We landed in Springhill Park Campground as a quick overnight in route to Sand Springs, OK. The place was so amazing, I had to give it more than a passing mention.
Springhill Park is run by the Army Corps Engineers. It is on a beautiful lake, John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake – and if you sang the song that first popped into mind, you are in good company as well belted out a few rounds of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. The lake is next to the James W. Trimble Lock and Dam of the Arkansas River.
In addition to being gorgeous, the lake had amazing swans and cranes, among other birds, all over it…but never close enough for me to get a good picture. If only my pictures could capture what my eyes see. The beauty was astounding.
We got very lucky in our short visit and were able to watch a tugboat push a few low slung barges through the lock and out the other side. It was a very long and not exciting stretch of time, save the end when barges appeared and we all whooped. We took the time to talk about how locks work as we waited. I wish we were able to arrange a tour, that would’ve been fantastic.
