Photography: South of Trosper Park

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If you understand walking through life by your heart, no one has to explain. I felt drawn to go back and revisit an area between Cherry and Crooked Oak Creeks. My heart told me there would be some rich imagery there, plus some on the way both directions. First up is the site of an apartment complex that was properly cleaned up. This happens to look down toward Crooked Oak Creek. In the foreground the exposed soil shows the belated removal of a large concrete parking area. Second is a skyline shot of OKC overlooking a pipe yard. Third is an old garden shed near the Grand Boulevard Bike Trail.

Grand Boulevard actually splits the original Trosper Park. On the south side is an undeveloped woodland featuring horse trails. So you should not be surprised to find a riding club along with several private stables. Some are in pretty rough shape. The image on the right includes several kennels between some old stables. The horses stirred and came out to gaze at me when the dogs started barking.

There are a lot vacant houses out in that area, as well. One thing I never expected to see in this neighborhood was a Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. It tells me something about the oldest residents still living out here. Most of the places were neat, but showed a character that wasn’t exactly your average suburban Americans. This ancient vine-covered shed and garage were standing on the street side of the property and facing inward (image right). From what I could see through the gaps in the privacy fence, it was still in use.

Of course, there is always at least one abandoned house still standing in most neighborhoods. But the Syro-Malabar church was not the only religious surprise. Would you believe there is a Salvation Army worship center out here on SE 44th Street? Would you believe right across the street is a very large Buddhist Temple and gardens? The outdoor shrine has seen improvements over the years. This place has been around for a very long time. They once had a majestic gate entrance, but at some point reworked the driveway because of some kind of code enforcement about alignment with cross streets and such. The elaborate gate was left standing where it was, I suppose because of the high investment. It seems to me that Buddhists have this thing about not discarding something that they once lavished with attention and offerings. On one corner of their extensive property is this old house; you can’t read the sign because of the angle of the sun, but it’s impossible to see the place from any other angle with all the vegetation. This is their original facility, obviously a former house that was already there. They added quite a bit on the rear. Older homes are common out here (image above left).

Also common out here, as previously noted, is all sorts of petroleum drilling industries. This monster rig is visible all over the area, sitting in an equipment sales yard. This thing is all painted up and for sale; they actually move these massive beasts around on our roads.

A really good visual pun is this dead end barrier; beyond the fence is a graveyard. As I rode back through parts of Del City on my way home, I was reminded of how much had changed when I first saw this place back in 1973. I would have to ask around what was in this ancient warehouse, but I’m pretty sure someone remembers. Given the sun was still at an angle behind, it was a tricky thing getting this shaded face without glare, but the backside is covered by trees. At any rate, the perspective is a little odd from that angle.

Good workout because the temperatures are just about 66°F (19C).