We were up early today as we wanted an early start to avoid the heat. We were on our way by 7.30am which is unheard of for us. It was a pretty boring drive. Mike drove. I read my book. We crossed from Arkansas into Oklahoma and headed for the Wichita mountains, which is probably the only thing of interest in Oklahoma.
After driving all day we arrived at a state forest campground, surrounded by trees. Not my ideal setting, but it was late and we had no choice. It was only possible to book online, and there was no internet in the park. So we had to get our our starlink to find the free spots.
There were only two powered sites left, but we decided it was necessary because of the heat. After a lot of faffing, we finally managed to book one. It didn’t have “the vibe” but I didn’t know where else to go. As we were hooking up a power, a giant centipede scurried towards our van. It was bright yellow with a striking red tail pointing up like a scorpions, ready to strike. It looked extremely poisonous, so I steered it away from the van. It scurried into a tree, and I hoped that would be the last I’d see of it.
Mike said he was feeling stir crazy after the drive, so we went for a walk. This was a BIG mistake.
About 15 minutes into our walk, a GIANT tarantula strolled across the road in front of us. I screamed and Mike jumped, not sure whether from the critter or my scream. Either way, he looked pretty shaken by the size of it with its big hairy legs and its sinister gait as it carried on walking.
I turned quick smart and said I was heading back, and put on a very quick pace. We met some people on the way back and they said they saw one at their camp too. They said they are everywhere this time of year as they go on the hunt for mates. They also said they are mostly harmless, and steer clear of humans. Still, it doesn’t stop my mind ticking over full speed, knowing they will be coming out and night and walking under and around our van.
Back at the van, I taped up all the vents with duck tape and closed all the blinds so I coudn’t see what was going on outside, and had an internal meltdown. I didn’t want to be there but I couldn’t leave. We were in the middle of nowhere. We tried to play Phase 10 to take my mind off things, and Mike kept leaving me with a handful of cards. I threw them down in a huff, and decided to go to bed and read my book. I think I’m done with America.