Day 7 Carlsbad

May 9, 2013

After hiking out of Guadalupe Mountains, we made our way to Carlsbad Caverns, our second national park (thank you Kevin and Lindsay for the National Park Pass). These caverns, although not the deepest, longest or biggest caverns discovered, are super impressive. The stalagmites, stalactites, columns, drapery and popcorn formations are too cool for words. It is a constant 59 degrees down there no matter what is going on at the surface. It is “alive” with water still dripping, making new formations.

We entered through the natural entrance, a 1.25 mile steep trail with lots of switchbacks, which was slow given our seriously sore muscles from our 11 mile Guadalupe Mountains hike we just finished. Near this entrance is also home to a large group of Mexican free tailed bats who live here most of the year and fly out each night to eat their fill of insects.

An example of huge columns, where the stalagmites and stalactites meet.

These are popcorn formations, it looks like coral reefs to us.

The big room, over 8 acres in size. It is hard to realize the scale of enormity down here.

More cool stuff, “drapery formations” hanging from the ceiling. The park now includes over 46,766 acres and over 100 other caves. It is truly an impressive place if you are ever in southeastern New Mexico.

After a MUCH needed shower at the lovely Days Inn in Carlsbad, we got to visit my cousin Ashley, her husband Chris, their two children, Easton and Eleanor. Also my cousin Stephanie and her daughter, Josie happened to be there visiting, what a nice surprise! Ashley, Stephanie and the kiddos just got back after driving all night from Phoenix this morning at 5am and still hosted us for dinner. Whew! Thank you so much.

Sweet Eleanor, she has a great smile and really loves to be in her momma’s arms!

Easton has all sorts of energy, whether its chasing the cat or hitting a ball with his bat or playing jungle gym with Josie, he is always up to something!

Chris instructing Josie how to drive the 4x4 kid mobile as she comes barreling full throttle through the pecan tree grove into the backyard and up to the house. Stephanie about had a heart attack and the rest of us just cracked up!

Josie, Stephanie, Me, Ducky (the 20+ lb cat), Ashley, Eleanor and Easton

Chris, Easton, Ryan and Josie. Thanks for a super visit in the middle of house construction and after a all night 10 hour drive from Phoenix!

Total Miles: 82 (probably a new low)
Gas $: nada