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Oh, give me a vacation where the buffalo roam
Families trek to Oklahoma for change of scenery

Trent Fore sits with his girls Maycee and Hadlee during their trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. (Courtesy Photo)

Tosha Fore with her daughters Maycee and Hadlee and dog Scooter on Mt. Scout in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. (Courtesy Photo)

Maycee and Hadlee Fore, and their cousin Emma, pose for a picture during their excursion to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. (Courtesy Photo)
By Whitney Wyatt/The Red River Sun—
Editor’s note: Be sure to follow COVID-19 social distancing rules and wear a face mask.
CHILDRESS – For those looking for an excursion during the COVID-19 pandemic, two Childress families suggest taking in the beauty of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
The refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, is about two hours from Childress.
“It was a change of scenery and a change of pace. You get away and get to see the horizon and neat landscaping. It was uplifting,” said Margie Robinson, who went with her husband Joe.
They said they saw a buffalo grazing and some longhorns. One longhorn came down the road toward them and got close to their car. They also enjoyed the different colors in the landscape.
It was a vast change from staying isolated during COVID-19, they said.
“We had been home so much,” Robinson said. “I think I’ve been to the grocery two times since this all started.”
She enjoyed the trip because they saw few people and the weather was nice. “It’s a very doable excursion,” Robinson added.
Just like the Robinsons’ excursion, the Fore family has taken day trips to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, but this last time they stayed several days.
Tasha Fore said her husband Trent, along with their daughters Maycee and Hadle, mother-in-law and niece Emma, took their camper and spent three nights and four days at Lake Latonka.
“We loved Mt. Scout and the buffalo,” said Fore, whose girls enjoyed getting to be outdoors. “They loved the buffalo, and they were amazed at how big they were.”
As for Fore, she enjoyed the beauty of nature. But most importantly, she said they felt safe.
For those looking for a trip for their family, Fore said the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a great place to learn more about the outdoors and enjoy God’s creations.
According to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge website, visitor activities include a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can observe and photograph wildlife, hike and fish. Picnicking is free at all general locations, which are open during daylight hours. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains.