(photo by Shelley) A supercell storm passed over Palo Duro Canyon, but only gave way to a bit of wind and rain. This photo was taken near the Pioneer Amphitheater looking towards the north east near the campgrounds.Saturday 6/13/2009
We spent most of the day in Palo Duro Canyon yesterday. First we got up at dawn and headed to the canyon to meet friends and take the 5 mile hike to the Lighthouse. They hiked while I drove around the canyon taking shots of flowers, birds, etc. (I have a bad knee and couldn't make the long hike.).
We are shooting photos for a calendar the our TV station is going to use for a pledge premium for our Palo Duro Canyon production. The production is in conjunction with a Ken Burns series on the national parks which will be aired on PBS this fall.
The hike was tiring for Dale, Lynne and her husband Jay and we came home to rest and download the photos we had taken. Dale caputure some beautiful shots of the Lighthouse, Capitol Peak, Castle Peak, and others plus a stunning shot of a collard lizard sunning himself.
The park was full of hikers, cyclists, campers and even some on duty military men on manuevers (the canyon resembles the terrain of Afghanistan!) and other people like us (with fancier equipment) taking photos of our beautiful canyon.
It was such a "profitable" morning photo-wise that we got stoked to go down there again and so we packed a supper and headed back to the canyon at 5:oo p.m. to spend the evening down there. We grabbed sandwiches, wine coolers, salad, baked beans (from the friendly supermarket deli) and some bakery sugar cookies and headed back down to the canyon. Our yearly pass has already paid for itself.
On the way to the canyon, a weather alert came across the radio for Randall, and Armstrong Co. As we headed down closer to the canyon, the skies grew dark and it started to sprinkle. We wondered if the park would let us in, because the river down there is proned to flash flooding. However we had no problem getting in and the rain subsided as we went through the entrance gate.
The cloud systems over the canyon were beautiful and we stopped at the lookout, near the interpretive center to sit on the wall and watch the storm pass over the canyon to the south. We had hoped for a light show from the storm, which was spare. But the view was breath-taking.
The hike was tiring for Dale, Lynne and her husband Jay and we came home to rest and download the photos we had taken. Dale caputure some beautiful shots of the Lighthouse, Capitol Peak, Castle Peak, and others plus a stunning shot of a collard lizard sunning himself.
The park was full of hikers, cyclists, campers and even some on duty military men on manuevers (the canyon resembles the terrain of Afghanistan!) and other people like us (with fancier equipment) taking photos of our beautiful canyon.
It was such a "profitable" morning photo-wise that we got stoked to go down there again and so we packed a supper and headed back to the canyon at 5:oo p.m. to spend the evening down there. We grabbed sandwiches, wine coolers, salad, baked beans (from the friendly supermarket deli) and some bakery sugar cookies and headed back down to the canyon. Our yearly pass has already paid for itself.
On the way to the canyon, a weather alert came across the radio for Randall, and Armstrong Co. As we headed down closer to the canyon, the skies grew dark and it started to sprinkle. We wondered if the park would let us in, because the river down there is proned to flash flooding. However we had no problem getting in and the rain subsided as we went through the entrance gate.
The cloud systems over the canyon were beautiful and we stopped at the lookout, near the interpretive center to sit on the wall and watch the storm pass over the canyon to the south. We had hoped for a light show from the storm, which was spare. But the view was breath-taking.
(view from the wall of the interpretive center) Photo by ShelleyWe drove through the canyon and saw people lining up for the pre-show supper at "Texas!", the musical drama in the park. The camp grounds were full. About 6 pm we pulled into the Sunflower picnic area and found a shady spot to have our picnic supper and Mississippi kites soared overhead and deer grazed close by. At one point, a doe got curious about what we were doing and came over close to our picnic table and shared some the sugar cookies with us. She got as close as 8 feet away and seemed hungry and kept us from devouring the rest of the cookies.
As it grew closer to 8:30, we drove to the ampitheater to get some shots of the rim rider who appears over the top of the cliff above and waves the Texas flag signalling the start of the musical.
We vowed to come to the canyon to camp later this summer--perhaps at one of the cabins--and enjoy our pass to its fullest. We are so lucky to live less than 30 minutes from Texas' largest state park, (and most likely the most beautiful) which also happens to be the second largest canyon in the United States!
As it grew closer to 8:30, we drove to the ampitheater to get some shots of the rim rider who appears over the top of the cliff above and waves the Texas flag signalling the start of the musical.
We vowed to come to the canyon to camp later this summer--perhaps at one of the cabins--and enjoy our pass to its fullest. We are so lucky to live less than 30 minutes from Texas' largest state park, (and most likely the most beautiful) which also happens to be the second largest canyon in the United States!
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**** Dale's Take ****
At first it was tempting to stay in bed, but I was too anxious to actually go to The Lighthouse. After all, it is the iconic structure of Palo Duro State Park. I can't remember if I have ever taken a hike that far before. Wasn't sure how well I was going to take the 6-mile round trip, but I surprised myself. At least a half gallon of drinking water is required (1 gallon is recommended) to keep you out of trouble on the hike. One of the first structures we see as we start out trek is this "Hoodoo", as they call it. It's the pillar-like structure you see here. (This structure is not The Lighthouse.) The white streaks in the walls are gypsum.
Many people don't realize that there is such beauty in the panhandle. The trail to The Lighthouse is no different. Scenes like this are everywhere you look. Even on an overcast day, the colors are astounding. Here, The Lighthouse looms in the distance - still a couple of miles away.
As Shelley said above, a Collared Lizard was nice enough to pose for me for a few minutes. These guys are known for their ability to stand up on their hind legs and run like you or me. They do it to escape predators, and they look like a miniature T-Rex in the process.
As we get closer, Lynne stops to take a shot of our destination while her husband (Jay) takes in the beauty.
On the way UP to the lighthouse, we stopped and looked behind us. You can see the trail that brought us here in places, from the bottom left snaking around through the center of this photo. it goes around the wall on the right side of the floor, way off in the distance. (As with all the images here, click on it for a bigger view.)
Finally, we arrived at our objective! And it was breathtaking!
Later in the day when we returned to the canyon, we had a really nice picnic supper that Shelley worked up for us. We watched mule deer drift around close by, and even had one come within 6 or 8 feet of us as if she didn't have a care in the world. Mississippi Kites seemed to be everywhere, soaring above gracefully. At one time, there were three in an adjacent tree. (You can see more about them HERE in my bird blog.) Sadly, the close-up shots I got of a mule deer doe showed her to be a bit under-nourished - so I won't post it here. I don't know why she was so skinny, but she seemed to be healthy otherwise.
Right around sunset, the TEXAS! musical started in the usual way. A lone horseman rides the canyon rim high above to signal the start of the show. We could see it well from the park road.
We had one fantastic day! It's nice to have a place like this so close to home.BTW, here's proof that I actually made it to The Lighthouse. :)
(Photo taken by Lynne Groom.)--0O0--
Those should make some very good additions to your calendar. Love the storm over PDC. Good catch.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots dale, wish I had made the trip. The Collard Lizard reminds me of "Judge Crater" Shelley will tell you about it.
ReplyDeleteNext year, I will make that hike!!
ReplyDeleteYou would love it! It's gorgeous on that trail.
ReplyDelete