Carlsbad, NM

We arrived here at Brantley State Park on the 27^th and found a nice camping spot. Not to expensive and with electricity. Lovely view of a large lake that is the headwaters of the Pecos River. We have now been to the mouth of the Pecos and the headwaters. Arrived middle of the day and got our site and left the camper without setting it up. This campground has reserved and first-come, first-served sites. Since we did not have a reservation and were unsure how long we wanted to stay in this area we booked for two nites.

Then made a run back into Carlsbad(about 14 miles south of us) to the local Wal-mart for groceries, a long sleeve white shirt for me and a new pedometer for Joyce. We finally got the site set up around 4:30. BTW, we are now in the Mountain Daylight Time Zone.

On the 28^th we awoke to a very windy and chilly morning. Not the type of day you want to spend outdoors. So we decided that was the day to investigate the big hole, i.e. Carlsbad Caverns. We paid our fee, nothing for Golden Age cardholders, and headed for the natural entrance. We dropped 750 feet in 1.25 miles. Lots of interesting things to see. Finally made it down the the area where there are bathrooms, and eating area. Had some lunch and then a walk (1.25 miles) thru the Great Room. Words can not describe it. If you ever get the chance you should see this place. Joyce and I took tons of pictures. Some good, some you will never see.

Finished our walk and headed topside. The only way out is by elevator. Crowded but not bad. Ears popped a couple times. After that we headed west to the Guadelupe National Park to hike into a canyon we had heard about. Unfortunately, we arrived near gate closing and only had a little while to hike. Headed back home. We were exhausted, so ate dinner out.

Today, the 29^th, we did laundry, toured the Living Desert State Park on the outskirts of Carlsbad. Ate lunch and got a few more groceries. Back to camp and did very little the rest of the day. Suited me fine. For some reason I have been very tired the last couple of days, but do not believe it is health related. My blood sugars are good, averaging 100 over the last 14 days. Blood pressure is fine. 112/62. Maybe I am just having too much fun.