Dancing Across the USA 21 - Carlsbad Caverns

Avoiding the subject of the beetle infestation around our motel, we went out into the desert today. We saw an interesting little settlement on the road out to Carlsbad. Some rough living out here.

Bliss

The national park was impressive. Several different tours were available. We opted for a self-tour of the "Big Room." Way down in an elevator.

The Big Room.  Six football fields will fit in there

Inside the cavern it was cool & comfortable, big wide areas, totally paved walkways with handrails on both sides. Well lighted. Jan has passed judgement and states it's much better than Mammoth Caves was. It was quiet in there.

Remember, it's not a selfie if someone else takes it

This guy was about 30 feet high

We took the full 1.25 mile route around the Big Room, then rode back up in the elevator. At the top, Tom left Jan in the huge gift shop & cafe, while he took another self-tour down into the Natural Entrance. Almost straight down for 500 feet, then half a mile back to the elevators.  Walking back up, not an option.

Natural Entrance. Those switchbacks continued for another 500 feet straight down

Looking back up at the natural entrance from inside the cavern

Leaving the Caves, we decided to take the scenic route on a rocky desert road, a loop tour through dry, hot country.
Glad to get back on the main road back to town. The national park is the southernmost point on our trip.  We start heading north and west tomorrow. It only got to 102 today - definitely feeling the Burrrn!

Today's Travel Tunes

Poncho and Lefty-Townes Van Zandt
Riding Down the Canyon-Arlo Guthrie
I'll Follow the Sun-The Beatles
(for those of you who were expecting to see the song "I've Been Through the Desert on a Horse with No Name" today, forget it, don't even ask.  We hate that song)