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Hit the ropes Jack. Yes I want to hit the ropes. Climbing ropes that is! I have not been climbing in what feels like an eternity. Probably because I had my shoulder repaired due to excessive injuries, but I am off the injured list and ready to be a monkey.Oklahoma has great climbing to offer any level of ability. I know it’s hard to believe, but Oklahoma has climbing.

I am sure you are thinking how is there climbing we don’t have mountains? We actually do have mountains. Or what I prefer to refer to as big hills.I started writing this yesterday, and then came to a scientific realization. Outdoor climbing in the winter would be far to frustrating, and with that said near impossible.

I have science backing me that you can not enjoy climb outdoors in the winter. Bonus, Ben the Brooklyn climbing guru agrees! Think about what your shoes are made of. Silicone toes? What helps Silicone create traction? Heat. Cold rocks plus cold silicone equals no adequate traction. Go inside!Downtown Oklahoma City is home to once known as OKC Rocks, now Rocktown Gym.

Rocktown is a converted grain elevator with 16 full silos linked together with various rooms. Featuring indoor and outdoor top rope and lead climbs over 80 feet. With 32 routes 9 of which are outside routes there is something for any ability level to climb. Climbing and bouldering instruction is available.

I do recommend you either go with someone who has climbed before, or get some assistant from one of the local rock rats. A tip for those who are honestly wanting to climb, make friends with your local rock rat. They will become you best friend in conquering a route. Who do you think made the routes in the first place. Go straight to the source.Lastly, before you hit the ropes here is some mind fuel. if this is your first visit give yourself at least 2 hours. All first time climbers are required to take a short, but informative belaying and safety orientation.

Before the next Christmas carol turns you into the Grinch, hit the stream. This is something you will regret not doing when you are up to your eyeballs in wrapping paper. I know lives are busy and swept up in the frenzy of last-minute Christmas shopping, but take a day.

I took the load off your shoulders and did the leg work for you. All you have to do is pack the car and hit the river. That’s right winter fishing.

Get your road map out and circle the Mountain Fork river. This amazing Oklahoma river has some of the best fishing in the state and not a lot of people know you can fish in the December. Put on your winter waders and wade in.

Located in the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma north of Broken Bow this river is stocked with Rainbows and Browns with an average size of 9 - 12 inches, but take note that if you fish downstream of the park: The fish are bigger and the water is wider. That’s a good thing!

I know some of you are still caught on the fact I said fishing and winter in the same sentence. You can do it I swear. Make sure though you are wearing good waders with thermals on underneath. I am a big fan of the Patagonia Capolene line. Head to Backwoods on N. May Ave. in OKC. The Backwoods staff knows how to layer you up right.

Practice the buddy system. Be sure to let someone know where you are headed. Very few people frequent the Ouachitas in the winter and you would hate to be hurt or lost with not a soul looking for you. With that said, why not take a friend and you can show off your fishing prowess?

Here are last-minute closing notes if you are looking to fish amazing Oklahoma waters. Maybe even try out the new rod Santa brought you. Head to the Ouachita Mountains and fish the Mountain Fork River. With 12 miles of tail-water it is sure to not disappoint. If that didn’t get you, a 2-pound fish is not uncommon!

Over the past month I have made it my mission to be Girl vs. Wild. Hitting the road and discovering Oklahoma’s amazing state parks. Discovering things I have not discovered, and realizing just how great this state is. The Wichita Wildlife Refuge is a gem to southwestern Oklahoma. It’s also where the buffalo roam, the wild turkeys gobble, and the rattlesnakes hiss. That’s right they even shake their rattles and hiss in November. The 59,020 acres to be exact is located 25 miles northwest of Lawton and keep your eyes peeled for exit 115. You would hate to miss it. I know this tip from personal experience. Trial and error, my friends, trial and error!

I am a big fan of Camp Doris, campsite #6 is my special spot, and closest to the lake.

Here are some facts for you to use as brain food. There are more than 50 mammal species, 240 bird species, 64 reptile and amphibian species, 36 fish species, and take a deep breath. 806 plant species. That adds up to a lot of beauty to take in. So much so that I went two weekends in a row just to try and be able to see all that makes this refuge amazing.

Now, with it being the winter months you might not be in the mood to brave the cold temperatures that stir at night. So load up a daypack and do a short hike. I suggest hiking Elk mtn. Round trip it’s about 4 miles, and when you get to the top it is breathtaking.

On your way out of town be sure to pull over and experience Meers. This is a treasure of a restaurant. If you a feeling extra hungry order the Meers burger made from lean Texas Longhorn beef and coined Oklahoma’s best burger. I give it my stamp of approval. Be sure to save room for dessert though. The cherry cobbler a la mode is what dreams are made of. Seriously my mouth waters just thinking about it.

Lastly from a very wise bear. Only you can prevent forest fires.

Girl vs. Wild,

Jacquelyn

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM MY ADVENTURES

There’s ice, trees down, it’s hell outside. The streets are dangerous and should be treated as so. We need to take extra precautions to stay safe. A simple winter survival kit for your family is very important. Here is how you make a simple kit that you can store in your car and also in your house for just in case the situation should arise that you will need it. Here is how I have made mine. I keep one in my car and one in my coat closet. Get a spare backpack that is big enough to hold a few items. Be sure to have enough supplies to last you and your family three days. Three days is enough time for you and your loved ones to figure out how to move to your plan B. Now remember if you have pets they are apart of your family as well so count them in your family head count. Everyone’s needs are different so this list might be different for you, but this is a great start for you to jump from.

Here’s the list.

1. band-aids

2. gauze

3. antibacterial ointment

4. rubbing alcohol

5. ace bandage

6. small sewing kit

7. waterproof matches

8. a few sheets of newspaper and drier lint and fire starter

9. dry socks

10. flashlight with several sets of spare batteries

11. all your contact information you will need in an emergency

12. pet food

13. human food: granola bars work well

14. jumper cables

15. family size blanket

Last month I went to see the last showing in Oklahoma city for the film “Into the Wild.” Amazing. Absolutely amazing!!! The story of Chris McCandless is remarkable. I would give anything to be able to take a leap of faith as Chris did. Transforming himself into Alexander Supertramp. I have the utmost respect for him and the legacy of leather-tramps that have followed him. I dream of being able to make the trek to what has become a mecca in it’s own right. A mecca for those searching and testing themselves as they hit the road, of bus 142. To be able to see where he became himself, Alexander Supertramp. His final place on earth. I travel, hike, and explore with the utmost respect for you, Alexander Supertramp!!!!

“Two years he walks the earth.
No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. Escaped from Atlanta. Thou shalt not return, ’cause “the West is the best.” And now after two rambling years comes the final and greatest adventure. The climactic battle to kill the false being within and victoriously conclude the spiritual pilgrimage. Ten days and nights of freight trains and hitchhiking bring him to the Great White North. No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild.”
— Alexander Supertramp
May 1992

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
— Chris McCandless

Hello fellow adventure and adrenaline junkies. I am hitting the road and exploring Oklahoma, and hopefully elsewhere. I am the stir crazy adventurous type. Always looking for a place to go and an adventure conquer. I will keep you posted on all my travels that come my way. If you want me to check out your neck of the woods tell me about it and I will mark it on my map.