Coming to the Land of Enchantment has been an annual pilgrimage for many years now. I find so much inspiration and feeling of well being I fell in love with this place for many reasons. As a painter, of course, the landscape draws you in with the dramatic mountains and mesas, open prairies and boundless blue skies with clouds that hover in the air like magical puffs of air.

The trip started out pretty uneventful. I jokingly call it the “Cracker Barrel” tour. It helps to have a few freebies that you can pull into right off the highway. Another helpful source for free overnights is Harvest Host. For just a small annual fee you have access to thousands of places to stay overnight. Mostly on the lots of breweries, wineneries, farms, churchs and other private homes. There is no charge but it is nice to make a small purchase from a business or leave a thank you to the owner. Our first Harvest Host stay was in Oklahoma at the Angry Scottsman Brewing, an urban microbrewery, taproom, and beer garden in downtown OKC located at 704 W. Reno Ave. I had a great sampling of beer and pizza from a nearby restaurant as they do not serve food. Our little dog, Archie was very welcome to come inside.

Our first real campground experience was a new one. Palo Duro Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas was a beautiful experience. Location: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon TX (806) 488-2227. Gorgeous dramatic canyons and mountains. Spacious campsites, well stocked park store and very clean facilities with amenities.

I was able to paint one study while we were there. Would definitely like to return. Hopefully the relentless black flies will not be there. I was however, sad to learn of the history of this magnificent canyon.

HISTORY OF PALO DURO CANYON: Palo duro is Spanish for “hard wood” referring to the Rocky Mountain Juniper trees. For years the new settlers and Native American inhabitants that have lived in this area for thousands of years, have clashed. The last decisive battle of the Red River War, 1874-1875 was fought at Palo Duro Canyon. There were five encampments of Kiowa, Comanche and Cheyenne in the Canyon. They were desparately seeking to live out their way of life off of the reservations. Their hopes were shattered when the U.S. Cavalry, led by Colonel Ranald S. MacKenzie attacked at dawn, September 24, 1874. The poor natives did not stand a chance.

The men fought gallantly and the women and children fled up the canyon walls taking just a few belongings. The Cavalry mercilessly burned the teepees and all the winter food storage. The herd of horses, at least 1,400 were captured and driven to Tule Canyon. A few horses were kept but the remaining 1,100 were brutally shot. The Natives were left with no food or horses for the winter and their only recourse was to return on foot to the reservation in Fort Sill. This was truly the end of a traditional wal of life .

The subjugation and near extermination of the Native American People is a scar on our history. Of course, there were atrocities committed on both sides but it is hard to understand why the Western expansion had to be so violent.

In modern day, sadly, we see history being repeated in the Ukraine with the Russian agression and in the Middle East with the Israel/Palestine war going on right now.

If only we could learn to live together and to live in peace. That is my wish for the future of my grandchildren.