We left the campground about 8 am for our visit to Carlsbad Caverns. No need to hurry to beat the heat, as the caverns are a cool 56 degrees. We had planned to walk down the natural entrance, rather than take the elevator down to the caverns.
However, it took us longer to get to the caverns than we thought. So we had to take the elevator, in order to be on time for out tour. We did a ranger guided tour of the Kings Palace, Queens Chamber and Papoose Room. This loop used to be on the self-guided path. Due to damage from visitors, they have made it ranger guided only.
The information from the ranger focused on the discovery and early mapping of the caverns by Jim White.
It was an interesting tour. After the ranger tour, we did the self guided routes through the rest of the Cavern. Then because we were too late to walk down the natural entrance, we decided to hike out :). It was a good workout, and did not take us nearly as long as we expected. After our hike, we headed back to the visitor's center for lunch. During lunch, this little guy came by and posed for a picture.
This painted bunting is a new bird for us. We were excited to see it, even if it was through the window. We are on our way back to Garden City for a few weeks at home base before heading back to Missouri for our RVW rally. See you down the road....
Have never been to Carlsbad so your pictures were great. I hate to hear that our parks have to go to extra work because some people can't be trusted not to mess things up. What's with them anyway?
ReplyDeleteAnd a Painted Bunting right outside your window is very cool.
Thanks for taking me along.
Been there twice and can't wait to go back. Next time, it'll be with the grandsons and we'll stay long enough to see the bats fly out at susnset.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that boneheads have damaged this great natural treasure and now you have to go with rangers. Grr!
Now is that sweet little one you're holding in your arms up there a Cavalier? I have one. Miss Gingee. And I love her to death! Well not to death but a lot. Levonne, A Camp Host's Meanderings: An RV Adventure
ReplyDeleteI think the caverns are just amazing. Hope to get back there some day.
ReplyDeleteI read your posts every day, and I wonder, is this all you're going to do every day for the rest of your life--just have fun? Geez, you could have stayed in St. Louis for that. (Seriously, it's great to keep track of you like this and know how happy you both are.)
ReplyDeleteTeri
What a great choice of hikes in this terrible heat wave!! I felt cooler just looking at the photos;o)) Carlsbad Caverns will now go on our TODOS list!
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels and Happy Trails....