Headed to the Texas Panhandle.

We have driven by the Palo Duro Canyon State Park many times on trips to and from Colorado over the last 25+ years.

This week we took a little road trip to go see it. Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. It’s located in the high plains of North Texas; the Llano Estacado. The elevation at the rim is about 3500’ and the floor of the canyon lies about 800’ below. It is called “the Grand Canyon of Texas” and the steep, layered rock walls sure echo those of its namesake.

We took the 8-hour drive up and stayed in a cabin on the floor of the canyon that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The park is stunningly beautiful. Being in the heart of nature for a couple of days was unforgettable.

The visitor center provided a nice introduction to the geology and history of the canyon.

And oh the stars! We sat outside for hours watching the sky.

On the way home we made an overnight stop in Lubbock. We enjoy visiting the McPherson Cellars tasting room whenever we are in the neighborhood. We can always find another couple there to talk with over a glass of wine.

We stopped in lots of tiny Texas towns to check out their antique stores, historic county courthouses, and Main Street cafes.

Home sweet home now – ‘til the next road trip.