Today we set out across the desert
to check out Carlsbad Caverns
We checked in at our appointed time
(thanks, COVID--
no really, it's nice nothing is crowded right now!)
and headed down to the amphitheater
(like I said, really not crowded)
and then we set off through the natural entrance of the cavern
How cool is this?
The light poured in at first
but as we descended the 750 feet,
it got really dark.
Until our eyes adjusted.
And wow are we glad they adjusted!
There were all sorts of tunnels to slip through
and things to see
We couldn't believe
how enormous the caverns were
There were so many different stalactite and stalagmite formations
and columns and popcorn...
room after room.
It was breathtaking.
Of the nearly 3 miles we hiked and explored,
this one was Mom's favorite--
they call it Fairyland
and she thought the 3 structures in the background
looked like 3 bearded gnomes
watching over the fairies.
There are usually hundreds of thousands of bats in the caverns.
You can watch them fly out at sunset
as they go to find their dinner.
But, unfortunately, they've all migrated south
and won't be back until late May.
Guess we'll just have to come back!
After our hike,
we filled out our Junior Ranger books
and headed in to meet Ross the Ranger
and get our badges.
We are a hiking family.
3 miles wasn't enough.
And there was a lot of park to explore.
So after lunch,
we headed out into the desert for a little more trekking.
This is Rattlesnake Canyon
Pretty cool, huh?
Well, at least it's cool right now
in the spring!
Still not much water--
Beck could lie in the riverbed!
We didn't go too far,
but after yesterday,
Jack and I weren't up for too many miles
Neither was Tucker.
Good thing Dad was there to help!
Not a bad desert hike!
Caverns and deserts,
5 miles of hiking
and 70 degree temps?
That makes for a pretty great day
and an even cooler night...
that's the full moon behind us!
Gotta love camping!
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