The Journey Continues: Another Adventure Awaits
It feels like just yesterday that Duke and I were loading up The Sandworm for our last outdoor adventure, yet here we are, gearing up for chapter three in our journey to take at least one trip a month this year. While our last trip was filled with trailblazing and new friendships, this time promises a different kind of adventure—one that will test our limits in unexpected ways. Whether it’s navigating new terrain or simply enjoying quiet moments by the fire, every adventure with Duke feels like the start of something new. The thrill of the unknown keeps us coming back for more.
Day 1: Setting Up in Strong Winds
After weeks of anticipation, Friday had finally arrived. The truck was packed, the cooler full, and our spirits high. It was time to hit the road.
Duke and I set out toward Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas. The temperature was perfect, but the 50 mph wind gusts made the first day a challenge. The drive was noisy, with The Sandworm constantly pushed around in the lane. Fortunately, the destination was only two hours away, making the struggle manageable. Setting up camp, however, was a different story.
When we arrived, our friends were already settled in, embracing the strong breeze as they watched me prepare to battle the wind. They knew the challenge I was about to face—setting up a tent in these conditions was no easy task. Thankfully, I had brought my smaller two-person tent instead of my usual six-person tent, which would have been a nightmare in the wind. After some struggle, I got the tent secured, using my truck as a wind blocker to prevent it from blowing away.
Once camp was set up, my friends I met on my previous trip invited me to grab dinner at a local restaurant. I hesitated, not wanting to leave Duke alone in the truck. But that’s the great thing about good friends—they called ahead to ask if Duke could join us. Their thoughtfulness meant a lot since Duke is my best friend, and I never like to leave him behind.
With Duke welcomed, we headed to Lugnutz, a neat little local eatery housed in an old tire shop. They let us eat on the patio, making for a fantastic dinner with friends. (Sorry about the spilled ice water, Zion!) If you ever find yourself near Big Brutus, Lugnutz is a must-visit. The Jalapeño Popper Burger was phenomenal, and you have to order the fried banana peppers as an appetizer!
After dinner, we returned to camp for the night. The winds made a campfire impossible, so we decided to turn in early. I repositioned my truck and tent to create a better windbreak, which helped a little. I didn’t set up a heater since it was warm enough with just a sleeping bag and Duke beside me. The tent held up through the night, though a few strong gusts made me nervous. Eventually, the wind died down around 3 AM, and I finally got some peaceful sleep—until 6 AM when the Boy Scouts decided to wake everyone up with their trumpets.
Day 2: Poker Run & Camp Fun
Despite the early wake-up call, stepping out of the tent to a crisp morning made it all worthwhile. Duke and I brewed some coffee and watched the sunrise—one of those simple, nostalgic moments that take me back to childhood mornings at my grandparents' house, surrounded by the smell of fresh coffee. Camping always seems to bring back memories like that.
After coffee, we took a walk to say hello to the friends we made at our last camp at Fidler’s Bend. We admired everyone’s camping setups before heading to the drivers' meeting for the poker run.
The poker run was a 90-mile route planned on OnX Offroad and hosted by my friends at Z.A.C. Outdoors. It featured five stops where we rolled dice to compete for prizes. We started at 9 AM and made it back to camp by 1 PM, taking our time to enjoy the scenery, chat, and soak in the adventure.
One of my favorite stops was the abandoned town of Picher, OK. The tragic history of this town makes it a fascinating place to explore. I plan to return soon to uncover more of its mysteries—abandoned mines, houses, streets, and remnants of a once-thriving community.
Our final stop was a train museum near the campsite, where we explored a retired steam engine and historic train cars. It was an awesome way to cap off the poker run, especially for a first-time participant like me.
Back at camp, the weather was perfect—a light breeze, hoodie weather, and clear skies. We gathered around a campfire, cracked open a local Oklahoma brew from Cabin Boys, and watched as the stage was set for the evening’s concert. We had the perfect view from our campsite, which Duke appreciated since he was worn out and ready to relax.
As the sun set, the band started playing, and the chili contest kicked off. I didn’t try the chili, but a neighboring camper shared some amazing street tacos. Between the food, music, and company, the atmosphere felt like a scene from a movie—people from different states coming together to share their love for camping.
That night was much colder than the previous one. I set up the diesel heater I borrowed, which worked great… until it didn’t. After getting too warm, I turned it off for a while, but when I tried restarting it, I got an error message. Duke and I spent the rest of the night bundled up, trying to stay warm. I barely slept, but we made it through until morning.
Day 3: Packing Up Camp
We woke up to a frosty morning. The tent, truck, and ground were frosted over. Duke’s water bowl was frozen solid, and the only warmth came from the lingering campfire smoke. We quickly got the fire going again to warm up before packing.
Duke hopped into the truck to avoid the cold ground while I packed up camp. Tents never go back into their bags as easily as they came, but somehow, I managed. With time to spare, I flew my drone to capture some aerial footage of everyone packing up after an unforgettable weekend.
Once my friends were ready, we said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways—Duke and I back to Oklahoma, and the others back to Arkansas. The drive home felt much faster, probably because of exhaustion… or the looming thought of Monday.
When we arrived home, we didn’t even bother unpacking. I went straight for the shower and crashed in bed for a much-needed nap. Duke, exhausted as well, curled up beside me. I also missed my other dogs, Marshall, and Ollie, who wasted no time joining me. It was the perfect, cozy end to an incredible weekend.
Final Thoughts
Big Brutus wasn’t my usual kind of camping trip, but it was an unforgettable experience. There weren’t any crazy off-road trails or secluded campsites, but what mattered most was there: Duke, good friends, and a campfire. This trip was more about events than trails—a refreshing change of pace with scenic dirt roads, historical landmarks, great local food, and an evening filled with live music and friendship.
The end of a trip is always bittersweet, but the year has just begun. Plenty of adventures still await.
Until next time—a man and his dog.