Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Next Stop: Carlsbad

When we realized that we some time off, we decided to go camping.  As the time neared, we watched the weather forecasts and saw the forecasts for crazy record-breaking heat coming to the southwest.  I'm pretty hardcore and don't require much pampering.  Even still, camping in 110* heat just isn't my cup of tea.  So we decided to escape the heat by going underground.  Deep underground.  Like 750' underground.

We arrived in Carlsbad fairly late in the afternoon so going into the caverns were out of the question for that day.  But we decided to go to the park and get a game plan for the following day.  Smart move!  We got some great advice from the man working the desk and purchased our tickets for the ranger tour.  The ranger tours sell out very quickly on summer holiday weekends!

The visitor center overlooks the Permian Basin.  The Permian Basin was once a shallow sea and was the final resting place of a great many things that eventually turned into black gold.  I have driven through the basin on many occasions but have never really been able to see the geologic features that make it a basin.  It just seemed really flat (and dotted with oil rigs).  But seeing it from above, you can picture it.

The views were hindered by blowing dust and smoke from forest fires but still a cool view.

7 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I have never been there. It sounds amazing.

Snooty Primadona said...

I ALWAYS used to get lost driving to Carlsbad (before GPS) but the kids (and 2 of their friends) & I always had so much fun. We've been 5 times there & the same with Longhorn Caverns (down by Llano & Burnet). I'm so glad you're getting to see all of the sights in the Permian Basin!

Another area you might like is Balmorhea State Park & then travel on down to Fort Davis, Alpine & Marathon. Then, there is also the Monahans Sandhills, which are a blast, but call me if you go there, 'cause I'm going too!

George said...

You were very wise to go underground in all the heat. I look forward to pictures from the cavern. I've been told it's beautiful.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great idea ---of escaping the heat and heading underground... Love that idea --and glad you got your tickets ahead of time for the tour.... Can't wait to hear more about your 'tour'...
Hugs,
Betsy

Mental P Mama said...

I live so vicariously through you all. How's the patient??

Busy Bee Suz said...

How fun for you both! I DO love your adventures.
XOXO

Ercotravels said...

Wow, wonderful informative article! I had never heard about Carlsbad caverns national park. thanks for sharing.