Palo Pinto Mountains State Park

We got home by midafternoon after a really successful Day 2 of our trip. The day started around 8 AM when I pulled back the curtains in my room and saw sunshine and blue skies outside. It was looking perfect!

After checking in at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, we decided to try the Raptor Ridge Trail. It was a short, easy hike that wound gently through mesquite and juniper trees, with a smooth, gradual path leading up to several scenic overlooks above Russell Creek. It was just right for our group and took about an hour, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the views without wearing ourselves out.

By then, we were ready for lunch, so we headed over to Mary’s Café in Strawn, Texas. For a Monday, the place was absolutely packed, and Mary herself was right in the middle of everything. She was definitely a hands-on owner, working alongside her crew as they hustled to keep up with all the hungry customers.

Mary’s was exactly the kind of authentic West Texas family restaurant we were hoping to find, with good old-fashioned cowboy favorites like chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and plenty of other comfort food. And when I say the portions were enormous, I mean enormous! Needless to say, several of us couldn’t finish our meals and left with doggie bags for the ride home to Dallas.

All in all, it was a pretty perfect second day: beautiful weather, an easy hike, great views, and a very satisfying West Texas lunch.

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