Dancing Across the USA 20 - Roswell

During the morning, we traveled the flat, straight roads of West Texas. We went through the town of Brownfield - gee, wonder how it got it's name. West Texas oil rigs, also known as grasshoppers, were the only interesting things we saw.



Over the very unremarkable border into New Mexico, not even a "Welcome" sign. We resisted taking a side trip to Bottomless Lake State Park.  We weren't sure if the name was a comment on the lake's depth, or a clothing requirement.

The town of Roswell has a very good UFO Museum and Research Center. Lots of documentation about what residents saw back in 1947 and the Army cover-up that happened as a result. Suggest that they beef up their retail efforts next door. Junior alien autopsy kits would sell.

Doctor (r), Dead Alien, Harvard Expert (l)

Down the road to Carlsbad and the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Terrific 1.3 mile walk through the Chihuahuan desert to view the native flora and fauna, except that it was about 98 degrees out there, a bit warm for Oregonians.

Cactii

Tatonka

Inside the reptile house, lots of very shy snakes, but a gorgeous carpet/tapestry.



Cooling it now.

Today's Travel Tunes:

Talking Dust Bowl-Woody Guthrie
The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends-Robert Earl Keene
I'm an Old Cowhand-Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks (featuring the Lickettes)
Mr. Spaceman-The Byrds