Several weekends a year, the National Park Service allows free entry into parks. This past weekend was a free weekend to kick off the summer season. John and I took advantage of this and went down to Carlsbad Caverns for the morning.
If you've never been to Carlsbad Caverns, I'd highly recommend a visit. Although not an easy place to get to (the closest major airport is El Paso and that's three hours away). I've been to several other caves, but nothing compares to the vastness that Carlsbad Caverns has to offer. Hard to describe, and photographs really doesn't do it justice. John didn't bring the camera this time, instead we decided on a leisurely walk from the Natural Entrance down into the caverns. For those who prefer a quicker route, you can take an elevator down, but if you have the time, it's an interesting walk.
You enter the caverns from the same location that the bats exit at dusk from April to October. During our hike down, there were no bats, only cave swallows flying about. It's a steep walk, and I must say I'm glad you take the elevator out these days. It would be a hell of a trek back up! The temperature in the cave is a constant 56 degrees year round, so quite welcome considering the heat outside.
There are many different formations inside, each different and beautiful in their own way. I've linked some of John's old photos from a trip several years ago for those of you who are interested. LINK: http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/jigsaw/NewMexico.html
There are several tours that you can take. You need advance reservations.
Go to the website: http://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/cave_tours.htm
We've been on a couple of them, and again, I recommend if you have the time, take the tours.
That's all for now...
Val & John
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