Outside Lies Magic: Extended Period Camping Outside for 3 Days!

 

For my Outside Lies Magic extended time outdoors, I embarked on a camping trip with seven of my friends to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, from Friday to Sunday. It was about a four-hour drive, and we arrived later in the evening on Friday. Immediately, I felt the peacefulness and soundness of the campsite, Coyote. The stars were glistening in the sky, with the Big Dipper clearly in sight. Coyotes howled in the distance, and the trees moved in a unique rhythm with the wind. Even though there was so much going on, nature had a way of bringing an overwhelming sense of peace, filling my soul, mind, and body with positivity and purpose.

We set up camp, made a fire, and toasted marshmallows. Throughout the trip, we cooked all of our own food on a skillet and had to be creative with what we had, which made the experience even more memorable.

We woke up early on Saturday, drank black coffee, and set out on a 10-mile hike. As shown in the pictures, the views from the tops of the hills overlooked river streams, trees, waterfalls, and the vast beauty of nature in Broken Bow. During our hike, we came across a small pool of freshwater, probably about three feet deep. It was formed from runoff, and it was fascinating to see that there were four decent-sized fish living in such a small space. Moments like that make you realize how incredible and complex nature is, and how life finds a way to exist and adapt in unexpected places.

Before heading back to cook at our campsite, we stopped at a light blue bistro bar that had a bus set up as a hangout spot. The owner ended up letting us stay there for the entire night, trusting us with the space. He gave us water and portraits to paint for the bus. At the end of the summer, the owners submit the artwork to raise funds for people in need. It was the most random “side quest” ever, but it ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.

That night, we played music, sang, had deep conversations, and admired the beauty of nature and how it brings people together. It truly was one of the most memorable and meaningful camping experiences I’ve ever had.




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