A week of doing nothing but watching survival shows and camping videos on Youtube. I had an itch to go camping... baddd. After doing some research I decided to take a break at Palo Duro Canyon SP which is 6 hours and 30 minutes from North Dallas. No problem. I've always loved to drive. So it wasn't a big deal for me. Even though I was going by myself (I am that one crazy friend that everyone has)
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| A bad case of duck face. 2 more hours to destination. I got a bit frustrated and confused about my decision. | | |
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I was happy like a kid when I got to the entrance. The view was spectacular. Who knows Texas has the 2nd largest canyon in the United States? The charged a daily fee of 5 dollars/day. I was going to backpacking but since I've never done it. The lovely ranger suggested me not to . I thought she had a point. So I picked a tent campsite for 2 nights.
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| Playground for the weekend |
After checking out my site. I decided time for a little exploring. Since I got there a bit late. I went on a short hike instead, the Rojo Grande Trail, 2 miles round trip.
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| HOT |
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| I picked a spot on a hill to made lunch. |
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| I swear I am addicted to Nutella. |
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Lunch included Nutella with cracker sticks(?) and freeze dried
vegetarian curry. I wanted to do more hiking but had a CRAMP. What a
bummer. So I headed back.
Not much sleep on the first night. My neighbors were being too loud and too late. I slept in my car that night somewhere else more quiet.
I woke up early next morning to hike the Lighhouse Trail. One of the must do's there. The temperature was at mid 70's. Bring plenty of water, because the heat will catch up. There were mountain bikers, trail runners. I was the only one walking around that time.
Saw a snake. I could have died. LOL not really. The trail ends at 2.2 mile mark. To get to the peak, you will have to climb a pretty rugged path. It's not very hard to climb. Just be careful.
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| Lighthouse Peak. Can you spot a person up there? Thank to him I was able to get to the top. Spectacular view from above. |
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| It was a fun day. I was very proud of myself. |
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I had soup, fruits, hot chocolate for dinner. Time for bed. Around 12 midnight. The coyotes were howling so loud and so close. I was freaked out and played dead ( in my tent) . Oh my God, who does that? I grabbed a pocket knife, laid there not making a sound. I think I stopped breathing a couple of times. They stopped howling. But it wasn't a very good night either.
I packed up early in the morning heading to Caprock Canyon SP. It was sad to leave but I had a great time.
* People were super nice and friendly here. That's what natures do to ya :)
Palo
Duro Canyon is a great place for mountain bikers and hikers. The trails
are well maintenance. Nothing can beat the views of colorful rocks and
the beauty of their formations.
* I love Palo Duro. One day I will return to you!
