Palo Duro

If there is anything I might return to Texas to visit, Palo Duro would be on that very short list.

It's NOT the Grand Canyon. You pretty much have to forget the Grand Canyon exists to appreciate the place. It's the Grand Canyon in HO scale. The geology is up close and personal.

The top layer is caliche, the bottom of an ancient ocean. Fossilized sea monster poop. It's waterproof and resists errosion. Except where it isn't and doesn't. That bottom is the new top. Above the caliche is the wasteland mortals call the Texas Panhandle.

Inside the canyon, temperatures run from 0 to 120F. My stay there never got above freezing. I’ve driven through the park when it was in the 100’s and would only stay if it was clothing optional. It ain't.

The canyon has it's own mouse. Endangered and protected, it will find your food.