I recently returned from visiting my friends in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Texas muffin stamps are not very close to Dallas, but the southern border of Oklahoma is only an hour away and Chickasaw National Recreation Area is 120 miles north of Dallas on I-35. It boasts plenty of hiking, boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The web site states that the passport stamp is available at the Travertine Nature Center.

The nature center spans the spring fed Travertine Creek.

After getting the stamp, we undertook the 1-mile walk to two freshwater springs: Buffalo and Antelope Springs.

Travertine Creek crossing

Antelope Springs is impressive because you follow the stream to its source at the end of the trail and find yourself watching the water gush out from under the rock. I expected a trickle, but this was really flowing.

The cool, clear water emerges from underneath the rock.

Buffalo Springs is slightly more picturesque because of the structure the CCC built around it. We paused to dip our feet in the water and the kids were collecting pebbles to throw into the water.

Water bubbles up from underground into this pool, causing the ripples.

In his excitement to get poolside, poor little Noah Powell tried to take the shortcut by stepping down from the top rim onto the bench. He misjudged the 2-foot “step” and the further than anticipated drop sent him headfirst the rest of the way. The sickening thud sent my heart into my stomach. Dad picked him up and we watched the bump on his forehead swell to the size of a golf ball in seconds. It worked to our advantage that the spring water is very chilly and Justin smartly soaked a sock and applied it to the contusion, which brought down the swelling pretty quickly. In the picture, the contours of that nasty bruise are quite obvious and it’s only half the size it had been.

The little warrior is a bit sad that we're leaving Buffalo Springs, since he was just starting to have fun after taking a nasty fall.

After Noah’s wailing died down to some choked sobs, I was amazed that Dad’s simple question, “Do you want to throw some pebbles in the pool?” could get Noah back on his feet, running, smiling and playing. I remained traumatized. What cost, this muffin stamp?

Then, on the way back, their straggling 6-yr old, Lexi, managed to step on a baby snake that was either crossing the path after the rest of us had passed or that we had failed to notice. Mom saw it wiggling away in the underbrush afterward, so it wasn’t a ploy by the one constantly complaining of the long walk to be carried, after all. It met the desired end, though, because she was carried the rest of the way after that.

We tried to put it all behind us by taking a refreshing dip in one of the spring-fed swimming holes. In our case, we chose the popular Little Niagara swim area. Brrrrr, cold! At least in comparison to the 90+ degree air temperature. I could tolerate it well enough after taking a dunk. I found a spot about 5′ 6″ deep and the kids, including Noah, took turns jumping into my arms. Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like it will draw the family away from the warm waters of the community pool at any time in the future.

The cold waters of Little Niagara

I’d like to check out some of the mineral spring hiking trails some day. This visit had come to close, and we were all worn down by the increasingly restless kids.

Glad I checked it out? Yes.

Will I be recreating with the Powells there during a future visit? Doubtful.