Sorry about the delay in blogging - the wifi connections for the past few nights have been really flaky - can't get photos downloaded without losing connection! And from everyone's comments, we know the photos are really enjoyed. Incidentally, on the photos, double-clicking on them blows them up, if you want more detail. More from January 27th: After our freezing night we traveled south to Carlsbad, via Roswell (aliens anyone?). Although initially it was very foggy, as you can see, our 20deg night produced some lovely scenery. Roswell is an interesting town, kind of felt as if half the town believed aliens and UFOs were their raison d'etre, the other half had moved on to bigger and better things. Big military establishment there. By now, although still in New Mexico, we are in the western edge of the Permian Basin - OIL! The scenery is very flat and dry, a number of small settlements dotting the landscape with collections of oil-related equipment, everyone drives trucks dragging trailers of dusty-looking equipment and we start to see 'nodding donkeys' (oil pumps) rather than cows, sheep or horses in the fields. When we reach Carlsbad, we find a larger version of the small settlements - a long main street with motels, trailer courts, shops, taverns interspersed with shuttered, ruined buildings. The oil business sure takes its toll. Our RV campground is mostly residential, with truck and RV registrations from all over - people travel all over to work in the oil fields.
Having checked in, we head south out of town to the Caverns. This is going to be a momentous occasion - as many know, Pat has been claustrophobic for years, so today could be interesting. The National Park Service manages the caverns, so our trusty senior pass gets us free entry. Eyes closed in the elevator, whooshing 750 down with the rock face whizzing by outside the glass wall.
Brief moment of panic and careering heart rate in the vestibule then total amazement as we step into the Big Cave and Fairyland.
For the next hour and a half, did not have time to feel claustrophobic inside such a large place, with so many beautiful, ornate and filigree wonders around us. The architects of the lighting system have very cleverly created just the right degree of light and dark, showing off the incredible shapes and providing the minimal light needed to move safely along the pathway. The main cavern rises hundreds of feet above us and extends thousands of feet from end to end. And no narrow passages to squeeze through. The only time uneasiness crept in was rounding a corner to find a large pile of very big rocks (not stalagmites and stalagtites) lying in the centre of the cavern, obviously fallen from the ceiling hundreds of feet above. In the centre of the cave are a number of pools, totally clear and
reflecting the awesome shapes around us. Frequently the natural formations take the form of curtains, with folds and swirls. The formation in the second cave photo is called The Fairy Theatre.
Having checked in, we head south out of town to the Caverns. This is going to be a momentous occasion - as many know, Pat has been claustrophobic for years, so today could be interesting. The National Park Service manages the caverns, so our trusty senior pass gets us free entry. Eyes closed in the elevator, whooshing 750 down with the rock face whizzing by outside the glass wall.
Brief moment of panic and careering heart rate in the vestibule then total amazement as we step into the Big Cave and Fairyland.For the next hour and a half, did not have time to feel claustrophobic inside such a large place, with so many beautiful, ornate and filigree wonders around us. The architects of the lighting system have very cleverly created just the right degree of light and dark, showing off the incredible shapes and providing the minimal light needed to move safely along the pathway. The main cavern rises hundreds of feet above us and extends thousands of feet from end to end. And no narrow passages to squeeze through. The only time uneasiness crept in was rounding a corner to find a large pile of very big rocks (not stalagmites and stalagtites) lying in the centre of the cavern, obviously fallen from the ceiling hundreds of feet above. In the centre of the cave are a number of pools, totally clear and
reflecting the awesome shapes around us. Frequently the natural formations take the form of curtains, with folds and swirls. The formation in the second cave photo is called The Fairy Theatre. After our return to the surface, we drive back down through the park. The canyon leading back to the main road is picturesque, with yellow and brown cliffs and rock faces, fields of varied cacti and other desert shrubs.
For anyone asking about the photos, 
we are sharing the photography. Actually we're both taking photos and then pick which ones to use. Fish was the author of the Santa Fe and cavern shots - he tends to get asked to take the shots of the really essential places. Most of the photos taken on the road, or of plants/vegetation are Pat's.
we are sharing the photography. Actually we're both taking photos and then pick which ones to use. Fish was the author of the Santa Fe and cavern shots - he tends to get asked to take the shots of the really essential places. Most of the photos taken on the road, or of plants/vegetation are Pat's. Overall plan at present is to make it to Dallas for the weekend, to catch up with friends, and then move quickly to Florida, to get several days of enjoying sun and warmth without too much travel, before meeting up with Dennis and Phyllis at Cape Canaveral, for the February 12th shuttle launch. Onward!
No comments:
Post a Comment