Our turnaround point of our all day ride Friday was Caprock Canyons State Park, and the reason we were here was
to see the Texas State Bison Herd.
At the Visitors' Center (notice how the strong wind is holding the flags straight out) we paid our entry fees and learned about the camping and hiking available in the park. We also learned
that at one time 30-60 million bison roamed the North American plains. From 1874-1878 during the "great slaughter", the great southern bison herd was practically eliminated. Estimates from the year 1888 verified that there were less than 1,000 head of bison left in North America. Towards the end of the slaughter, a handful of individual became concerned with the fate of the bison and began the task of saving them. One of these was Mary Ann Goodnight who urged her husband Charles (who established the Goodnight-Loving Trail) to capture some orphan calves in 1878. These bison calves were raised on the JA Ranch to form the nucleus of the Goodnight Herd which grew to over 200 head. After the deaths of the Goodnights, the herd dwindled to about 50. This is the herd referred to below. Since Texas Parks and Wildlife took over management of the herd, it now numbers around 100 scattered in small groups throughout the park's 15,313 acres.
At the visitors' center we also received our first look at the canyon. We were wowed at the beautiful bright red colors of the rocks.
Riding the short loop road through the park we passed the heard that was on the road earlier.
Visitors are warned to stay at least 50 yards away from the animals, but these two were on the edge of the road. Duane had to swerve to miss them. Mama turned to put herself in front of the baby.
A bit further along the road we encountered these little dudes and dudettes.
We sat for quite a while watching the antics of the "prairie dogs".
Rolling along the road one vista after another opened up.
We decided that Caprock beat Palo Duro Canyon with the beauty of its rock formations and the brightness of its colors,
especially the red rocks.
With its dips and curves the road would have been fun to ride even without its wonderful scenery.
On our way out we had to visit with the little guys and gals again. Can you really get enough of them?
You see this one?
This mama seems to have a few babies by the look of her belly.
We also stopped to see what this building had to offer and to get close-up view of the metal art.
We encountered this space alien! Apparently it thought the park worth a look too.
There was no building, just this covered scenic overlook with some info boards. A big surprise were these hundreds of swifts. At first we thought they were feeding their babies,
but decided instead that they were in the process of rebuilding the nests that were knocked down.
Outside we found the alien had gotten too close to a bison. He was a goner. RIP
A view of Lake Theo, down several feet from the recent drought. Campsites and picnic spots are scattered around the lake.
One last look at the bison,
and we exited the park for our ride home.
That also is another story.
Louise and Duane
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