Beautiful Lake Ray Roberts
A Place to Enjoy Wildlife and the Outdoors
By Bea Reames
As I drag my kayak over a grassy, dew-kissed field, slumbering dove are instantly alerted.  They take to flight with giggle-filled wings.  The water is peaceful as I slide my red kayak, Scarlet, into the calm waters.
Fishermen wading nearby frown in our direction, sure that fish will scurry at our presence.  Scarlet cleaves her way quickly away from the scene, leaving happy fishermen in her wake.  A great blue heron ignores us as he does his own morning fishing in a nearby isolated cove. Scarlet steers clear of the grey-blue feathered gentleman.  We paddle forward in search of adventure on the 30,000 acre state park.

Lake Ray Roberts is nestled between Sanger and Pilot Point, just ten miles East of I-35 on FM 455.  Its secluded location makes it a nature lover’s paradise.  Its abundance of campsites with grills, DORBA (Dallas Off Road Biking Association) bike trails, equestrian trails, hiking trails, and scenic views make it a fun-lover’s treasure.  And wireless internet (WIFI) capabilities provides ample entertainment for the techno-junkie or a green office for off-site workaholics.

Scarlet heads away from Isle Du Bois Park and points her bow toward Lantana Lodge. Sunlight twinkles like a brilliant fireworks display before me. Secluded away from big city lights, Lake Ray Roberts often hosts astronomers that delight in finding their own twinkling stars during stargazing parties!
	A sudden thud against the bottom of my kayak aims my eye toward the water surrounding me.  What monstrous leviathan will soon hold me in its grasp?  Slowly rising bubbles form the creature's introduction.  A turtle rises slowly from the depths and casts a gimlet eye upon me.  After casting a slow, stern, visual chastisement, she sinks back below the surface.

It may have been a slider or maybe a cooter.  Not being well-versed in “turtle-ology” (I was surprised to find a turtleology website, though I don’t think that’s what ecologists that study turtles are really called) I could not name the type of turtle that had visited me.

Onward to Lantana Lodge!  Visible in the distance, sitting atop its high ridge, was the grand lodge.   Its picturesque, beautifully landscaped terraces, and romantic gazebo beckoned us to visit.  Fifteen courtesy docks and a sandy beach invited us in.  With Scarlet safely tethered under a cedar oak tree, the kayak-fanatics ventured into Lantana Lodge for a delicious lunch at the Bronze Buffalo Grill and to explore our surroundings.

With a decidedly Western décor throughout its thirty room resort, the lodge often hosts weddings, reunions, and corporate events.  A ten-stall stable made equestrian travel easier for those traveling with whinnying companions.  A mere 60 minutes from the Metro-plex makes Lantana Lodge a jewel hidden away not too far from any urban doorstep.
With binoculars around our necks and paddles in hand again, we paddled lazily back to our starting point.  We’d seen water fowl, raccoons, deer, skunk and armadillos.  A kettle of vultures circled above us.  We hoped they didn’t know something that we had yet to discover!  A heated discussion of the difference between a vulture and a buzzard was silenced after a visit to the Turkey Vulture Society Website.
Head north and enjoy the many natural wonders and outdoor activities that Lake Ray Roberts has to offer!!
Bea Reames, nature and wildlife enthusiast, discovered the DFW Wildlife Coalition after some furry critters took up residence in her attic. In addition to writing, Bea enjoys gardening and is a member of the Denton Organic Gardening Society and the Native Plant Society. She lives just outside of Aubrey, Texas.