Palo Duro Canyon

The second part of our weekend west was spent at Palo Duro Canyon. We originally wanted to visit the Grand Canyon (which we will make it to next time!), but with the flight prices going up and down, we lost our opportunity to get inexpensive flights, and we decided to make a short trip to the 2nd largest canyon in the United States. Cool, huh? Right here in Texas!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park--30 minutes outside of Amarillo, and everything is completely flat until it isn't. We went on several short hikes and climbed into a cave. I would recommend the Light House Trail for all visitors, but it is not for the faint-hearted hikers. For the first 2.7 miles I was wondering when it was going to get harder. At mile 2.7, you will reach a picnic bench. Then it becomes similar to the Goosebumps choose your own adventure (Give Yourself Goosebumps) series! Do ya'll remember those? We chose to go straight, which led to an almost ladder like rocky path that made me wish I had done more rock climbing back at Baylor. A harness would have been nice, but alas, no harnesses or be-layers in sight.

When we finally reached the top, we were greeted by 'the Lighthouse', which is the icon of Palo Duro Canyon. 

There were some crazy people who climbed all the way to the very very top, but I told Yung I was sitting my butt down and not moving until it was time to descend the mountain.

We noticed the majority of people going down a different path, and we decided to follow suit. I was relieved, because I had been dreading how I was going to propel myself down the cliff with no harness. This alternate (and I think more popular) route was very different. Steep, slippery, and very little rock anchors to hold on to. I didn't know what to do besides slide down butt first. It felt the safest. I am still flabbergasted by the people that were able to climb up and down the slopes. Most were at least 20 years older than we were and were just flying up and down the mountain. Is it the walking sticks that worked to their advantage? Do I need to work out my legs more? Or get over my fear of falling and slipping?!

I do know that I should finally invest in hiking shoes. It's time to retire the tennis shoes once and for all. And I should probably find something else to wear besides leggings to hike in too. They are just too comfy.

Life to dos.

Pictures, all compliments of Yung:

Check out part one at Wichita Mountains. 
xoxo, C

A Little Wichita Mountains

Last weekend, we decided to say good bye to the city and explore Wichita Mountains (Oklahoma) and Canyon (West Texas). Wichita Mountains is located near a quaint little town called Lawton. We spent the better part of the afternoon chasing after bison (we were really unsure if they were bison or buffalo) and hiking. We then somehow ended up in the most popular restaurant in town--Back Porch Draft House--(thanks Yelp!) --located across the street from a Dollar General--and were seated quickly at a table and beat the standing room only rush.

But yes. Wichita Mountains is worth checking out if you have a couple free hours. We enjoyed seeing the wild life and going on a short hike as well. They also have a fairly extensive visitor center/museum if ya feel like putting on your thinking caps :)

Next up: All the deets on Palo Duro Canyon.

xoxo, Connie