A Journal Left in Palo Duro Canyon Turned Into Something Unexpected

Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the US, is visited by thousands each year. Recently, one visitor named Benjamin left behind a piece of himself. Thoughts. Words. A journal.

An old, weathered picnic table sits across from the trail near the Hackberry restrooms. Wedged into the cracks of that table is a journal, waiting for Benjamin to return. A Facebook post on the Palo Duro Canyon page let visitors know the journal has been there for weeks.

Benjamin’s book… Your journal is still there! - Erica Romero

At some point, other visitors to PDC flipped through the pages. Soon, hello messages were left in the pages, along with encouraging words. Benjamin's Book has become a community guest book, tucked into the creases of that old picnic table. Travelers stopping to rest or eat flip through the pages, read everyone's words, then leave their own.

Will Benjamin ever return to find all these new words added to his thoughts? How long can this journal possibly last in the elements, especially the Texas Panhandle wind?

Why This Feels So “Panhandle”

In many places, something like this would disappear or end up in the trash. Here, it has stayed. No vandalism, no theft, just the encouragement of those who have found it and left it in place.

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We reached out to Palo Duro Canyon officials to ask what will become of Benjamin's Book. Will it continue to stay wedged in that picnic table, or will it be moved to the visitor center? Will this become something bigger than a lost journal?  Mysti Garvin with Palo Duro Canyon said that typically lost and found items get stored for a specific amount of time in hopes that the owners come back for it.

In this case, I found this journal and thought its owner might come back looking for it, so I left it

She also shared that there is something similar at the back of Little Fox Loop, which is called the "Beach Box," where hikers/bikers have signed, and it gets replaced when filled!

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In the meantime, Benjamin, where are you? Did you leave your journal there on purpose? Would you like to have your journal back, or will you leave it there and see what it turns into?

This could be the beginning of something beautiful.