CARLSBAD CAVERNS, NEW MEXICO
Ray drove from El Paso through the flat desert land across Texas as we headed back to New Mexico.  I took over the driving later in the day and had the pleasure of navigating the narrow winding road when we arrived at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the afternoon.  We rode the elevator down to the Big Room and did a quick look-see at the caverns and but decided to return the next day for the full treatment.

Next morning we drove back the winding road to the caverns, rented the CD audio tour and started the descent of the Natural Entrance--about 750 feet in one mile.  The walk description says. “This trail is steep and the walk strenuous...Not recommended for those with health problems involving the knees, back, heart, or lungs.”  What it should say is, “causes health problems involving the knees...”  I spent the afternoon icing both knees and feel like future walking will always be a challenge.  The bat entrance and the descent were a fascinating trip into the ethereal domains of the cave, so I guess the pain is okay.

After a brief respite, we started the Big Room tour, a two hour walking tour of the caverns which are the size of fourteen football fields.  Absolutely incredible!  Took lots of photos, some with the night vision features on the digital camera.  Unfortunately, the photos can't convey the true feeling of the caverns.