DAY FOUR
So, we had an early breakfast and packed the car to head to New Mexico and visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. We drove and drove while Brandt slept and slept. It was perfect symbiosis. We had the chance to just be two married people having a talk in the car...and enjoying each other's company. It was bliss. Not to mention the scenic drive as pictured below.
We drove right by Guadalupe Mountains National Park...you actually drive through the park on the way to Carlsbad. It was truly breathtaking. We stopped by on the way back through to go "home," but the hikes were hours long and I had had enough baby carrying for the day. hehe
Then, we got to the caverns. We decided to forego the hike from the natural entrance that would have taken us an hour and a half. *shudder* We happily climbed onto the elevator and made the descent down. haha
We were greatly rewarded....just look at these pictures.
Words could never do this place justice. Seriously. It is so humbling and amazing. Truly God's marvelous work. When you walk in, the room is enormous....I would guess the ceiling is about 500 feet above. And you walk the lighted, railed path for a mile and a half through the cave. It is unbelievable. The beauty and intricacies are breathtaking.
I carried this little dude in a baby carrier the entire time and I got my workout! It was pretty chilly down there, so I was glad to have dressed him in long sleeves and pants. His little hands were so cold by the time we were done. He just rode along quietly. Until he discovered his echo. And not just any echo...the echo of a HUGE room inside of a mountain. Luckily, we were just about done because we had to walk quickly out to keep him from disturbing all the other sightseeers. hehe
I am so glad that we made the trip, even though the drive was long. It was well worth it. A memory I will never forget. :)
We headed back to El Paso and had to run Andy's little treat he took with him back to McGregor. *grins*
Then, we just ate at Chili's because we were exhausted. I did have a delicious pomegranate margarita...but, stopped at one or else I would have fallen asleep sitting at the dinner table. haha Then, we went back to the hotel to crash. We were thoroughly wore out.
It was a wonderful day!! I am so glad that I got to visit one of my first National Parks out of Florida with my sweet hubby. He did a great job planning our little day trip and we enjoyed every minute of it.
Happy day everyone!