Critiques

See latest news here

As we live in an area that is quite heavily populated by oak trees, we decided to apply for our affix with "OAK" in it. We were refused many times because of the similarity between existing affixes.

I "discovered" the canyon while doing a little research into Texas. Struck by it's name and meaning I decided that was the name I had been looking for as our affix. Application granted.

The Palo Duro canyon lies in N/west Texas and was first discovered by Europeans during the early exploration of the American interior. In actual fact it was the conquistadors, in their quest for gold and riches, that led them to this place. Lost in the wilderness they were saved by a native American who led them to the canyon, which was a haven of wildlife and river systems. Thus some of the men survived, to tell of their mis - adventure in their search for gold, little realising that the canyon itself was the treasure. Because of the abundance of mesquite, juniper and other hard woods they gave the name "PALO DURO" to the canyon. It simply means hard wood.

The canyon was "rediscovered" by settlers and pioneers to the American west, it's vast resources made it possible for these people to continue their journey.

During the latter part of the 19th, and the early part of the 20th century, the canyon was used as a cattle ranch.

To-day, part of the upper northern section of Palo Duro, is a Texan state park, covering almost 20,000 acres and host to thousands of visitors, and holiday makers yearly.

It is one hundred and twenty miles long and over twenty miles wide, and is thought to be the second largest canyon in the U.S.A. The Grand canyon being the largest.