06/09/13 – Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Link to Frijole Ranch Facebook Pictures
Link to Carlsbad Caverns Facebook Pictures
After waking up this morning, we wanted a shower. Even though it was a bit cold outside, we decided to try out the Solar Shower and hung it up in a tree. It worked quite well, and we both were able to get ourselves clean with one fill of the shower. It was a bit gusty, so we shivered until we were dry.
After our shower, we went to the nearby Frijole Ranch. It was made in the 1800’s and is a little piece of paradise. We were practically the only ones there (only one other older couple there). We saw this briefly then headed on to Carlsbad Caverns!
We took a 9.5 mile offroad scenic drive through the park, and Molly discovered this weird looking plant. Anyone know what it is?
This is the walk-in trail for Carlsbad Caverns. It’s 1.2 miles just to get to the “big room”. We hiked in, but took an elevator back up, which was awesome because he turned off the lights and we could see all of the rock formations pass as we ascended! 800 feet of ascension in less than a minute.
Carlsbad Caverns was a real beautiful place. We opted to do the walk-in trail, which is a 1.2 mile long trail, just to get to the big room! It was an 800 foot elevation drop, full of switchbacks in the dark. The cave is lit by artificial light, which I didn’t think I would like. I am now converted – it was PERFECT. The lighting was enough to light up all of the formations and really make them stand out to the eye, without being overly obnoxious and overwhelmingly touristy feeling. It was just right – and the light conditions really allowed my camera to get some great shots!
Molly and I took the test to become Junior Rangers – we got a free patch for doing it. We are probably the only 25 and 23-year-olds to have done this. The Rangers said we were the “youngest of the older” Junior Rangers, which probably means we were the only ones doing it for other reasons than having a kid that wants to become one. I had to rock the paper hat, though.
We are currently at a McDonald’s in Carlsbad, trying to figure out where to camp for the night. I think we are leaning towards BLM lands, but they look pretty inaccessible to my Honda in the immediate Roswell area. Maybe Haystack Mountain. We will figure it out, though. At least now all of our devices are charged and the blog is updated!
After waking up this morning, we wanted a shower. Even though it was a bit cold outside, we decided to try out the Solar Shower and hung it up in a tree. It worked quite well, and we both were able to get ourselves clean with one fill of the shower. It was a bit gusty, so we shivered until we were dry.
After our shower, we went to the nearby Frijole Ranch. It was made in the 1800’s and is a little piece of paradise. We were practically the only ones there (only one other older couple there). We saw this briefly then headed on to Carlsbad Caverns!
We took a 9.5 mile offroad scenic drive through the park, and Molly discovered this weird looking plant. Anyone know what it is?
This is the walk-in trail for Carlsbad Caverns. It’s 1.2 miles just to get to the “big room”. We hiked in, but took an elevator back up, which was awesome because he turned off the lights and we could see all of the rock formations pass as we ascended! 800 feet of ascension in less than a minute.
Carlsbad Caverns was a real beautiful place. We opted to do the walk-in trail, which is a 1.2 mile long trail, just to get to the big room! It was an 800 foot elevation drop, full of switchbacks in the dark. The cave is lit by artificial light, which I didn’t think I would like. I am now converted – it was PERFECT. The lighting was enough to light up all of the formations and really make them stand out to the eye, without being overly obnoxious and overwhelmingly touristy feeling. It was just right – and the light conditions really allowed my camera to get some great shots!
Molly and I took the test to become Junior Rangers – we got a free patch for doing it. We are probably the only 25 and 23-year-olds to have done this. The Rangers said we were the “youngest of the older” Junior Rangers, which probably means we were the only ones doing it for other reasons than having a kid that wants to become one. I had to rock the paper hat, though.
We are currently at a McDonald’s in Carlsbad, trying to figure out where to camp for the night. I think we are leaning towards BLM lands, but they look pretty inaccessible to my Honda in the immediate Roswell area. Maybe Haystack Mountain. We will figure it out, though. At least now all of our devices are charged and the blog is updated!
4 thoughts on “06/09/13 – Carlsbad Caverns, NM”
Those pictures are incredible. Keep them coming so we can all live vicariously through you two
Molly’s face with the weird plant thingy is PRICELESS!! Haha!
Loved the sand dune pics looks like your walkimg on water lol I’m so jealous I want to do all of that you chose a great direction and look like you are really enjoying yourselves can’t wait to do that as well. Miss you guys and be safe!!
Thanks Michelle! That place really is beautiful – you have to check it out. It’s surprising how cheap a trip like this can be if you treat it like an extended camping trip (and try and make most meals). It’s almost cheaper than being at home and dealing with all of the little day-to-day expenses..those add up!