Weather: low 52 degrees, high 78 degrees, cloudy early, partly cloudy the rest of the day, windy
Carolyn didn't want to do anything today but stay at home. I decided to go to the Dinosaur Valley State Park, located a few miles outside of Glen Rose, and take some pictures of the dinosaur footprints. In addition, I wanted to walk some of the hiking trails, and spend some time enjoying the beauty of the area.
When I got to the park, I bought an annual pass that allows us to enter any state park free. We plan to spend more time touring the state's natural attractions, and the pass will allow us to save some money. I'm always looking for ways to save.
The park has much natural beauty, but it's primary attraction is dinosaur footprints found in the bed rock of the Paluxy River, which runs through the park. The footprints were found in the 1930s, and more footprints are found occasionally after heavy rains. Sadly, most, if not all, of the footprints are destined to be lost in time as erosion from water and silt, as well as freezing water in winter destroys these relics over 130 million years old.
At one time, dinosaur and human footprints were found together, but the human footprints were hoaxes. During the 1930s, some people in the area made money by cutting the tracks out of the rock and selling them. Many of the best specimens were taken to museums and universities all over the US. In an effort to save the remaining footprints, the area was brought under the protection of the state, and the state park was opened in 1972.
Here's some pictures of the footprints and the park.
The park also has hiking and biking trails, as well as approximately 50 RV camp sites. Horseback riding is allowed. It's a good place to spend a few quiet days.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Kingman, Arizona: The Heart Of Historic Route 66
Not all who wander are lost.
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