This Texas State Park, Caprock Canyons, has been a real surprise. We didn't expect such dramatic scenery in the Panhandle (is Panhandle a little like "South County" in Rhode Island?) of Texas where we thought it was just flat prairie.
Despite a wet weather forecast for today, after the morning clouds burned off about 11 a.m., the sky was blue and the temperature in the upper 60s. There are some great trails in the park so after stopping in the Visitor Center to get advice on which trail to take.
We headed for the Canyon Loop Trail (1.32 mi., rated moderate), the first part of a trail system that included the Upper Canyon Trail (4.48 mi., rated challenging).
Off we go.
Even though the rain had stopped, the park had received over an inch of rain and the trail surface was muddy. Every time we took a step we added about 5 lbs. to the bottom of our boots. We had to try to pick our way and find the dry spots.
Up and over a small pass.
This "hoodoo" formation is called "The Last Dance" because it resembles a couple in a dance-like pose.
At the far tip of the Upper Canyon Trail is a formation called "Fern Cave". Natural springs have created the ideal habitat for ferns growing along a canyon overhang. We stopped and ate our lunch here.
After climbing up and over a ridge, we were in the bottom of another canyon. There was a stream bed with a small amount of water that squiggled through the canyon. This scenery reminded us a bit of Bryce National Park.
We liked this prow of a formation. It reminded us of the Public Safety Building in Providence.
On the way back to the campground we had just passed this sign when...
a group of about 20 cows came into view. We had been told in the Visitor Center that it was calving time and we might see some new babies.
This group had several calves - some tan and some dark brown.
Caprock Canyons also has a Prairie Dog Town. It is between our campsite and the bathrooms.
Every time we walk over to the bathrooms we are greeted by some sharp "barks" and whistles.
They stand up on the edge of their burrows, bark, and flick their tail. So cute.
No comments:
Post a Comment