Top of the mountain

So I didn't plan this as well as I should have. I didn't get to do one museum. Somehow I imagined doing 2 museums and the tram...and I only managed the tram. Part of the problem was me trying to contact Carlsbad Cavern. Not sure I put a deposit on the right tour or what. I tried calling, wasted the better part of the hour on this and couldn't figure out where the park entry pass was. The tour had to be purchased online and the pass in person...um...

And I had a rough morning and barely made it to the tram for my ticket time. I know they presell these online because a) covid told them they could do this and not hire people b) they DO have a body limit but still, there is something rather abelist about this. I was having a slow morning so...

Anyhow, I got to go up on the tram to the top of Sandia mountains 10,700 feet up. Was it pretty? Yep very very pretty. I also was a tiny bit disappointed that the only way to the trails was down six flights of steps and time was not on my side as I got there just as the tram left and I had to wait for the next one which was 20 minutes later). They kept saying drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness because it gives you more oxygen. I'm not sure it works that way ( I need to look up some stuff but water is usually absorbed as water NOT in the disassociated state though it can and does do that) but you're not allowed water in the tram so nice little scam going there.

That said I did NOT do too badly. Was I little wobbly? Yes but I'm asthmatic and moderately anemic so I already have a lack of oxygen issue. I was a bit headachy from the trip but other than that, it was nice. I went back down early because I didn't trust myself on those stairs AND Carlsbad was a five hour trip. As it was I didn't get back to my car until twenty to one.

I went back to Sawmill market for another takiyaki soft serve (want samoa, chocolate soft serve toasted coconut and caramel drizzle) and fried tofu bao sliders which were yummy.

The drive to Carlsbad was boring and I had one of my episodes where I can barely stay awake. Not ideal but what really annoyed me is New Mexico doesn't want to let you pee. No lie there was one rest stop in over 300 miles. NM is like you want to pee? Tough. Land's flat as a pancake on this end of the state so you can't hide in a ditch to pee. Want to pee behind a tree, hahahaha they don't exist.

I got so excited seeing a blue rest stop sign...with a big closed sign over it. WHY? My GPS took me straight through Roswell. I waved at tomorrow's hotel. At least I saw where things were that I want to go to. I stopped at their Wal-Mart to pee because Carlsbad is another 60 or so miles.

Also about halfway here I started coughing and the feel of asthma closing me down. It was odd. Came out of nowhere (I'm like did I collapse a bit of lung from pressure changes) and the meds didn't help. I'm find now.

My hotel (Day's inn) was once very nice I'm sure. My room is large and stylish but very much showing it's age. It's clean but worn. However this rundown hotel has a microwave and a fridge vs my high end tower room in the Clyde. rolls eyes.

Here's what you've been looking for ( My pictures )

Crosses two off the bucket list

I made it to Carlsbad Caverns. Did you know if you're handicapped they'll give you a FREE lifelong pass to all national parks? I did not but I do now. Woo hoo, I am golden (and two people can come with me. Not sure why. Okay one might be my caretaker, not sure about the third but I'm not arguing).

It had two amazing giftshops that I knew would be my doom. And did I get there just as it opened? Maybe? Whatever I was grateful because I walked in with one person in front of me. 10 minutes later the line was out the door.

The King's Palace tour is locked at 24 (just like my labs) to keep it manageable. We went down 750 feet to the entrance. (I did NOT walk down. Can't do that. Maybe if I hadn't been injured but then again maybe not. It's a 2 hour walk for most people).

I can not describe this place. That's saying something for someone who's side hustle is writing. The cavern is amazing. There are SO many monstrously large chambers, stuffed with formations, some flowstone, LOTS of helicites, straws, popcorn and stalactites and stalagmites. I've been in a lot of caves and I do mean a lot (I've been in caves in VA, PA, OH, AZ, WI, SD KY, Wales, more) and this has some of the most amazing formations.

It was once all self guided but people are jerks so the King's Palace was sealed off to guided tours only so they can be sure we're not breaking stuff off or writing on it etc. King's Palace is the prettiest part but the self guided chambers were damn spectacular too. All told I was down in the ground for 4 1/2 hours, walked about 3 miles and had the time of my life. I'd still be down there if they let me (hey there's a bathroom down there)

I was going to go to the living zoo but a) it was late and b) it was RAINING. I know just enough about desert hydrology not to mess around since I don't know the area. I'm back in Roswell and that is nice. Exercised in the pool and am looking forward to sleeping in a bit because all I'm doing tomorrow is a couple museums and christmas shopping in Roswell.

I'm also trying to figure out why suddenly everything is June 1st when it's technically the 31st... I posted something at what would have been 7 pm e.s.t and it posted as June....what... strange

I don't have any pics of me in the cave yet. They're on my phone if they came out. I'll have to send any good ones to social media and get them from there because Google Pics blows. I have so many pictures and my camera (not the phone one) did amazing with it. I am so happy.

( Enter the cave )

waving me on to breakfast


A gift shop find (evil_little_dog knows why) that almost didn't happen. There were multiples when I went down. When I came up, only the bluejay was there. I found the cardinal in a heap elsewhere. Also they warble in the actual bird calls.