Ponca/Boxley Valley Excursion - From My Lens to Yours-Blogged July 16, 2014

Have you ever just wanted to get away, not too far, yet far enough to be free of the hustle and bustle of every day life? Yesterday I went on a little excursion to find such a place. The day got off to a good start with my son, Seth, his wife, Lee Anne and my grandson, Porter coming to church to be with his dad on Father's Day. I then spent the remainder of the day with my mom, my sister, and a great friend, Lori.

Jackie and I have decided to vacation in the Ponca area in July. I have looked at various cabins online but decided before I jumped in and rented one, I should probably check out the locations and what a great excuse to get to spend time with some of my favorite people and also get a little camera time.

I picked up my traveling companions along the way. We traveled to Ponca through Jasper. If you've never been to Newton County, you have missed a big part of God's Country. Breathtaking views, the Buffalo River, Boxley Valley, and elk, are just a few reasons to visit. It is so peaceful in the valley... I believe I could live there when I retire.

We visited several cabins in the area and I am still undecided. Do I want to stay in downtown Ponca or travel a few miles to get a great view with a hot tub? I could see myself having a cup of coffee each morning, enjoying the view and blogging. The mountain top cabin has Wi-Fi. Which one do you think it will be? The Wi-Fi cabin of course. (This is with a little encouragement from my friend Lori.)

How many times have I taken pictures of the swans?Too numerous to count, but once again I felt the urge to pull over and take a few shots.My sister reminded me I have taken pictures of them before. Doesn't she know a photographer's work is never done?

We decided to drive to a little church just off the beaten path of Lost Valley.The little white church stands facing Beechwood Cemetery.There is such peace here. I have visited the church several times and still get the same feeling. The old pews are still inside as well as the old stove.We walked around back and took a few pictures of the old "outhouse". This is definitely a thing of yesteryear and will take you back in time.

We visited the Buffalo River and took a few "shots" with our camera and got to see a few elk along the way. Lori and I attempted to catch a running herd, but they were just too fast for us.

Kathy suggested we go home on Hwy 21 by way of Boxley. The valley is beautiful and early mornings/late evenings are almost a guarantee to see an elk or two. We had not gone far when Lori, my spotter, saw an elk. I turned around, on a curve, much to the dismay of my little mom to "check out" the spotting. We were delighted to see a small female elk, feasting on leaves. We did get to see a couple more elk on the way home. I believe it was the same two that were there a few weeks ago. They were resting in a yard, seemed pretty ragged and didn't scare easily. Lori got a little too close for me and I had to remind her they are wild animals.

I hope each one of you can visit the Boxley Valley/Ponca area. You will not be disappointed in this little bit of heaven.

We returned home in time to have dinner with my little family in Atkins. Yes, I had a full but blessed day.