To Carlsbad Caverns NP

Headed out to Carlsbad on Saturday.  Made a stop in Roswell to learn about all the alien conspiracy theories.  Nice little museum but glad I only paid $5 to get in!

Just north of Carsbad, the town, I ran across a Living Desert Zoo and Botanical park. Made a other stop and enjoyed seeing all the birds and animals.  There was even a live raptor show, so I stuck around for that. Very nice little park.

I found camping in the little town at the foot of the hills that lead to Carlsbad Caverns.  It was cold the first night, below freezing, but doubled up on my sleeping bags, put on my new warm pants I got for Xmas and was plenty cozy.

Got up early and even made some coffee to go with my breakfast.  I was up to the visited center early and got my tickets for the day.  No luck getting into the lantern tour, but did get on a tour that was ranger lead and took you through rooms more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.  

Over all the caverns are hands down the best I have ever seen.  There were more formations here than any other place I have ever been. Absolutely  stunning. The pictures don't do it justice.  Everything was larger than you can imagine.  What a wonderful place.  I actually ended up doing the tour twice.  After I was just about done the first time, I learned there was a hand held audio tour you could rent for $5. So I went and got one and headed back down. Very cool, and picked up some extra pictures while I was at it.  Thanks to the second tour, I ended up being one of the last people out.  A full day underground and I didn't turn into a mushroom 😊

Tomorrow  I will hike a bit in Slaughter Canyon to stretch my legs and work out any kinks. Just a couple of miles along a dry riverbed.  Then on to Guatelupe Mountains NP and finding a campsite.

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