Drive across America in the Red Subaru Turbo: Carlsbad Caverns and Guadlaupe Mountains

Today trip took us from Carlsbad NM to Las Creuces, NM via 200 miles of Texas. We were warned to get to Carlsbad Caverns early, as many times there are lots of children who yell to create echos in the caverns. That warning was enough to get us out of bed and packing the car early!

I was quite nervous about the caverns, given that I have some claustrophobia. I brought along my book about the Civil War nurse, and I thought that I could sit in the car, read, and eat a small bag of homemade gorp while Herb descended into the dark caves by himself.

The Visitors Center was a huge, contemporary, and open structure, overlooking an endless view. We asked the Ranger about claustrophobia possibilities down in the cave and he responded "Well, this place is ideal for claustrophobics! This underground cavern is so big that you could fly a jet plane into it!" (I'll be that he is asked that questions 20 times per day)

In 1914, a young local cowboy noticed swarms of bats flying out of the cave entrance and began exploring this underground wonder BY HIMSELF! So I thought that if HE could do it, I probably could as well!

Herb led the way, and down we went. There were warnings all over the place that if you had diabetes, heart disease, or bad knees that you'd better take the elevator. This could be treacherous and extremely dangerous. Herb reminded me that the signs were meant for unfit people and assured me that all would be fine.

On the way to the entrance for the cave, we passed the viewing area where people sit in the summer for the daily bat exodus. It starts daily in the late afternoon with a few bats fluttering out of the the natural entrance. Then, in a matter of minutes, a thick bat whilrlwind spirals out of the cave up into the darkening night sky. The exodus can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours. No cameras are allowed.

The bats have migrated to Mexico, but have left behind over 40 feet of bat guano which in the past, has been harvested and used for fertilizer.

Here goes Herb..........

You Tube shows us a much better view of the caves than Herb or I could do with our camera.

We spent two lovely cool hours (56 degrees always) and decided to walk back up to the Visitors Center where we were just in time for a Ranger talk on cave formations. Herb told me that the programs at the National Parks are always excellent. With our geezer passes (which you buy at any National Parks for $10.00) everything is free.

Ansel Adams did lots of photography in Carlsbad, but became discouraged with the lack of light which he needed for good photography, and the tendency for the visitors to treat the area as if they were in an amusement park. There were 20 or so of his black and white photographs displayed, and I thought they were stark and beautiful. Maybe Ansel Adams was too hard on himself!

We drove on to the Guadalupe Mountain National Park which has been described as "magnificent desolation" We had intended to hike there, but we were "toast" and just looked around.