Our Day at Palo Duro Canyon

Since Isaiah had to be at a work function for the good part of yesterday, he decided he wanted to go visit Palo Duro Canyon today for his birthday. He'd never been there and I hadn't been since I was a kid, so it was neat to go back for a visit. It's about a two-hour drive from our house, but we got up early, were on the road by 7:15 a.m. and on the Lighthouse Trail by 9:30 a.m..

Please let me start out by saying that it was hoooooooooooooooot. It wasn't too bad when we got started, but by the time we got back to the car at 12:45 p.m., it was 96 degrees! Thankfully we took a gallon of water with us for ourselves and the dogs, but we truthfully could have used a lot more than that. The trail wasn't a tough one, but it was so hot that we were just miserable by the end. What is it about heat that makes five miles feel like 20?!?!

Isaiah was very sweet to carry Murphy for a good part of the trail since he's a "city dog" (as Isaiah calls him) and is not used to the heat or the length of the trail. Tuggy had a good time but I think it was a bit much for him as well. I think we'll be looking for a shorter trail next time...or cooler weather! It was beautiful though and we took some good pictures.

Capitol Peak in the distance:

The Lighthouse formation:

Isaiah and the boys taking a much needed rest and water break in a shelter along the trail:

Cliffs with varied colors of different rock running through it:

The canyon from an overlook:

Check out my socklines from all the dirt we kicked up on the trail....yuck! It looks like a spray tan gone horribly wrong! :)

Anyway, we had a fun day together as a family and stopped for a late lunch in Plainview at Frisco's for some authentic burritos -- carne guisada, barbacoa and chile verde (maybe a little too authentic?) -- and some yo-yos, a pink Mexican pastry/cookie thing. The best news is, we're all clean again and the dogs are absolutely pooped so they've been on their best behavior this evening.

Later in the week, Isaiah's sister Amber and her two girls are coming to visit, along with our six-year old nephew Zeek, who is John's (Isaiah and Amber's brother) son. Zeek is visiting from Spokane for a few weeks and Amber is bringing the kiddos to spend several days with us here. Should be fun and we're looking forward to it! :)