PALO DURO TX TO OKLAHOMA CITY OK

We spent the next 3 days here in Palo Duran Canyon which is the second largest canyon in the USA (Grand Canyon being the first which we visited 3 years ago as part of another road trip). Sooooooooooo glad we did as it is stunningly beautiful …. Far more accessible in size than the Grand Canyon, we stayed at the furthest most campsite which was replete with howling coyotes, wild turkeys and completely insane Red Cardinal Birds ( who tried to peck their way into our RV).

It was here that we had our first encounter with Texas Law Enforcement …. have to say that it was by far the most pleasant run in with the law that we have ever had. There was a question as to whether we were in the right spot but he was SO polite … thank you sir, thank you for your patience sir, appreciated sir, etc ….. having said that, Emma and I were ever so slightly mellow having celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary so we weren’t looking for an argument (especially with someone carrying a gun and wearing mirror sunglasses).

We did the signature Lighthouse trail which was lovely ….. very different landscape in the canyon to that on the plains but you need plenty of water …. the park recommends at least 1 gallon per person and we have to say that we would agree with that (usually we find park recommendations excessive)…..

Headed off from Palo Duro quite early (well … ish) to drive through Amarillo ( but got side tracked by a major shop at Walmart ). Did not stop at Amarillo as it appeared to be an unexciting and uninteresting city. Headed on through the panhandle of Texas into Oklahoma passing some pretty but depressed Route 66 towns.

On the Interstate, however, we saw loads of road kill …. Coyote, Elk (we think) and, rather bizarrely .. loads of Armadillos.

The best of the Route 66 towns was El Reno which was completely deserted and full of closed down businesses which was a shame as they had loads of lovely building dating back to 1902. Weirdly, when we got to Oklahoma City they seemed to be promoting El Reno as a tourist destination ….. obviously not working as well as it could..