Sunday morning seemed a good time for hiking. We revisited Palo Duro Canyon to try a couple of short, easy walks.
We arrived around 10 am and had reason to think about the wisdom of our decision.
Our first choice was the 2.1 miles Paseo Del Rio Trail. This trail was rated easy. This was the worst part of the trail. The real hazard were the cyclists who shared the road. They tended to ride too fast for the number of blind curves on the trail.
There were several points of interest on the trail. The first we encountered was this cowboy dugout, a temporary shelter.
The inside was just big enough for a fireplace, a couple of beds and a table with a couple of chairs.
The path wound alongside the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River which meanders across the bottom of the Canyon. The river flows there between the shrubs and the red rock.
Water was running a few inches deep at this time of year.
This mound of stones claims to cover the burial site of Shal A Ko, an ancient Indian who was born on the first day of rain after a long drought. The name means Rain Maker. The idea is to touch the stones and say his name to receive fortune and good health for the rest of your life.
A creepy crawler,
and that Creepy Guy again!
Returning from our hike we blasted the air while we drove back through the park. Out of curiosity, we drove around the Sagebrush Campground. The Park offers all kinds of camping from primitive to 50 amp/water and dump stations. This one was 50/30 amp and water. That double axle motor coach had no trouble negotiating the sharp curves and steep inclines from the Canyon rim to this campground. Duane said he didn't think he would want to pull the trailer down the 16 % curvy grade to get down there.
Our second hike was the 1/2 mile loop Pioneer Nature Trail. Since this easy trail was described at ok for children, we didn't take our water or walking sticks. Walking down the incline proved to be a further test for Duane's knees.
We went looking for horned lizards (horny toads), but struck out. We did find a lot of color and growth.
What goes down must go up, and up we went on the trail
and the road to home.
.Louise and Duane
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