Semi-Cool 9/11 Nature Communing Around Sikes Lake With David's Birthday & Theo's Garden

Today was chilled enough that outdoor nature communing was doable and pleasant. And so it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for the first time in quite a few days, getting my daily endorphin dose whilst breathing in pleasant outdoor air, instead of that air-conditioned Walmart air which causes me to sneeze.

As you can see, via the above photo documentation, the ongoing drought has shriveled Sikes Lake to the lowest level I've seen since I have been in this town. Yesterday's predicted possible rain only produced a couple drops.

Tomorrow, as you can see. via the below screen cap, we are predicted to break a temperature record set way back years before I was born.

Today, September 11, is my Favorite David Nephew's birthday. His is one of the easiest birthdates to remember, sadly.

I texted David a Happy Birthday text, this morning. David is now old enough to vote.

Texting David, I remember I have been intending to text message David's little brother, my Favorite Theo Nephew, to ask for an update on his gardening project.

Almost instantly Theo got back to me with a message, along with three photos of his garden. It's an impressive operation. 

Sadly, I could not get Theo's photos off my phone. I think the Tacoma relative's phones are Apple I-phones. Maybe that is why I can't get them off my phone. I can see Theo's photos on the phone, but when I click to get them off the phone, like what works with photos like the Sikes Lake photo, all I get is a blank black screen. I tried each of the photo programs on my computer, with the same blank black result.

I could easily get Theo's text off the phone, though. Here's is Theo's text message about his gardening operation...

The tomatoes are starting to die, but they have produced so many tomatoes this year. Also, we took out some of the other vegetables and are putting in new Fall vegetables. That's what the sprouts are. Also, we have some pumpkins planted. 

I have not yet given up on successfully getting Theo's photos off the phone...

HOT Texas Nature Communing Around Shrinking Sikes Lake

On this second day of the 2026 version of September, I found myself in the mood for outdoor nature communing, instead of the indoor air-conditioned nature communing I have been doing, of late, due to the outer world being way too HOT.

So, it was to nearby Sikes Lake I drove to do some high-speed walking. Which would make the above photo documentation the view one sees looking south from under the Sikes Lake Pavilion. 

See that bridge in the middle of the photo, bridging over shrinking Sikes Lake. In the next photo we will be standing on that bridge, also looking south.

Those two spots you see in the middle of the photo, in the water, looked to me to be seagulls. Do seagulls venture so far inland? I suspect not. Maybe these were albino geese, if such a thing exists.

It is about 20 days til Fall arrives. I hope Fall's arrival brings with it significantly colder temperatures. The current 10-day forecast has us going over 100 degrees, each of those 10 days.

Relatively Chilly Nature Communing Shrinking Sikes Lake

For the first time in what seems like weeks, the outer world temperature chilled to a level comfortable enough for outdoor endorphin acquisition, instead of the stifling air-conditioned comfort of Walmart, WinCo, Target or Lowe's.

So, with the temperature barely in the 80s, under a totally cloudy sun-free sky, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for the first time in what seems like a long time, for some extremely pleasant communing with nature.

From the above photo documentation from the rocky east shore of Sikes Lake, looking west, one might think the ongoing drought has had no dire effect on this particular North Texas lake. One would be wrong to think that.

Above is what Sikes Lake looks like a short distance north of that view from the rocky east shore. I don't know why the duck flock hangs out at this part of the lake, instead of the part which currently does not look as if it is drying up.

Above and below, we are at the far north end of Sikes Lake, looking south. As you can see, mostly dried up.

With this section dried up for a long enough time for green vegetation to sprout.

Above I am heading back to my vehicular transport, standing on the middle of the bridge which takes one from one side of Sikes Lake to the other.

Possible precipitation was in the forecast today, along with the temperature only going to 99 degrees, as measured by the Fahrenheit method. I did not expect to see any rain, as of late rain predictions have not been close to being accurate.

But, I was barely back in my vehicle, windows rolled down, when big drops of wet started hitting the windshield, soon falling copiously enough that I rolled up the windows, and took the above photo.

The temperature is currently forecast to be back well over 100 for this weekend's Hotter 'N Hell 100 bike event.

Nature Communing At Parched Sikes Lake Thinking About Washington Wildfires

For the first time in several days, on this third day of the 2026 version of August, it was to an outdoor venue, instead of Walmart, I ventured to do my nature communing and endorphin acquiring.

That outdoor venue today was Sikes Lake.

The temperature was in the low 80s. The past two days we have not heated over 100 degrees. Starting today, and into the near future, each August day is predicted to get over 100 degrees, as measured by the Fahrenheit method.

As you can see, via the photo documentation of the view, looking south, from the north end of Sikes Lake, the lake is currently experiencing a water shortage. That is a line of geese on the sand bar created by the falling lake level.

So far, our lack of rain has not caused that which is green to turn brown, for the most part. 

Meanwhile, the longtime drought and parched conditions in my old home state of Washington has resulted in massive wildfires. The worst of which has forced the evacuation of over 60,000 Spokane residents, and has burned and destroyed hundreds of Spokane homes.

My longtime dear friend, Alice, has been reporting, via Facebook updates, her current condition in Tonasket. Tonasket is a small Eastern Washington town, north of Chelan and Wenatchee. Two days ago, Tonasket's law enforcement rolled through town with a loudspeaker informing Tonasketans that they were under a Level 2 Evacuation Warning. Level 2 means you need to be ready to evacuate, should the Level go to 3.

So far, Alice has seen a lot of smoke, and flames in the distance, but the fires have stayed out of Tonasket.

A Relatively Chilly Thursday Sunflower Hike Around Sikes Lake

The last couple 100 degree plus days my nature communing has taken place in the air-conditioned comfort of Walmart.

Today, the 4th Thursday of the 2026 version of July, with the temperature in the relatively chilly 80s, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for some salubrious outdoor nature communing and that activity's endorphin acquisition. 

In the photo documentation you are looking northwest from the eastern shore of Sikes Lake, looking through what I think is a patch of sunflowers.

According to the current forecast we will be having a lot of the coming days getting heated to over 100 degrees.

I no longer have cold tapwater. I have lukewarm tapwater. Actually, I think it feels warmer than lukewarm.

The swimming pool is too warm to make for a cooling dip. I half fill my bathtub with that lukewarm tapwater, which eventually cools to the air-conditioned temperature of 78, which makes for a cooling dip in the tub, which I did when I got back from Sikes Lake.

I am looking forward to Winter...

Sikes Lake Fishing With Grandpa

With the temperature in the 70s, heading to a relatively chilly predicted high of 90, on this second Tuesday of the 2026 version of July, it was to nearby Sikes Lake I ventured for some much-needed nature communing and its resulting endorphin dose.

The bucolic scene you see in the above photo documentation is from the bridge at the west end of Sikes Lake, looking at a grandpa fishing with his grandkids.

You cannot see it in the photo documentation, but the grandpa is holding up a fish he'd just caught, whilst a lady to his right took photos at the same time I was.

HOT July Saturday Nature Communing Around Sikes Lake

Another HOT July day at my north Texas location.

Before it got too HOT today, I opted to do my daily nature communing at nearby Sikes Lake.

Which would make the above photo documentation the view looking northwest from the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake.

A steady wind was blowing whilst I was nature communing. But not at the air-conditioning level I enjoyed yesterday whilst nature communing at Lake Wichita.

Thunderstorms are on the weather menu this afternoon.

With the current clear blue sky, I don't see that likely happening. Weather predicting at my location does not have a good record of accurately predicting.

So far the second Saturday of the 2026 version of July is being relatively pleasant.

Enjoying July 1 Hot Wind Chill Factor Hiking Sikes Lake

With the temperature in the relatively chilly mid-80s, on this first day of the 2026 version of July, it was to nearby Sikes Lake I ventured this morning for some salubrious endorphin acquisition gained via fast walking.

Which would make the above photo documentation the view to the southwest from the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake.

As you can see from the wave action on the lake the air was being a bit breezy, which made for a nice cooling effect.

Today we are not scheduled to go over 100 degrees, as measured by the Fahrenheit method, with the predicted high to being only 97 degrees. The past several days we have been heated to over the 100 degree mark.

The 4th of July is currently predicted to heat to over 100 at my location. The downtown Wichita Falls 4th of July Parade starts at 9 in the morning. Currently I am not feeling too eager to attend this, though I have rather enjoyed past times watching this parade.

Observing Fishermen Fishing On Windy Sikes Lake

On this second Monday of the 2026 version of June it was back to Sikes Lake I ventured for some sunny, humid, hot nature communing and that activities resulting endorphins.

Which would make the above photo documentation the view, looking southwest, from the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake.

As you can see, there is some wave action on the lake. One would have thought the waves would be much bigger due to the strong wind that was blowing.

I was joined by a large number of fellow endorphin seekers. That and several kids fishing. I have often seen fishermen fishing in this lake. But I have never seen a fish caught. I know the lake gets stocked a couple times a year. 

HOT Humid Sikes Lake Saturday

On this final Saturday of the 2026 version of May, it was back to Sikes Lake I ventured today, for the first time in a week or two or three, for some HOT humid nature communing.

The photo documentation is the view from the rocky shore of the east side of Sikes Lake, looking southwest.

There was some cooling wind action today, as evidenced by the ripple of waves on the lake. But, the cooling wind was not of sufficient strength to counteract the HOT humidity.

Thunderstorms are on the weather menu for this afternoon.

Windy Thursday At Sikes Lake Pushing Baby Strollers

 It was back to nearby Sikes Lake I ventured on this next to last Thursday of the 2026 version of April, for some windy, cloudy nature communing via fast walking and that activity's resulting mood-enhancing endorphins.

That would make the photo documentation the view looking south from the rocky east shore of Sikes Lake.

For some reason the weather today somehow seemed extremely conducive to causing way more people than the norm to be out joining me whilst nature communing.

And, just like I experienced a couple ago walking around Sikes Lake there were a large number of babies being rolled around the lake in strollers. Two of the baby pushers were operating two strollers. That looked a bit awkward. 

When I encountered the first baby pusher pushing two strollers, I offered to push one of them. I was thanked for the kind offer, but the mother said it was not problem easily pushing two strollers.

We are at that time of the year when the weather can be unpredictable. Today the unpredictable prediction is there is a chance of some severe storming in the form of thunderstorms, downpours and possible tornadoes. 

So far the only extreme weather today has been the wind gusts.

Pleasant Monday Sikes Lake Stroll With Beautiful Babes

On this next to last Monday of the 2026 version of April it was to nearby Sikes Lake I ventured for some much-needed salubrious nature communing and aerobic stimulation and that stimulation's resulting flood of endorphins.

As you can see it is a nice calm, almost totally clear blue-sky day. If I was on the west coast, looking east, I would likely think that which you see hovering about the lake, in the distance, to be a mountain range.

There are no mountain ranges to see at my current location, no matter what direction one looks.

That line of gray on the horizon is today's predicted wall of rain clouds making their way northeast.

Which would make the view from the rocky east shore of Sikes Lake to be looking southwest.

Dozens of other nature communers were enjoying the almost chilly, at 52 degrees, temperature, and the lack of any wind making it feel colder.

I counted seven babies being strolled around the lake as I did my nature communing.

Is it some law of nature that all babies look cute? That sure seems to be the case. I have been frequently making note of that of late.

Saturday Nature Communing Fishing Sikes Lake

On this second Saturday of the 2026 version of April, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for some cloudy nature communing.

Which would make the view in the photo documentation, the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake, looking southwest, at a lone fisherman fishing at the lake's edge.

Soon, after seeing that guy angling, I saw another guy with something hooked on his line giving quite a fight. I did not linger to see what, if anything, got caught.

At various times of the year Sikes Lake, and other Wichita Falls lakes, get stocked with trout and catfish.

Serious weather drama is on the menu for today and several days to follow. With predictions of heavy rain, hail, gusting winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes possible.

So far, today, nothing dramatic, weather-wise, has happened.

Chilly Windy Pre-Easter Saturday Storywalk Around Sikes Lake

Copious amounts of precipitation precipitated last night, along with a couple thunder booms.

So, on this first Saturday of the 2026 version of April, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured to enjoy the chilly wind whilst nature communing, along with a number of other nature communists.

Sufficient rain fell to raise Sikes Lake enough to activate the Sikes Lake Waterfall, also known as the Sikes Lake Dam Spillway, as you can see via the above photo documentation.

There was an odd thing happening at Sikes Lake today, which I had not seen previous years. An Easter themed odd thing, which you will see photo documented below.

Alongside the trail, all around Sikes Lake, there were installations like you see above, and below. The above Easter-themed image had a caption asking us to "Look at the disciples' faces. I wonder what they are thinking...."

I would think they may be thinking along the line of wondering what the meaning is of these colorful plastic eggs. 

 Apparently the above indicated I was at the end of something called "the Storywalk." This was at the bridge at the north end of the lake.

I do not know when this Storywalk took place, or if it is yet to take place. Or maybe it was taking place whilst I was lake walking without me realizing I was on a Storywalk.

Wichita Falls does not have a local newspaper even remotely coming close to managing to do even a mediocre job of covering local news, or events, such as this Storywalk around Sikes Lake.

Thunderstorm Rain Rises Sikes Lake & Sprouts Texas Wildflowers

The predicted thunderstorm arrived last night, a little later than predicted, beginning booming around the time Trump babbled his embarrassing primetime address to the nation. 

The thunderstorm dropped the most rain that has been dropped in quite some time. This rain rose the level of Sikes Lake, which was quite noticeable upon arriving at my nature communing destination this morning.

As you can see, via the view from the rocky east shore of Sikes Lake, looking southwest, some wind action is making for some wave action, and for pleasant walking conditions, which appeared to attract a larger than the norm number of fellow nature lovers.

The precipitation the past couple days appears to have triggered some wildflower spouting.

There were patches of pink evening primroses sprouting in the greenery all around the lake. Such does not quite rise to the colorful landscape I would be seeing right now if I were at my old home zone of the Skagit Valley, with its masses of tulips, daffodils, and other bloomers. 

However, the Texas wildflowers are natural, whilst the Skagit Valley fields of color are commercial bulb farms, planted by man, not by Mother Nature.

Whether natural or manmade, seeing a lot of color brightening the landscape is always a pleasant thing to see....

Sunny Hot Sunday Goosing Sikes Lake

 On this third day of Spring, the 4th Sunday of the 2026 version of March, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for some salubrious endorphin acquisition.

A nice breeze was blowing, making the 85 degrees, as measured by the Fahrenheit method, not feel too HOT.

The temperature predicted for today is 100 degrees. I suspect the high will end up being higher than 100, since yesterday's predicted high of 97 turned out to be 101.

In the above photo documentation, we are on the west side of the lake, looking southeast. That is a flock of geese lined up on that cement structure which spans the lake. I have no clue what the purpose of that cement structure is.

Or why those geese are lined up on it, instead of enjoying floating on the lake.

My old home zone of Washington state is having a record-breaking heat wave, along with the rest of the west coast. The heat wave is causing the snow pack to melt at a flood causing level. 

There is no snowpack anywhere near my current Texas location in danger of being melted by the current heatwave. 

Hot First Day Of Spring Sikes Lake Nature Communing

The temperature was almost 80 degrees, as measured by the Fahrenheit method, when I ventured to Sikes Lake for some pleasant nature communing, along with a surprisingly large number of fellow nature communers.

As you can see via the photo documentation of the view from the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake, looking southwest, it is a clear blue sky day, on what I think is the first day of the season known as Spring. But my wall calendar is telling me yesterday, March 19 was the day Spring arrived.

I must go Google now to find out, for sure, what season I am currently experiencing.

Well, according to Google my calendar is erroneous. The Vernal Equinox is happening today, March 20.

It seems like only a few weeks ago we were experiencing extreme Winter weather, with snow and a couple days with the temperature sub-zero. It seems like only a few weeks ago, because it was just a few weeks ago.

And now look at what our predicted high is two days from now, that being the day known as Sunday.

100 degrees in March just seems wrong. I suspect we are heading towards a record-breaking HOT summer. 

Windy Sunday Sikes Lake Nature Communing

On this third Sunday of the 2026 version of March, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured for some windy nature communing. Which would make the photo documentation the view looking southwest from the rocky eastern shore of Sikes Lake.

Today's weather forecast's most interesting prediction was for strong 50 mph winds to be blowing, starting around the time the sun arrived for its daily illumination duty.

As you can see, the lake is barely rippling, nowhere near having strong wind produce white capping waves.

This photo was taken at the start of my nature communing. A half hour later that predicted strong wind arrived in full gusto mode. I was at the parking lot when the wind began to gust. It did not cross my mind to walk back to the lake to possibly get a good wave photo.

The temperature high for today is predicted to hit 67 degrees as measured by the Fahrenheit method. And tonight the low is predicted to get below freezing, down to 29 degrees. I thought we were done with that chilly nonsense.

I have the A/C running right now. I suspect that will be switched to heating mode in a few hours.

Chilly Sunday Morning Not Swimming Or Boating On Sikes Lake

On this second Sunday of the 2026 version of March, it was to Sikes Lake I ventured this morning to get me some endorphins whilst enjoying some chilly nature communing under a clear blue sky.

The photo documentation is looking west from the east end of the lake. Looking at the Sike Lake dam through a fence with what seem to be odd signs.

Who would want to go swimming in this lake? I don't think it is very deep. And it's muddy. The sign next to the NO SWIMMING signs informs that there is to be NO BOATING, CANOEING OR KAYAKING WITHOUT UNIVERSITY APPROVAL.

In all the years I have been walking around Sikes Lake I have never seen anyone floating on the lake via any floating conveyance. So, either the University never gives approval. Or no one tries to get approved to float on Sikes Lake.

I got out of bed this morning at my regular time, despite it being an hour earlier than my norm, due to the annoying switch to Daylight Savings Time.

Chilly Wednesday Pink Purple Walk Around Sikes Lake

On this first Wednesday of the 2026 version of March, it was to nearby Sikes Lake I ventured for some chilly nature communing.

Such would make the above photo documentation the view looking south from the middle of the bridge at the north end of the lake.

As you can see, the sky is not blue today. Totally overcast, sort of foggy, with thunderstorming, downpours and hail on the weather menu for today.

Daylight Savings Time arrives this coming Sunday. Only two of my clocks currently require being manually adjusted, time-wise. 

With the arrival of Daylight Savings Time, the arrival of Spring comes along in a couple more weeks.

Today, at Sikes Lake, I saw a colorful harbinger of Spring, photo documented below.

I have zero clue what type tree this is which is sporting the colorful pinkish purplish flowers. Soon wildflowers should start sprouting, followed by trees turning green.

Texas is significantly more scenic when color returns to the landscape...