New Mexico



We've been moving slowly West and as I write this, we are in Carlsbad, NM.....  Our last two nights in Texas were at Lake Colorado City State Park, near Colorado, Texas.. The park is pretty remote and has a lake that was in need of water.  The boat ramps were closed and the large campground was nearly empty - besides us, there where only two other campsites occupied.

Lake Colorado City State Park, Colorado City, Texas

A short hike at Lake Colorado City State Park
 

Our friend Olivia & June standing in a field of the Texas state flower Bluebonnets.   Olivia & Fred live in Waxahachie, TX.   Fred was ill from Chemo treatments and couldn't visit.  We spent the day with Olivia and has a really nice visit.

We saw a lot of these oil pumps across Texas and into New Mexico

Getting ready to hike a trail at Guadalupe Mountains National Park - about 100 miles from El Paso.  We drove here from Carlsbad, NM - about 60 miles.

We have the Federal pass for seniors which cost $10 for a lifetime pass.  It gets us free admission to all National Parks and other federally owned lands, and half-price camping too.  We've saved a bundle over last three years with this pass.

Gualdalupe Peak

Cactus Bloom

The ruin below is what is left of the Pinery Station mail station that was open only one year in 1800's

Resting a bit on our hike in Guadalupe Nat', Park.  Very high winds today - temps about 80

The following day, Monday, we visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  Took the tour of the caverns and a 10 mile desert drive thru the park.  Another dry day with winds, but as strong as our day in Guadalupe Mountains.

 

 



This is the cavern entrance. This steep walkway continues to wind down over 750 ft. to the main cavern.



 

It's hard to get a picture that shows the enormous cavern.  There are literally thousands of Stalactites and Stalagmites. This is named Lions Tail. 

 



Captured these pics with no flash... The flash pics don't pick up as much.

 

 

 

Imagine the earliest cave explorers, possibly thousands of years ago, when they came upon this paved path with the stainless steel railings ..... Must have been quite an amazing conversation (or grunt fest) around the campfire that night!


After the Carlsbad Caverns self guided tour, we ventured off road and took the 10 mile loop thru the park canyon.

 

 

 

 

 

 Travelers thru the area used these small caves for protection from the elements and probably wild life and enemies.