to change it.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Getting ready for July 4th weekend.  Had a really nice rain last night that will bring the river up for a few days.  Maybe it will stay up for the holiday weekend.  Plenty of room left for RVs and tent campers so get packing and get yourself up here by Thursday night.  Bring some fireworks to set off down by the river.  That's always been a fun event for all our campers.  There also will be our annual big fireworks show down at the Moyers store.  Be sure to buy a hotdog at the fire station.  It helps us all.

Mrs. Tom and I will be heading for the cool mountains of New Mexico in a couple of weeks.  Any donations for gasoline will be accepted.  We are taking 5 Chihuahuas and 1 squirrel.  Oh Goody!  I have a feeling the squirrel is going to escape the first day out. 

Monday, June 23, 2008 -

Still nice camping weather.  Nice and cool in the shade.  Not much excitement here at the camp.  Not enough blondes to stir things up.  We are still enjoying some pretty good canoeing.  The river came up Saturday night and floated off 9 of our canoes that were not pulled up far enough.  Took 2 hours hard labor to get them all back home.

Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Happy Fathers Day

Some recent rain has brought our river up for some pretty good canoeing or kayaking.  Still good for swimming and fishing also.  Plan to come for July 4.  Nice fireworks show at the old store and again afterward here at the campground with campers shooting their own stuff.  There will be food at the Moyers Fire Dept and maybe some musicians.

Turned loose our 3 squirrels back to nature recently.  G2 decided she would rather stay in the cage so we still have her for a while longer.  The other two hit the woods.

Friday, June 6, 2008

We've been having some really busy weekends all through May.  Could use some rain to get the river back to good canoe levels.  Doesn't look like any rain in sight for a while.  We are still enjoying some really neat swimming, gold panning and relaxing in the shade by the river.  It don't get much better than that.  In my way of thinking, why would anyone get out on the river and burn up and get really tired when they could just sit back and relax under a big old shade tree and drink iced tea?  I guess age may change your way of thinking.

Speaking of age - I go to Comanche, Oklahoma this weekend for my 45th school reunion.  Those girls are really starting to look old.  I'm beginning to prefer gray over blonde anyway.  I asked one nice lady her measurements this past weekend.  She said 40-40-40.  I said "Just the way I like em."  At my age you can't be too picky.

Know how I spent my senior year in high school? ...... As a junior.

Have a nice day.  Tom G

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Pretty exciting around here this past weekend.  The weather was perfect for the entire weekend.  Rain finally came on Tuesday morning after all had left.  We set a new record for camping and canoeing for one weekend.  The youngsters were swimming and catching fish all weekend.

Also had the East Texas GPAA gold prospectors here.  They had good success at finding gold in the river right here at the campground.  I try to get them to share but as soon as I suggest it they hide their gold.  I need more blonde gold panners.  Maybe I can do better with them.

I'll try to get some new pictures up on the web page soon.  We are giving up on tubing and horseback rides for a while until we can make better plans on how to do it.

July 4 will be a great time to be here at the campground.  Big fireworks display just 1 mile at the country store.  Its a big event for this area.  There will be music and food.  After the fireworks we all gather back at the campground and shoot fireworks down on the rocks in the river bed.  Maybe we will have enough river water for canoeing but at least swimming and fishing will still be good.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Exciting weekend.  Lots of canoeing incidents.  No one hurt but lots of fun turning over and getting stuck on trees and rocks.  Its a good time of year for exciting canoeing.  Soon the water will go down and the weather will be hot and canoeing will turn to lots of sweaty paddling.  Better get here soon.

Gold prospectors and lots of family campouts coming for Memorial Weekend.  Should be fun for all.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Had a great time with the gold panners and treasure hunters this past weekend.  Lots of fun and good food.  Thanks to all who made it happen. 

I think I know where there is lots of gold in the river.  I'm going to go check it out as soon as all the gold folks leave.  That way I'll be able to charge them for a map to the gold.  Good idea huh? 

Tony and Kayla were married under the Hot Air Pavilion on Saturday evening.  Best to them.  Nice couple.  She's a blonde but maybe Tony can adapt.

Good water level for fishing, canoeing and swimming.  Come see us.

Sunday April 27, 2008

We will be having a Treasure Hunt and Gold Panning this coming weekend.  GPAA from Oklahoma City will be here for gold prospecting in the river.  Keith Wills and his group will be here for a big treasure hunt with prizes given out.  Also will have Arkoma Gold and Relic gang.  Worth the trip.  Come see us.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Life is rich.  Spend it outdoors.

Will be doing some gold panning on May 3 weekend and may have a treasure hunt.  Not too sure about the treasure hunt.  Seems the gasoline prices are slowing down the enthusiasm.

My new slogan is "GOT GAS, GO CAMPING".  See you soon.  Tom

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Allen is out there fishing today.  Yesterday he caught his limit of large crappie.  Some weighed at least 2 pounds.  Allen will be taking our guests on guided fishing trips if they like.  Not too expensive and Allen always knows where to find the fish.  That guy fishes just about every day here at our river and is quite an expert.  He knows how to catch bass, catfish, sand bass or white bass as some call them, crappie and drum.  Our river is loaded with fish.  Not too many fishing experts come here because they can't run their bass boats on the river.  Must use a flat bottom with a small motor or fish from a canoe.  Don't miss out on the spring fishing season.

Our pet squirrels are 6 weeks old now and will soon be released back to the campground to survive on their own.  The last time I tried to turn a squirrel back to nature he wouldn't go.  I will have to train them how to survive I guess.  I'll probably write some notes on a 3x5 and let them take it with them.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Spring is here.  Thunderstorms are real common here lately.  Lots of good sleeping weather.  More fun than that old winter cold stuff.  The trees are about half way bloomed out with leaves and the bulbs are popping up.  Saw the first hummingbird yesterday morning.  We'll be having lots of fun with camping, fishing and canoeing for a few months now until the good ole hot days of summer set in.  Then we just lay around in the shade, go swimming occasionally and drink something cold.  What a life.  We have full time RV sites for rent.  What do you think?

Monday, Mar 24, 2008

FMDAC has decided not to have their spring event here at the K River Campground.  Not to worry though if you are planning to come.  We still are having treasure hunts and gold panning in the river.  Our regulars from the Oklahoma GPAA gold panning club will be here in full force along with the ARKOMA Coin and Relic Club and a group of East Texas treasure hunters.  Plenty of excitement to plan for and enjoy while here.  Treasure hunts and gold panning events are planned.  More details as soon as plans are finalized.

River level is coming down for some really good canoeing and fishing.  Had some flooding this past week but water is back in the river.  Had a few canoes and kayaks overturn and some lodged against trees and brush.  Others made it down the river with no problems.  One couple was a day late getting back to the camp.  They had planned one night on the river but did not show up until after the second night.  Caused us some concern and almost initiated a missing person search with the sheriff's department.  About all we accomplished was the deputy giving us a warning about canoe registration laws.  See if I ask them for help again.  Tom

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008

Spring Break for most of our campers.  Lots of camping and canoeing going on.  Canoeing is a little exciting.  One of our canoes is still wrapped around a tree upriver about 3 miles.  You have to stay very alert to avoid hazards that will chill off a peaceful canoe ride.  In other words, if you fall in you will freeze your butt off.  I speak from experience.  My butt used to be twice as big.  Sorta like my second girl friend. 

Steve and Chuck pushed a dead tree over with the dozer and I had to rescue 3 baby squirrels.  Its been nearly a week and G1 has her eyes open.  Two girls and a boy.  Their names are B1, G1 and G2.  I'm running out of names since we have all these dogs around here.  Giving a dog a name like Billy Bob is a bad plan.  Could have had 2 dog names out of that one.

In the eighth grade I used to really impress the girls with my pet squirrel.  I tried it on some college girl campers and they verbally abused me and my squirrel.  Times sure have changed.

Tom

Memorial Weekend is filling up fast in case you are interested in coming to the camp.  Two small cabins left.  Always room for tents and RVs but better call or email before making plans.

Thursday, Mar 6, 2008

Snowing today and maybe all night.  Its been a long winter.  A new dog showed up this week.  He has one white eye and one black eye.  I call him Spook.  Reminds me of my first girlfriend.  I think our camper Bob is going to adopt him.

We are clearing some more land for tent campers to use this year.  I am trying to slow improvements this year so I can recover some of my expenses.  I think its called self preservation mode.  I need more campers to spend more money.  Any volunteers?

Folks are reserving very early this year for Memorial Day Weekend.  We will be having some gold panners here for that weekend.  Would be fun and interesting to come and watch or participate.  Also having the "really big" treasure hunt and gold panning event on May 2, 3, 4.  Check it out at www.fmdac.org  

Easter comes early this year.  Easter is determined by this procedure: First you have spring, March 21.  Then you must have a full moon.  The very next Sunday is Easter.  Bet you blondes didn't know that.  I used to be a blonde before I went to college.  After that it turned gray.....  I love blondes.

Tom

Monday, Feb 25, 2008

Warm today.  About 75.  The river is running at 3000 cfs.  Would be good for a nice bumpy ride down the river.  Can also run your flat bottom motorboat up and down the river if you like to catch catfish.

Friend Allen and I went on a treasure hunt a few days ago.  He heard of a large rock near the river which had a treasure map carved on it.  Our job was to try and locate the rock.  We took the motorboat down river a few miles and explored the wooded area at the suggested place.  We were to climb up the bank and find the large tree with the hole about head high then face the river and point your right arm straight out.  This would give general direction to the flat rock with the map.  We found the tree and sure enough, after scouting around for about an hour, voila! there was the rock.  I took a few pictures but not being an avid enough treasure hunter to spend a lot of time trying to decode the map I decided to leave it up to the real treasure hunters to proceed further.

If you come to the big treasure event we are having on May 2,3,4, I will be taking some real treasure hunters to the rock and let them find that treasure.  I have heard of a train robbery back in the 1800's and the gold was buried somewhere near the old railroad track.  Come try your luck.  Better than the lottery.

Better book soon if coming for Memorial Day Weekend.

Sunday, Feb 17, 2008

Peaceful Sunday afternoon here at K River Campground.  I can see the river coming over the banks.  We had a lot of rain the last 2 days.  The water level will be going down by tomorrow.

The Bradford Pear trees are already near bloom stage.  Yellow Jonquils are blooming already.  Spring would surely be in the air if we could get rid of this wintery stuff.  Won't be long I'm sure.

Today Paul took our latest collection of stray dogs up to Clayton to get fixed.  We take in a few strays here at the camp and they turn in to the best camp dogs you ever saw.  We feed them good, give them their shots and have them neutered.  They just love everyone if you will let them.  Some new campers sometimes complain of too many dogs but before they leave they have adopted one or two as their favorite camp dogs. 

Need more campers here at the campground.  It's lonesome in the winter.  Avoid the rush.  Come tomorrow.  Help us to make some news other than dog stories.  I need a few blondes to pick on.

Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008

Currently making our way back to Oklahoma and the famous K River Campground.  After a few weeks in a "RV Community" I have decided that I prefer our campground instead.  Those places have rules against everything.  I wasn't sure where I could walk and every time I made a small noise everyone looked at me with a frown.  I just ain't fancy enough for those folks.

Weather was pretty nice.  A little windy and cloudy most days but temperature has been really good.

We stayed in a state park last night.  A herd of javelinas (Texas wild hogs) kept hanging around our camp trying to eat our Chihuahuas.  We won't have that problem at K River because our big dogs don't let them across the river.  I told you those dogs were important.  They keep all the varmints away from our campers.  Just wait until you have to camp with a bunch of skunks, raccoons and other varmints and then you will appreciate our trained camp dogs.  They also keep other unwanted neighborhood dogs away. 

Come see us at the camp.

Thursday, Jan 17, 2008

Mrs. Tom and I are at Citrus Valley RV Park near Edinburg, TX.  Deep down in South Texas near the Rio Grande river.  Very nice weather here.  We are picking fruit off the trees right here in the park.  The rest of you are requested to go to our other RV park there in Oklahoma.  Don't even think about coming down here.  SE Oklahoma is much nicer.

Can't tell you about all the fun things we do here.  It just wouldn't be good advertisement for our "other" RV park - K River Campground.

Baby Kierstyn is doing well at home now.  A relief for all of us.  She is now 4 weeks old.

Will be back to K River Campground in late February.  Some large groups planning to come in early spring.  Plan to join the Federation of Metal Detectors and Archeological Club for their annual treasure hunt here on May 2, 3.  Their activities are free to all who come.

Sunday, Jan 6, 2008

Made it to Dallas.  Newest great grand daughter, Kierstyn, is very sick in the hospital.  The little thing is just 2 weeks old and has a variety of medical problems.  None too serious but could turn worse.  We will stay here a few days before continuing on to south Texas.  I think she will be well soon.

Monday, Dec 31, 2007

Very quiet around here if that's what you like.  Cabins are available.  Come if you will.  As for me, I'm heading for the warm south Texas coast for about a month.  Will need some of you to come camping and canoeing to help finance my trip.  You want us to have a good time, I'm sure.  Will be Mrs. Tom, me and 5 chihuahuas.  Will need God's help also to survive with that many dogs.

Happy New Year

Sunday, Dec 16, 2007

Nice and cool around here.  Sure beats that hot August weather.  So cool around here that I went outside last night to see the stars and slipped on the icy stairs.  Now have a knot on my head and a big bruise on my tail bone.  Live and learn.  Was down to 18 degrees last night.  Perfect camping weather.  Where is everyone??

The river level forecasting service from the National Weather Service if almost up and running.  Check it out on this link.              Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service Tulsa Kiamichi River near Antlers

We are promoting our campground for some large groups this next summer.  We can handle around 300 overnight campers here at one time and lots more visitors during the day.  Some will be in RV's, some in tents and others in the cabins.  The ones that are left over can sleep under the Buck Creek Bridge or down by the BigFoot den.  If you are looking for a company outing, scout meeting, church campout, club meeting place or family reunion then this is the place.  We have a lot of activities right here at the camp to keep everyone busy for a 2 to 4 day outing.  We now have 46 canoes and 6 kayaks with all the accessories.  With this many canoes we can have a canoe trip for around 140 people at one time.  Always fun to watch that many kids battle for a lead in the river.  Lots of tip over's and funny antics.  An experience all will remember.

Will have a few campers here for Christmas and following weekend.  Might as well come join us.

Tom

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Very quiet around here.  Can't imagine why.  We have been busy with Christmas shopping and lots of eating out.  Slept til 7:30 this morning.  Probably because I stayed up til almost 9 o'clock last night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving Day unless you are a hermit and not aware of it.  For the rest of us it was a pleasant day with the family and lots of typical Thanksgiving Day food and of course a time for watching the Dallas Cowboys beat the socks off the Jets. 

Consider the lady who said she had nothing to be thankful for.  Said she couldn't even pay her bills.  In her case she can be thankful she is not one of her creditors.  Everyone has something to be thankful for.

Dallas Down River Club will be here tomorrow for their annual Thanksgiving outing.  I like when they come because they bring more food that I help them eat on Saturday night.  Our dogs like them too because they always have too much food.

The National Weather Service is starting a flood prediction service for our river.  They are working with us here at the campground to help them determine when the river will flood in this area and what effect is will have on all of us near the river.  Lots of interesting information here.  Check it out at:

http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=tsa&gage=anto2&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

Monday, November 12, 2007

Just routine around here.  A few folks coming to see the fall foliage in our area.  Some of our regulars are here to do some fishing and enjoy the perfect weather for camping and sitting around the campfire.  Its about the most fun thing you can do with clothes on.

Going to Sherman, TX, tomorrow to pick up 20 new canoes and all the necessary accessories.  I am expecting some very large church groups next spring for canoeing and camping.  We had a pretty damaging summer for the canoes this year.  Lots of  fast  water and several canoes ended up with holes in them.  Also lost 2 canoes and a few paddles in July's flood.  Oh well, I never expected to make money here anyway.  We can provide canoe trips for groups up to 140 at one time.  April - May is best time for group canoeing with best water levels.

May first weekend we will have a very large group of treasure hunters come for their spring get together.  The Federation of Metal Detector and Archeological Clubs will be here in full force.  Check them out at www.fmdac.org and make your plans to be here.  Public is invited with free admission and a lot of free activities to participate in.  Make reservations early if you want an RV site.  Cabins are all rented already but plenty of camping room for everyone.  Local motels are filling up also. 

Monday, November 5, 2007

We are still camping, fishing, canoeing and really enjoying the perfect weather.  Trees are turning and look like they will really be pretty this year.  Folks are catching crappie and bass in the river.  As soon as global warming gets here we will be able to enjoy swimming year around.  You blondes get your bikini and come on down.

Just acquired 3 new dogs for the campground.  2 mixed breed black puppies came from the neighbors who picked them up on the highway after they were discarded by some undesirables.  Nice friendly puppies (Little Bear and E--Bony).  Also, while driving back from town a small beagle was dodging cars in the highway.  I stopped and tried to catch her but she ran off into the woods.  I sat down in the grass and waited and finally she came to me.  This one probably belongs to someone who may claim her soon.  If not we will keep her here at the campground.  Her new name is Millie.

Paul, our camp caretaker, decided to take a week vacation.  He had lots of plans but ended up spending the entire week at his house here at the camp.  More proof that this place is just irresistible. 

Monday, October 29, 2007

Getting a few campers lately.  Weather has been perfect but is beginning to cool at night.  Still just right for camping and sitting around the campfire. 

We had a group of really nice folks from Hawaii recently.  They come twice a year.  Usually in spring and fall.  I guess folks even need a break from Hawaii weather and scenery.  This proves you just can't beat our part of the world for a getaway.  Better get here before it gets too crowded.  Already its getting so crowded around here I met 3 cars on the way to town.

We are fixing up the old log cabin to use as a campground store.  Should be open by March 08.  We will be selling camping supplies, gold pans, RV accessories, snake oil, invisible pencils, moonshine and a few other odds and ends.

We now have a 6' bear "Big Bear" guarding the entrance to the campground.  Make sure you are friendly to him.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Beautiful weather.  Really enjoy being outdoors all day long.  Its really great not having to go elsewhere to work every day.  I don't know why I didn't retire earlier in life.  Since I retired I don't do anything and I don't start that until noon.  Life is the berries.

Watch for some new pictures coming soon.  "Soon" could be up to six months.

Some are catching lots of fish lately.  Bass, crappie and catfish.  All very good eating fish.  Trying to collect enough to have a fish fry for the church social at the end of the month.  Friend Allen is going to provide the fish I hope.

Our big red dog, Jaypo, was swimming along with some canoe paddlers and decided to stop at a cabin where a party was going on.  He never came home for a week.  Must have been quite a party.

Must tell you about our friends Dan and Heather.  Dan and Heather came here on a work project from Oklahoma University.  They were to study the mussel shell population and their health condition in our river.  There are some mussel species that only exist here near the campground.  Anyway, Dan and Heather were not acquainted until their project started here at the campground.  Dan was a graduate student assigned to the project and Heather was not a college student but was hired to be a helper.  Dan is a handsome fellow and Heather is quite beautiful.  Both in their early twenties.  The rest of their group left the two of them here at the campground for the summer to continue the project.  They were "forced" to stay together in the OU travel trailer which was left here at the camp for them.  I sort of figured they would begin sparking and sure enough they did.  I can only guess at what went on in that trailer but they always had a strange grin on their face.  Their relation then turned to romance and produced two real love birds.  They became quite attached to each other and you guessed it - - they did the unthinkable thing -- almost unheard of in today's society.  Love found a way.  They got married.

Dan and Heather came by yesterday and were reminiscing about where their romance started.  We enjoyed a visit with them.  They now live in Toronto, Canada.  When they married, Heather made a wedding cake and decorated it with a layout of our campground and the Kiamichi River.  They are planning children soon.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Fall is here and the leaves will be turning soon.  Weather is perfect for local site seeing and of course, camping.  Our river is still running good enough to kayak and canoe but is pretty shallow.

Antlers will be having the annual Deer Festival at the fairgrounds on the first weekend in October.  I never miss it.  Very entertaining and fun for all.  The event draws over 35 thousand visitors each year.  Check it out www.deerfestival.com

I need to emphasize how good the fishing is here in the Kiamichi River.  We are catching lots of bass while the river is low and clear and also the crappie are still attacking jigs.  Catfishing is always good but not many have the patience or know-how to catch the big ones.  The locals don't even brag about their catch unless it weighs over 60 pounds.  The state record large mouth bass was caught here in the 70's but I think that record may have been beat elsewhere since.  Mostly we catch Kentucky Spotted Smallmouth bass, crappie and bream.  Our river may very well be the best fishing in all of Oklahoma and very few fishermen have yet to discover it.

Campground friend, Allen, has been catching hundreds of crappie upstream just a ways.  He just sits out in the river in a folding chair in one spot and sacks 'em up.  For two bucks I will tell where he gets them.

By the way.  I am suffering lately for some blondes to have fun with.  If you know any who are easily entertained (so far all of them are) send 'em over.  Tom

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Some beautiful weather for camping or any outdoor activity.  I have one tale of adventure or misadventure according to your perspective.  Carlos went on a canoe trip by himself.  He managed to turn a 3 hour canoe trip in to 12 hours.  The first mistake he made was turning the canoe over.  The next mistake was letting his paddle float on down the river.  Now he was up the creek without a paddle.  He chose to continue on down the river but had to pull the canoe about 7 miles back to the campground.  Carlos has some walking problems already and had no business walking on the river rocks but he managed to make it back to camp by midnight.  He said he walked when he could and swam when he had to.  All the time pulling on the canoe.  Pretty tough guy.  I'm real proud of Carlos.  Said he actually enjoyed the whole ordeal and is making plans to go back to some of the neat spots he saw along the river so he can catch some fish. 

Greenville GPAA gold prospectors will be here for a few days starting Oct 12.  Come watch and learn.

Will be having our family campout on October 13 this year.  Come and see how well our family gets along ---- or not.   All guns will be required to be unloaded.   Tom

Monday, September 10, 2007

Made it back to camp from NM.  Had a nice comfortable summer there.  Nice place to go in the summer if you get a chance.

Lots of rain upriver has brought our water level way up to 6000 cfs.  Hope it lasts a while so those that want can go canoeing between now and winter. 

Nice camping weather for the next couple of months.  Come see us.  ~~~Tom~~~

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Clayton, New Mexico

Mrs. Tom and I are making our way back to the campground.  About every mile she tells me the thermometer is up another degree.  I must be crazy -- but the campground needs me there to do a rain dance.  Yesterday at 2pm we were in Raton, NM and the temperature was 50 degrees.

I sent out an email bragging on the water in our river and just 2 days later the rats turned off the gate at Sardis Lake and that leaves us with very little water in the river.  I do think it will rain soon and bring it back.  Make your plans to enjoy some fall weather with us.

I met a motorcycle gang last evening.  I had to make coffee for them this morning in return for them laughing at my jokes.  I just don't get no respect.  Guess I need some new jokes or some more blonds.  The blonds never remember me telling the same jokes over and over.  I love blonds.    Tom

Friday, Aug 24, 2007 

Eagle Nest, New Mexico

We are still here in NM.  Had to light the heater this morning.  Low was 43.  Warms up quick when the sun comes over the mountain.  The guys at the campground seem to be doing well without me around.  Makes one wonder about his importance in this world.  They told me that with me gone is like sticking your thumb in a bucket of water and when you pull it out you will see how big a hole is left.  After thinking about that I may just stay here in New Mexico.

Check out this link for some visitor opinions of our river and campground.  http://www.oklahomaroadtrips.com/Trip-Report-Antlers-OK.htm

Paul and Dorothy's little girl Isabella rode the bus to school this week for her first time.  When Paul took her to the bus stop at the gate to the campground guess who also got on the school bus.  Yep, Jaypo, our big red dog.  He always thinks he is going to get to swim down the river with some canoe group.

Hope all our campers are enjoying themselves.  At least they won't get cold.  Call soon for Labor Day reservations.

Tom

Saturday, Aug 11, 2007, 9 AM

Sitting here by the window looking out over the valley to the mountains all around.  Had to wear a long sleeve, warm shirt this morning.  It gets so cold here - about 50 this morning and barely reaches 80 in the afternoon.  Eagle Nest, New Mexico, elevation 8300 feet. 

I have volunteered to sacrifice my comfort so the guys that work at the campground can have a break from me.  They do so much enjoy themselves when I am not around.  I would much rather be where it is warm like it is at the campground.  Its been getting up to a nice, warm, comfortable 102 degrees at the camp, I hear, and cools off to around 90 at night.  I sure miss it.

Mrs. Tom and I are trying to entertain ourselves regardless of the nasty weather.  We do lots of trout fishing, camping, taking long walks, site seeing in the mountains and eating out at all the nice restaurants in Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Santa Fe, etc.  We shall try had to tolerate this mess until September.  I suppose we will also be required to head for south Texas during the cold winter months.  Sad.

The rest of you should take advantage of the good water level in the river and the nice warm weather to make a trip to the campground.  You probably won't need a campfire.

About the river level gauges:

I have been told by the officials that our river gauges will not be turned off as stated when you read our river gauges.  I only hope this is the case because we really depend on those gauges to plan our activities here.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Our river is still running strong.  Around 2000 cfs which makes for some pretty good canoeing and kayaking.  No dragging canoes in shallow water this year.  Better come and enjoy.  We are still running some 3 day, 2 night canoe trips from way up the river.  Quite an adventure for those who dare.  Only the brave ones are willing to chance a meeting with Bigfoot or a 15 foot gator along the way.

I just picked up a couple of new Old Town Otter kayaks.  I'm saving their first use for a blond who will laugh at all my jokes.

We have received notice that our river flow gages on the Kiamichi River will be shut down in August due to lack of state funds to keep them operational.  This really hurts our customers who might want to know the river level before planning a trip for canoeing our river.  We will also have trouble giving our recommendations for your canoe trip scheduling.  If you want to help out just send an email to our state representative, R.C. Pruett, at rcpruett@okhouse.gov.  He's a really nice guy so don't be mean.  He just needs to push for state funding for these gages.

Still having some really good camping weather.  We have yet to even reach the average temperature for this time of year.  All campsites are in the shade and right near the river.  Swimming and fishing are good.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Just returned from a trip to San Diego to visit my last 3 remaining aunts.  All are in their eighties and doing well.  Beautiful weather while there.  Visited the San Diego Zoo which was amazing.  Cost me $23 just to get in but well worth it.  Spent $11 for a sandwich and water at the airport.  (Not worth it).

Our big red dog, Jaypo, is still enjoying helping folks canoe down the river.  He swims along most every time someone is canoeing.  Lots of  stories told about him from the paddlers that he entertains along the way.  His greatest distance to swim so far is 14 miles without stopping.  He jumps on the bus every time we pull out with some going canoeing.  However, he is a little selective about who he canoes with.  You need to experience this.  Jaypo is very interesting and entertaining.

Water and weather are very pleasant so far this year.  Would be a great time for a camp out.  Not very crowded even on weekends.  Come if you can.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Its been an exciting week with some heavy rains and flooding.  Our river came out of its banks all the way up to the men's bath house.  Cabin 5 had about 5 inches in the floor.  Pretty exciting.  Had to cut off all electric and move everything to higher ground.  The river came up really fast and we lost 2 canoes in the flood.  May find them down river.

The river went back down faster than it came up and we have been canoeing again already.  Just right as of now for canoeing, etc.  We haven't had rain in 3 days and looks like a good weekend coming up.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

We are getting some badly needed rain this year.  Temperatures have stayed below 90 and usually in the 70's.  Really nice compared to last two years.  Rain the last two days has brought the river up to near the top of the banks but it will probably go down soon if rain stops.

Our big red dog, Jaypo, has been having a ball swimming down the river with the canoe paddlers.  He recently had a battle with a raccoon on one of the trips and a paddler had to use his paddle to help Jaypo out of a bad situation in which he would likely have been drowned by the coon.  Both paddler and Jaypo survived without major injury.  Not sure about the coon.

Come enjoy some good canoe water which we rarely have this time of year.  May last all summer.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

We had a camper this weekend who is a man after my own heart.  Mark and Stephanie took a canoe ride down the river.  Mark tells Stephanie that the trip takes 12 hours and if she will paddle the first 4 hours while he fishes then he will paddle the rest.  So Stephanie paddles while Mark fishes and right before the 4 hours are up the canoe takeout point comes in sight.  Mark volunteers to paddle the rest of the way. 

The trip normally takes about 4 hours and you guessed it... Stephanie is a blond.  But not to worry, it also works on brunettes, redheads, etc.  Come give it a try.  We guys could learn from Mark.

Several family reunions coming in lately.  We have RV sites that allow all the family to camp in a circle with no outsiders nearby.  Gives them privacy for their family and can still enjoy the river and other activities.  We have a couple of pavilions also with cabins nearby also.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Beautiful weather and still getting enough rain upriver to keep the water levels up.  Should be a good weekend coming up for a campout with all the associated activities. 

Lulu got fixed on Sunday.  No more 9 puppy litters for her.  All the puppies except Suzie Q and Bozo have gone to a happy home somewhere else.  Those two will stay here at the camp to entertain campers.  They do a better job than I do.  Besides, I have been making all the rounds at supper time lately and no one has offered me any scraps.  Maybe the puppies will do better.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

I'm still resting up from Memorial Weekend.  Some rain hampered the fun and some left early but the sun came out and we all had a good time camping, canoeing, swimming, etc., etc.  The campground was completely filled up.  I ran plumb out of juice just trying to keep up with everything that needed doing.  One lady suggested I was just too old to keep up.  Of course that was after I picked on her for being a little plump. 

The Greenville gold guys had a big event.  Several brought their dredges and went to work looking for gold.  They found enough to call the effort a success.

Several family reunions this past week also.  Most rent a cabin or two and then set up tents and RVs nearby and then have a party.  We have a very unique campground in that we offer so much to do at one location.  You won't have to go anywhere else to have all the fun or relaxation you want.  We do it all right here.  Having a river run right through the campground is a big plus.

Our campground is good therapy for all and so far we are not charging extra for that.  When I get my therapist certificate that may change.  Come see us.

Monday, May 21, 2007

News just keeps happening around here.  We had about 120 paddlers in the river this past weekend.  The water was just right.  Not too cold and not too swift.  The level has come down considerably.  We need more rain already. 

St. Gabriel's Catholic Teen group came again for their annual event.  They like our campground because they can do everything they want right here.  We have the needed camp sites with shade, pavilion with water and lights and electric, sufficient bath houses, river runs right beside their camp where they can swim or whatever.  We have enough canoes for their canoe trip and a  bus to transport all of them upriver for their canoe ride back to camp.  Since they have plenty of energy they get to play volleyball also.  A private area is for their church service.  We enjoy this group.  Really well behaved bunch of teenagers.  We look forward to their campout every year.  I also managed to sample some of their excellent food.. 

Also had the Oklahoma City Gold Prospectors.  Always fun to visit and watch their activities.  They have lots of treasure tales that gets our interest pumping.  We panned out a few flakes and they took the good stuff home to pan out later to see how much gold they found while here.  Most will be here again during the year.  I personally think we should abandon the gold prospecting and start looking for oil.

Family campouts are getting popular with school out some places already.

Have "only" 8 small puppies to give to the first campers that show up this week.  You will not have a choice in this matter.  It is part of the camping fee.  No extra charge.  See ya.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Hooray for Mondays.  Beautiful weather and I do not have to drive to work.  Birds and bees everywhere.  Just makes you want to get out and get to work..... or not. 

Some great weekend campouts planned for the next few weeks.  Come join the fun.

The river is still running at near perfect canoe levels.  Safe for everyone but also exciting.  The water is not cold so falling in is kinda fun.  Some kayakers had a run in with some trees and had to abandon their kayaks.  Son Steve and friend Janise went in the water to recover them.  Owners were happy.  This time of year is best for exciting canoeing.  Later in the summer is just level, peaceful paddling.  River usually gets too low in July and may come back in September.

May 3, 2007

Nice weather.  Whippoorwills and owls are lighting up the night silence.  Exciting canoe water levels.

Our oldest puppy "Dorcus" has died.  She crawled under Cabin 2 and when we found her she was gone to doggie heaven.  We found Dorcus in a ditch in Mississippi when someone had dumped her out as a small puppy.  From there she came with us to Longview, TX and for the last 6 years has been here at the campground.  She was about 14.  We shall miss her.  She was a loyal friend.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

We are enjoying some real nice weather and spring time nature activities.  The little animals and birds are all making babies.  Hummingbirds have arrived.  I am gathering and eating lots of poke greens.  The wife has traded her kitchen duties for some fishing in the river.  May be a good chance for me to lose some weight.

The last two weekends in May we will be having some large gold prospecting groups here at the camp.  They love to show their methods to the public so come and watch.  You might get the gold bug.  They bring their dredging machines and will be finding gold in the river right here at the camp.  Lots of fun and excitement for everyone. 

Dogs Billy Bob and Lulu are going to the neuter clinic today.  I may send all the male staff also.  I'm trying to eliminate some of my competition around here.

Had the well driller here this last week.  All the wells near the river are about 120 feet deep and have plenty of water.  Our first effort went 300 feet and had very little water.  We moved closer to the river and tried again.  I gave up at 200 feet.  Well drilling is not cheap you know.  Paul suggested another 20 feet so I said lets just go on to 300.  Finally got good water at 275 feet.

Come see us.  Tom G

Monday, April 9, 2007 - Easter is over.  Spring is here!!!!

Lots of water in the river.  Just right for fishing, swimming, canoeing.  Really beautiful weather and spring blossoms all around.  Lots of stars and frogs at night.  Build a fire and enjoy.

Our newest doggie is Lulu.  She just showed up one day which seems to happen too often around here.  (She now has 9 puppies).  Very small dogs if anyone is interested.  They are mostly Chihuahua and will make very good indoor doggies.  I will have a picture soon for the web page.

Horseback rides are popular lately.  Plan to go while here.

Everyone who tries is catching lots of fish.  Mostly bass.  Some as big as 4 pounds.

Thursday,  March 15, 2007 

Spring Break for some.  Next week also.  Several here enjoying the perfect weather and outdoor life.  Fishing is really good.  Also canoeing is good.  No heavy rains lately like there is in Texas.  Cabins are $45 to $85.  Tenting is $12 for 2 adults.  Come see us.

Thursday, Mar 1, 2007  A great day.  We began operation here exactly 5 years ago.  Been having a ball.

Our river is running clear and beautiful right now.  Haven't had any heavy rains to muddy it up.  Just right for canoe float.

I picked up another 7 canoes and 2 more kayaks.  Can handle some pretty large canoe parties.  Have one group of over 100 coming soon that all want to canoe at the same time.  What I think we will do is tie a rope on each canoe and pull 2 or 3 kids behind each canoe.  We always try to please the customer.

Plenty of room for everyone during Spring Break.  Bring your group.

Saturday, Feb 10, 2007

Getting a few brave campers lately.  Some intermittent nice weather.  The river is really pretty since it has been a while since we had rain so the water is clear.  Come soon and enjoy.

Our dogs may be a problem to some campers.  They get a little excited at times when a new camp family shows up.  One family recently chose to leave rather than contend with the dogs.  I don't blame them a bit.  Some people are just not tolerant of dogs. 

Our campground is in a real wilderness area and the dogs keep the nuisance varmints away.  If not for the dogs we would be overrun with skunks, hogs, snakes, raccoons, neighbor dogs, etc.  Which is worse?  I dislike losing customers for any reason.  Maybe some of you have a suggestion. 

We seem to collect dogs here.  I don't want to shoot them and if they choose to stay here I will feed them and give them their shots and other needs.  Sometimes we get too many.  If any of you want one let me know.  We have had only one dog come by which did not stay.  He left his mark and 3 months later Pearl, the Bassett, had 6 puppies.  Thanks a lot Jack.

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007

Will be nice when January is over.  I've been sitting inside way too much lately.  Even watching movies during the daylight.  I have been trying to add a room on my new mobile home but weather has not been conducive.  It's snowing outside now.  Has been since early morning.  Just gives me a real good excuse to sit here and watch Randolph Scott.  He's my hero.  Doubtful that most of you have ever heard of him.  You sure don't have to worry about any filthy words coming out of his mouth.  He's just a handsome dude that always gets the girl and always beats the bad guy.  Obviously there's not much campground news so that's why I'm rambling on.  Things will change soon with Spring coming in a couple of days.  Birds will be singing and so will I.  Lots of canoeing in the plans.  Better make your plans too. 

We have a neat 9 hole golf course just down the road.  Antlers Golf Course 580-298-9900.

Check out this neat web site that advertises our campground.  http://www.rvthereyet.cc/campgrounds.php/7737

RV There Yet?

Monday, Jan 8, 2007.

Happy New Year to everyone.  We are already having a good start to this years camping season.  Several are braving the weather to enjoy camping and canoeing while water is up.  We have also recovered our stolen kayaks.  John, who lives near Hugo Lake, spotted a kayak in brush piled along the bank.  While recovering the kayak a friend told him of another kayak farther down the lake.  John latched on to both of them and gave me a call.  We will reward he and family with a full day of canoeing and river fun when the weather permits.  Thanks to John.

Some of you should consider parking your rig at our full timers RV Park.  Leave it here year around for only $200 per month and pay your own electricity.  You can have your own phone line, a storage building, and use our wireless internet.  Email tom@kriver.com for more info.

Tuesday, Dec 26 , 2006.

Nice and chilly here at the camp.  I am getting first hand experience this year.  Wife, Meron, and I have sold out in Texas and moved to a mobile home at the campground.  Ever try moving 3600 sq ft into 1100 square ft?  Nothing seems to fit anymore.  Good thing we built the storage barn a year ago.  It is full.  We are in the process of adding a deck and a family room to the mobile home.

It's really nice here at the campground for any interested campers.  Most days are bright and sunny.  A little chilly but just right for this time of year.  The river is flowing very well for some nice canoeing.  Earlier this year we had 2 kayaks stolen from the campground.  While the river was in flood stage recently and giant trees were floating down the river about 20 miles per hour what did we see but one of our kayaks zooming down the river.  I guess the thief didn't tie it up on high ground.  It was going too fast to recover but at least the thief won't have it anymore.  Whoever finds it down river may be nice enough to return it???

Sunday, Nov 12, 2006.

Getting some more rain.  Fishing and canoeing is just right.  Lots of room here at the camp since most folks have already given up camping for the winter.  It is perfect weather for camping outdoors or in the cabins.  Fall colors are just now showing up.  Real pretty in this part of the world.  Would be worth a trip just to see it from now until Thanksgiving.  Be sure to catch the scenery on the Talimena Scenic Highway just north of us.

Monday, Oct 16, 2006 RAIN, RAIN, RAIN IS HERE.  5 inches in last 2 days. 

River is running bank to bank.  Just right for some exciting but not dangerous canoeing.  Come on up.  Also plan to attend the WWATS Rally this next weekend.  Lots of fun, great food, live country music, see professional methods for gold prospecting and metal detecting.  No charge to participate.  Campground will charge $2 for those not camping at the campground.

Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 - Still no rain

Getting ready for the WWATS Rally.  Treasure hunting and gold prospecting demonstrations.  We will have about 250 campers and lots more daily visitors for this event.  Still room for you.  Home cooking and live music provided for this event.  Our campground has gotten large enough to handle large groups.  We have about 40 RV sites now with 2 bath houses and lots of trees to hide behind.  Bring your group to see us. 

Our new section has 13 RV sites that we have designed for more permanent RVers.  Minimum 30 by 100 foot lots with room for your stuff and a storage building if you like.  We may name it the Bootlegger RV Park in memory of the guy who ran the bootleg operation at the old log cabin there in the park.  He also made his own moonshine behind the cabin.  We buried all the junk he left when we cleaned the place up.  Bottles and garbola everywhere.  Every community had its bootlegger back before the late 50's when they voted in legal liquor.  The law did not bother them much.  It was a necessary evil to keep us from going to other states and driving back drunk.

Friday Sep 28, 2006

Wonderful weather for outdoor camping and stuff.  Have had rain twice this week which will make the grass grow but not enough to get the river flowing.  Getting ready here for lots of fall activities.  WWATS Rally, Antlers Deer Festival, Honobia Bigfoot Festival, and beautiful fall foliage.  Get yourself here for some of these activities.  Deer and turkey season starts soon.

Thursday Sep 13, 2006

Had a full camp on Labor Day weekend.  Most folks attended the Choctaw Indian Festival in Tuskahoma.  Staying at our campground gave them shade and quiet while resting up for the next day.  Nice cool weather lately.  Still no rain.  River is not running and may never run again.  We are thinking about plowing it up for a nice vegetable garden or could just leave it alone and call it a rock garden.

The Garrett family reunion will be here in late October.  Sister says she wanted to make sure it is cool.  Me thinks it will be freezing.  We have a nice family but none agree on anything except eating so that's what we will do mostly.  We all carry guns so must be careful about arguing.

Tuesday August 29, 2006

Sure is hot and dry here at the camp.  No rain for several months.  We are fortunate to be located near the river so all our trees are still green and make lots of shade.  This has turned in to a record dry spell since last summer was very dry also. 

We are in a statewide burn ban which means no fire in the fire rings but we can still use charcoal.  I normally don't need a fire to stay warm this time of year anyway.  Also, in order stay cool, I have altered my diet to just ice cream and cold watermelon.

Some of our campers are taking the ride over to Beaver's Bend which still has some nice canoe water that comes out of the lake every day at certain times so they can generate electricity.  You can still camp here and canoe over there since we don't have any decent canoe water.  Can also canoe up at Clayton Lake.

We are adding 10 more full hookup sites up near the highway.  These will mostly be for full time campers and overnight rigs.  This will give us more room for real campers down on the river.  Should be done before winter.  Have to put in a well, septic, roads and electric.  Quite a job and lots of bucks.

Did you hear about the old Grandma that developed cancer from second hand chewing tobacco?

Fri Aug 4, 2006

Mrs. Tom and I are today parked on top of Raton Pass at the Cedar Rail Campground.  Pretty neat scenery but a little chilly.  Rarely gets over 75 degrees.  Bear and elk all around here.  Trying to get the wife to go out and lure a bear close enough for some pictures.  No luck yet.  A rebellious woman.

Pretty quiet at the camp since Jul 4th weekend.  Would be a good time to bring the gang and come camp with us. 

The wife and I are currently on vacation.  We decided to get away from the campground and go camping.  Camp fees are higher than ours everywhere so far and they don't have a river or nuthin.  We have stopped in Eagle Nest New Mexico and are going to stay for a few weeks.  The altitude is 8200 and the temp is about 82 and 45 at night.  A little chilly for my blood but may be better than the 103 in Oklahoma.  So far I have managed to stay warm with sweaters and such.  Trout fishing really stinks.  Can't catch over 10 per day between the two of us.  They dump them in the river and we take them right back out.  Looks like they ought to just give them to us.  It's more fun to catch bass in the Kiamichi.  At least they weren't released the same day.

Tuesday Jun 27 until next update

We now have ice for sale at the campground.  Plan to buy here so I can pay for this gold plated ice machine.  Also have washer/dryer for use by the campers.

We made the front page on the Antlers American this past week.  The OKC GPAA gold prospectors club was here and the reporter came and interviewed and watched a while.

Our river is getting pretty low.  Not too good for canoeing down the river.  Still lots of fun swimming down at the ole swimming hole.  Also some neat, shallow, running water for the small ones to play in.  Canoeing near the camp is still $5 per day per canoe.  Fishing is very good.

Our campground is still not crowded compared to others that have been around a lot longer.  We still have some room for tents and RVs for the July 4th weekend.  If you can stay until the evening of the 4th we will again be having a big fireworks display down at the old store.  We always take a busload down there for this.  We are trying to get the locals to reschedule for the 3rd so our campers can attend and then pull out for home the next day.  Either way bring your own fireworks and you can shoot them off down on the river gravel bar on the evening of July 3.  Everyone gathers down there to watch.

This past weekend Jun 3, we had several campers and paddlers and also the Oklahoma Prospectors group looking for gold in our river.  They set up their dredges and sucked some black sand off the bottom of the river.  They managed to find several large flakes of pure gold.  Being typical gold hunters they knew the mother lode was somewhere north of here.  Who am I to discourage them???  Could be....

Someone stole our only 2 kayaks last Friday night about midnight.  Any clues, let me know.  Or just name any two suspects and we will shoot them.  Might be a good way to get rid of some rotten in-laws.

Bigfoot made an appearance near the campground.  I have a few pictures that show him (or her) pretty clearly.  Watch for my new page of pictures.  Son Steve swears he was scratched in the face when trying to make love to a female Bigfoot.  (Or was it a male?)  Those varmints are all over around here.  If it wasn't for the dogs I am sure they would try to get in my motorhome.  They probably get tired of sleeping in caves and such.

Last weekend we had the Arkoma Coin and Relic Club.  They put on some neat treasure hunts and raffled off some valuable prizes.  I even won a couple of items.  Several ended up with new Garrett metal detectors and other treasure equipment.  A one pound silver round was raffled off.  I did not win. 

Don't forget to plan for the BIG treasure hunt in October when the World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers has their annual meeting right here at the K River Campground.  Everyone who dreams of finding a lost treasure or even some coins or jewelry should come to this.

Oklahoma City GPAA gold club will be here on Jun 16, 17, 18.  Come watch and join the excitement.

I will put an event calendar on the web page soon so all can see what is happening next.

Wildblue satellite internet with wireless access in the park is working well so far.  If you just can't leave your internet at home then now you have no excuse for not coming to our campground.

We are working on our fishing pond.  I want to get it cleared up and put some pretty fish in it that we can see swimming around.  I plan to put a filter on the water and maybe a fountain along with some goldfish, etc.  Give me your suggestions.

Monday  May 29, 2006 until next update. 

Memorial weekend brought us about 250 campers and canoe paddlers.  Really a fun time for all.  We still had room for about 200 more.  We were not very crowded.  The water was beautiful and clear and WARM.  I went swimming every day at 7 pm.  Some nice bass were caught in the river.    

We are having Buck Rogers and his group of gold seekers this coming weekend.  Come watch and learn their tricks.

Had about 130 tent campers and canoe paddlers this past weekend 5/21.  Some families and a large church youth group.  We had a little trouble gathering up enough canoes for everyone but it worked out Okay.  We had one canoe left and no paddles.  I did manage a couple of free meals out of them. 

We still have enough river water to last through Memorial Day I hope.  We do need some rain soon.

I have received some concerned interest for my wife's health.  She recently had a heart attack and a quadruple bypass.  She is healing slowly which is normal.  Being married to me is a bit stressful I suppose but it was her choice.

Son Steve tried to imitate some of  our former dogs who got ran over in the highway.  He had a crackup right at the campground entrance on the highway and almost bit the dust.  A few stitches and some pain medicine seems to be working.

We need some more campers to come and make some news for us to add to this newsletter.  Someone needs to fall in the river or catch a giant fish or find a gold nugget or something!!  I would like to print something funny about someone other than myself.

"WE NOW HAVE WIRELESS INTERNET " at the campground.  We are too far out for DSL or cable so we installed a Wildblue Satellite and hooked up a wireless router so those with wireless computers can have access to the internet.  Bring your computer and stay for a while.  We will be charging for this service so bring lots of extra money.  With the tests we have made it seems to work very well.  Others I have spoken to brag on their Wildblue.  So we shall see.

We are getting several monthly RV rentals and will be adding on some more semi permanent RV sites soon.

In the meantime: 2006

We have added more river access this year.  Have built some new trails down to the river edge so you can fish and swim in lots more places.  Working on getting a water slide installed for some neat water fun.  

Several prospectors trying their skills at finding gold recently.  Bass fishing is good. 

Some GPAA gold prospector clubs coming on  May 27,  June 3,  June 17 and October WWATS meeting.  Come join the fun.

ARKOMA Coin and Relic Club will be here on May 27, 28, 29.  Check out this brochure Arkoma Brochure

We now have 2 covered pavilions for eating or meetings when weather is bad.  I plan to use the small one for late afternoon social gatherings.  It's fun to get acquainted with interesting people.  This small pavilion has electricity, water, lights, ceiling fan, table and chairs.  Come join in.  We plan to have a social hour every late afternoon before dark during the summer.

Before March 2006

The Kiamichi River Rendezvous on Feb 23-25 was quite a treat for us.  The mountain men and women did a good job of replicating life during the 1840's.  School kids came from all around to watch and learn.  We here at the camp really enjoyed them especially since they fed us for about 4 days.  Some very unique food.  I didn't ask what it was.  The weather was a little iffy and caused some havoc.  The visitor numbers were way down due to rain on Saturday which dampened the spirits a little but everyone was looking toward next year and their other meetings in between.  I will be posting some pictures soon.

How about signing our Guest Book on the home page.

Read river water levels at bottom of page.

Weather is warming real nice.  Perfect for camping. 

How about planning your family reunion with us this year.  We have pavilions and large tables.

We have all the facilities you need for the perfect family get together.  We have 5 cabins which will sleep at least 30 people, up to 45  RV sites with hookups and unlimited tent sites.  This year we also have a covered eating/meeting area in case of rain.   You may reserve an entire section of the campground just for your group.  So load em up and come to K River Campground where we have canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, tubing, hiking, horseback riding, bike riding, horseshoes, volleyball, gold panning, bird watching, etc., and nothing that resembles city life.  Play with our dogs or bring your own.  Just remember to pack a little extra food for the campground staff.  We love to eat and everyone always bring too much to a reunion.

Be sure to make plans to be here for these coming events. 

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ARKOMA Coin and Relic Club will be here May 27, 28, 29.  See this brochure memorial.doc

I recently heard from the WWATS Worldwide Association of Treasure Seekers.  They will be having their annual meeting again at our camp in late October 2006.  Their activities are very interesting and educational for those of us who would like to find buried treasure.  Gold prospectors will also be here at the same time for some of their events and antics.  Fun for all!!!!!             We are planning to have food vendors and live music along with the WWATS festivities.

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Older news

Still no rain. - No runoff rains from March 05 until Feb 06

I wish someone had told me it never rains here in the summer before I put in this canoeing business.  Oh well, live and learn.  Anyway I keep explaining to the wife that it was raining when I bought the place.  How was I to know that was the last time it would rain.

Water is still great for fishing, swimming and canoeing near the camp.  We rent the canoes for $5 per day for use near the campground while the river is still too low for floating down river.  Tubes are free to use near the camp.

Our cabins are proving to be real popular with a lot of folks.  Our newest has all the extras to make your stay comfortable and still let you get out into nature with a campfire and the stars overhead.  Shade all around our cabins.  Give us a call and reserve one for your family or group.  A cabin is usually available for the weekend and lots of openings during the week.

Older news before June 15, 2005- Back when we had water in the river.

Recently had St. Gabriel's Youth Group here at the camp.  What a wild weekend.  They really had fun.  A wonderful group of young people.  Check out some of the pictures they took. St Gabriel Photos

Weather is perfect for camping.  A fire still feels good in the evening.  Night temperatures still around 65.

Gold prospector, Nolan, is down at the river siphoning out gold dust with a machine.  He must be finding a lot.  He keeps grinning and won't show me how much he has found.  Two lady prospectors were here for the weekend.  They had only shovels and gold pans but they found some color.  Enough for them to make plans to come again.  Pictures of  GOLD PROSPECTING

Horseback trail rides are now offered at a nearby ranch.  The trail rides are operated by Thomas Trail Rides.  The view is terrific from the top of the mountain where the ride begins.  The trail then goes down in the valley and across the Kiamichi River and hopefully back to the starting point.  A perfect place for scenic trail rides.  Rides are $30 and last between 1 and 2 hours.

You won't see any highways or human life while on this ride.  No guarantees about bears or Bigfoot.

The Thomas family has been in the horse business all their lives.  They love horses and feel pretty good about people.  Come give them a few bucks and enjoy a horse ride in a really neat place.  The good part is staying at our camp where you can come back after a sweaty ride and take a dip in the river or a warm shower or both.  Check the pictures at Trail Rides

Water level is fair for canoeing.  You should not have to drag the canoe but will have to paddle more due to low current.  COME SEE US.  Maybe more rain coming soon.  Fishing is getting better with warmer water.  Bass are striking in the shallows.

Make reservations soon for July 4 weekend.

We have one of the new cabins ready for use.  It has 1 queen bed down and 2 full beds in the loft.  Also has half bath with commode and sink.  Warm shower available at the bath house about 100 yard walk.  Rate is $60 per night.  Now working on the next cabin which will have refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, sink, commode, shower, Satellite TV, some furniture, beds for 6 or more.  Ready third week in June.  It will rent for $85.

Older news - before April 30, 2005

The Gold Prospectors Association of America came for the weekend and did we have fun!  About 35 of their Oklahoma Chapter 21 set up camp and began prospecting for gold in the river at the camp.  Channel 4 from OKC came and videotaped them in action.  The segment is due to air on Ch 4 today at 5 or 5:30 during the news section and again at later times.  Also had K95.5 from Hugo, OK come and interview myself and Paul M.  from the prospectors.   Did we find gold?  Of course!!  Some of the group found more gold in 2 hours than they did in several days when in Georgia and South Texas.  No one found a lot of gold but it was promising.  We need more prospectors to come for a try.  I will be posting some pictures soon.  Everyone had so much fun they are planning their annual outing here at K River Campground every year about this time.

Our gold story was printed on the front page of the Antlers American.

Three new cabins were delivered on Apr 26.  They require some setup and furnishing before use but will be ready in a few weeks.  Each will have at least a half bath.  2 will have mini kitchen also.  Lots of sleeping space.  I will announce when ready.  We can take reservations now for later if you like.

The www.wwats.org treasure seekers annual meeting will be at our campground  the weekend of OCT 22, 23, 2005.  This is open to the public.  Read up on their website for details and lots of information.  Open to the public.  The campground will be charging a $2 day use fee for all visitors.  These folks come and stay several days.  They plant treasure to be found later in organized hunts with lots of prizes and lots of gold and silver to be kept by the finder.  There will be food, crafts and metal detectors for sale.

 The cabins are generally available this time of year.  Be sure to reserve early for the spring months.  Price for 2005 is $45 per night. 

I have had to increase some of the rates for 2005.  Everything has just gotten more expensive. 

I have added a feature to the website to pay reservation deposits with a credit card using PAYPAL.

Starting to get some early spring campers, paddlers and fishermen.  Come on over and enjoy some nature filled camping.   Nights are still cool and the stars are extra bright.  A great time of year for outdoor activity.

I picked up 4 inflatable kayaks.  They are so comfortable that you can sleep all the way down the river.  They take very little water to float in and only weight about 10 pounds.  Some have tried them and have really had fun.

Some folks are tubing down to Ten Mile Creek and having a blast.  We let some get away when they failed to make the landing.  We had to pick them up down river a few miles.  The water is pretty swift.  All had fun.

Last year our river was very low this time of year.  It is rare when we have these water levels to enjoy.

I have posted some new pictures.  Go to main page and click on campground pictures or >>>camp_pictures.htm

We are getting some large and some small church groups lately.  Bring your church group for some fun and adventure.

Several campers and canoe paddlers coming and staying several days

Fishing is getting good as water temperature goes up.  Bass and catfish are plentiful.

Camping is really good right now.  Perfect temperatures.  Nice and warm.  Nights are still cool for good sleeping.

Water is warm enough for swimming or falling out of the canoe. 

We had one mosquito but I got rid of him.

Steve, Chuck, Paul and I are here at the camp to see that your camping and canoe adventure is memorable and enjoyed by all.  Come see us.

Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University are making their plans to come again during the summer months to study water life in the river near the camp. 

Just finished the new men's bath house.  It has 2 of everything.  May put some fur covered seats on the commodes.  What do you think?  Wouldn't the women be jealous?

I've added another take out site for the canoes just 3.5 miles down river.  This will be a good trip when the water is low or for the less adventurous.  The view driving in to this section of river is outstanding.  Along a high ridge with a view for miles.

Make note of my new cell number 903-241-5891.

We are getting some interest in tourism in our area.  My neighbor across Patterson Creek is building fully furnished cabins on a plateau overlooking the river.  Our swinging bridge will connect to that plateau.  Also, a project is going on down river about 3 miles that includes an RV park, lodge and cabins with plans for hunting and horse riding.  Friend Jerry is building a nice cabin on his lake just 2 miles north.  All are for short term use by tourists.

Always plenty of room for everyone.  We have added another 10 acres to the campground.   We keep expanding as the need arises.  We are clearing some more tent sites along the river near the kiddie fish pond.  My son Steve is helping with that project.

Really older news - 2003

Paul is my helper at the campground.  He is here every day year around to help with any camping or canoeing plans you might have.  Call him in the evenings before 9 at 580-298-2442 or leave a message on the campground number 580-298-2442.   I am normally at the campground on weekends.  Call me at 903-241-5891.  Camping is really good during the week when hardly anyone is around.  Very peaceful.  Pick your favorite camp site.

Read the link below for more information about our river and campground.  Written by some folks who have been here a few times.  Go to the Oklahoma section and then to Kiamichi.  Some good information on all rivers on this web page.  Check it out.

Click here for more information on canoeing the Kiamichi River.

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Cabins are here and ready for use.  You can view the river from the porch on the cabins.  These are camping cabins and have beds and table and benches. The existing bath house is nearby.  Cabin campers will need to bring their own pillow, sheets, blanket and teddy bear.  Each cabin has 3 queen size beds.  Price is $40 for 2 adults.  All kids under 16 are no charge.  Cabins have a refrigerator just outside and a water faucet, picnic table, and fire ring.

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You can enjoy very peaceful canoeing year around at our camp.  You will very rarely see human life when on the river.  As far as I know we are the only canoe rental in the area.  I never see any others canoeing this section of the river.  Come and try it.

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We now have 22 canoes and 2 kayaks ready for use on the river.  11 are 17 foot models with 3 seats.   Can get more canoes when needed.  Also have built a new bath house for the ladies which is now complete and ready for use.  Also have added 15 new RV campsites under the shade trees near the river.  Lots more room is also available for tent camping.  Good access to river for swimming and bank fishing.

Paddling clubs are beginning to notice the Kiamichi river as a new and exciting place to canoe for up to 100 river miles of undisturbed and natural paddling when water levels are sufficient, check for 150 cfs minimum.  Come see us.  We'll take you upriver as far as you like.

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