Shady Hill Farm

Here is a friend of ours on the stairs at The Heritage Manor.  Carolyn and AJ Rexroat built everything themselves!

GLOSS MOUNTAINS

http://www.glossmountainoutfitters.com/

I recently found this website while looking for pictures of the Gloss Mountains.  Gloss Mountain Outfitters, located just north of us in Cherokee, offer many different and exciting outdoor activites to do in this area of Oklahoma.  When you see the Gloss Mountains, you feel like you are looking at the gateway to the old west.  A trail is available to climb to the top of the mountains.  Eagles and hawks float on updrafts just off the edge of the mountain at your fingertips.  There is a peaceful silence with a magnificent view!

Some information found on their site:

Glass Mountains sometimes called Gloss Mountains are located 6 miles west of Orienta which is on highway US 412. The mountains have a high selenite content, making them appear as if they were covered with pieces of glass. This beautiful scenic strip, currently defined as a conservation area, is almost another world with its rugged high topped mesas springing up from a relatively flat land area. A "painted desert" effect can be seen in many locations due to the exposure of different rock strata, and the sparkle of gypsum and selenite gives many of the mesas a glittering effect. A giant inland sea once covered the area, leaving behind extensive gypsum beds. Spanish explorers passed through the area and later, the first known American explorer around 1821 described what he called "The Shining Mountains". Today, the Glass Mountains (also called Gloss Mountains) area is utilized for its vast oil and gas resources. This 640 acre expanse is awaiting development at this time as a State Park which will begin in the near future and will provide trails and facilities. At present, visitors can pull off the highway to enjoy the rugged landscape at a small roadside picnic area with an information kiosk on the history and features of the locale. Astronomy groups occasionally use the area for celestial observations, but the area is not currently open to the public--look for some parts to be competed possibly in early 1999. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy the 24 mile scenic drive along U.S. Hwy 412 through this very distinctive area.

Gloss Mountain Outfitters provide primitive camping, corrals, hiking, fishing, potable water and outdoor showers.
A few of the activities and experiences waiting for you are:

Horseback riding in the Gloss Mountains
Digging the unique Selenite Hourglass Crystal
Learning to make home made cinnamon rolls
Target Shooting
Making your own wine
Visiting native artists that are nationally known
Gathering cattle on horseback
Golfing
Tractor Driving
Riding a Mule or in a wagon pulled by a team of mules
Learn Dutch Oven Cooking
Museums, antiques, specialty shops and anything else you might suggest.
Wine and Dine at Heritage Manor Bed and Breakfast
Explore the Great Salt Plains
Tour National Wildlife Refuge and Great Salt Plains State Park
Shop for antiques and collectibles in Cherokee
Community Bingo
Bat Cave Exploration
Rest and Swim
Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt - 1st weekend after Easter.
So much more!

SMALL BIZ SURVIVAL

http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/

Another friend of ours is Becky McCray.  For anyone wanting to get started in business or have already started their own business, her website is highly useful.

Becky McCray
Consultant to Small Towns, Small Businesses
www.smallbizsurvival.com
580-430-6173

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JULIE MILLER - FEDERALLY LICENSED WILDLIFE RESCUE AND REHABILITATOR

http://www.virtuallyjulie.com/

A local farmer found five baby raccoons in his combine while getting ready for harvest.  His wife, fearing that they would perish without their mother, brought them here.  They were absolutely adorable.  But WILD.  (It is illegal to keep wild animals.)  I searched high and low and finally found Julie Miller out of Enid, Oklahoma.  (After a restlessness night - raccoons are nocturnal. = )  My husband and I took them to Julie and her wildlife rescue center - it's wonderful.  She cares for and then releases all manner of wildlife - birds, rabbits, deer, geese....

If you get a chance, please check out her website.  She has some great information on what to do if you find an orphaned or injured wild animal.

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INDIAN CREEK VILLAGE WINERY BED & BREAKFAST

http://www.indiancreekvillage.com/

We have stayed at the bed and breakfast at the Indian Creek Village Winery.  It is a charming touch of class in the country.  They offer wine samplings paired with local cheeses and sausages.  Periodically, live music is provided to listen to outdoors in a relaxed setting.  I definitely recommend calling or emailing to confirm times and dates to attend.

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BLAZE'S TRIBUTE EQUINE RESCUE

http://www.blazesequinerescue.com/

Blaze's Equine Rescue is a wonderful organization that rescues starved, abused, and abandoned horses.  Even if you aren't able to adopt a horse yourself, they also take donations for the feed, upkeep and rehabilitation of the horses.  This is where we adopted Strawberry from and we're so greatful for their unending love for horses and the incredible work they do.