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Palo Duro Canyon--Days 8 - 10

Tent site at Palo Duro.
       Well, lucky for us the cool weather held out for our entire trip. Our first thing to do in Palo Duro was to tour the camp grounds. This camp ground is the 2nd largest in Texas, the first being Big Bend. There is a gas station, restaurant, and store on the premises. We went and enjoyed some homemade ice cream. The next hour was spent driving to the end of the camp grounds and back. They have 5 flash flood spots and because of all the rain, every single one had water on the road. They were passable still though. Oh, the canyon also has its own horse stables.

It was really cold and rainy.


We wrote Walters.

 The next day we headed a short way up the highway to Amarillo. We did what all tourist do. We stopped to take pictures at Cadillac Ranch. Now remember, it was 10:30 am but about 60 degrees and misting. The pictures do NOT show the kids whining about being cold and wanting their jackets. Sorry, we had limited room for packing and after taking off their long johns that I did pack I really didn't think there would be even a remote need for winter wear. I mean it is June in west Texas! Our trip to Cadillac Ranch lasted about 20 minutes and then we were on our way to visit one of the 12 state travel agencies in Texas, to gather brochures to plan future trips. The highlight of our day, maybe even the trip, were tickets to the musical Texas. THE KIDS LOVED IT! We did the chuck wagon dinner beforehand and had a wonderful time.  T even stayed up and was completely into the show. It was not over until 11pm.
         The next day was my most proud day of our trip. The kids, including T, hiked 3 miles in and scaled a fairly steep mountain, in order to see the famous lighthouse formation. The trip down the mountain was a little scary and VERY slow, but everyone made it without injury. L had worse scars from a fall on the way to the shower a few days before. T hiked about 1 mile back, but then D put  him on his shoulders for the last two. In all, my kids hiked 6 miles in about 3 hours. I am so proud. They were by far the youngest to make it up the mountain.


12:30 on June 8 in Amarillo and it was 68!

We did it!


My little mountain goats heading down.

      On our way home, we drove about an hour out of the way to Groom and it was totally worth it. Groom has a 190 ft tall and 110 ft wide cross that you can see miles before you get there. Once you get there you also get to see life size statues depicting the scenes of Jesus's life through the crucifixion. It was surreal.
      Overall, we had the best time and not only survived almost 2 weeks of tent camping, but also surprisingly enjoyed it. I am already planning our next adventure.

Start to see the cross from the highway.

Getting closer.


D and L at the Last Supper.


On the way home, too much vacation!


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