For the past 60 years, the old couple made a pilgrimage to Talihina to watch the changing of the autumn leaves. The tradition started the year they married. Too poor to take a real vacation, the happy couple packed their car with a picnic lunch and blanket, and drove three hours to shores of the Kiamichi River. Although their financial circumstances improved over the years, they continued to return every September.
Today’s banquet included fried chicken and homemade potato salad, and a special bottle of wine. As the couple enjoyed a second glass, a loud squeal echoed through the hills. Without warning, an ugly creature eight-foot tall with long, stringy black hair towered before them. Sharp, pointed teeth filled its mouth and its eyes were black as night.
Seeing the creature, the old man grabbed his chest.
“My God! You know better to sneak up. My old ticker isn’t what it used to be. Have a seat”
The old man pointed to the blanket.
The old woman handed the creature a glass of wine.
“We were wondering when you would show up. Our little excursion would not be the same without you. Hungry?”
Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge to write a 200-word story based on a photo prompt. A Mixed Bag provided this week’s challenging photo.
This week’s story combines a true Oklahoma tradition – the drive along the Talimena – with an Oklahoma urban legend. Here is more on a sighting of Bigfoot in Oklahoma.
Bigfoot – Talihina
Bigfoot stories have been a staple of southeast Oklahoma for decades. In fact, the heavily forested area is said to be one of the most active for Bigfoot sightings in the country. One of the first sightings occurred in 1970, when a group of local high school kids decided to cruise the foggy back roads near Talihina after an evening pep rally. They pulled over and one of the teenage boys wandered away from the group and into the edge of the surrounding forest. It was here that he caught a glimpse of what the locals later dubbed the “Green Hill Monster” of southeastern Oklahoma – a hideous creature several feet taller than a human and covered in long, matted hair.
The boy ran back to the car in fright and the group quickly sped away down the road that lead back to town. After they reported the sighting to the police, the local sheriff investigated the area. He found several dead deer in the vicinity and immediately forbid anyone from going into the woods at night for fear of an attack. The creature was never caught (http://www.travelok.com/article_page/oklahomas-spooky-urban-legends)
Redbuds and Roserocks 
I always associate Bigfoot with the Pacific Northwest. Didn’t know he’d gotten as far east and south as Oklahoma.
When I first moved to Oklahoma in 1975, I remember hearing on the news about some woman who was abducted by a creature. That and my first tornado season left a big impression me. In Arkansas, it is called the Fouke Monster for the town where it supposedly was seen. In Oklahoma, it is sometimes called the Boggy Creek monster. There was actually a movie about that one.
Seems every place has a similar legend then.
I love this story and the way their traditions included something no one else would believe or, if they did, want to be around.
Thank you. The story wrote its own ending, thank goodness because I had no idea where it was going.
That’s a great story Susan. I can see why they kept going back.
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments