Be prepared for lots 'o photos. I probably should try and update once a day, but being on vacation I fell asleep a wee bit early last night. We've had quite the adventures in just two short days. At the end of my last post we had found a home at the Carlsbad KOA. Pretty much the middle of the desert and not too much around. Super cute campground though and the kids thought it was great. Pool, playground, an old fire engine that they give the kids rides on in the evenings, super nice people everywhere and lots of kids for the girls to play with. Their favorite part? In the morning we woke up to fuzzy little bunnies everywhere!
Yesterday we headed into town to hit the Carlsbad Caverns. I have to say that I really was not prepared for the scope of what we were about to see. I'd heard a little bit about it. Big hole in the ground, stalactites, etc. I thought, 'a cave is a cave'. Reality is, the photos do it no justice at all. Truly and utterly amazing. We entered into the area where thousands of bats fly out each night at sunset. You wind your way down down down. They said it was a mile down into the cave, which didn't sound too far. Until you're doing it. Steep, winding, down, down, down. The girls at the beginning. That giant black hole behind them? That's where we went.
Once we got inside and down into the depths and through the winding caves, photos were nearly impossible. It's 750 feet under ground and zero light. They had some of the areas lit up, but still very dark. And cold, and quiet. But oh so amazing. Again, these photos will do it no justice. The inside was huge. Reminded me of being in a huge dome.
Ansel Adams photographed the caverns as part of the mural project.
After a long trek through the caverns, we relaxed....
This morning we woke up ready for more. First stop, the White Sands National Monument. This wasn't on our original planned route but once I heard about it, I had to go. What used to be a large lake, is now a huge mineral deposit. Pure white sand as far as the eye could see. As we drove there, we went from the desert terrain, to the mountains and pine trees, and out the other side to the desert again. Every once in a while, we'd round a corner and get a peek at the sands in the distance.
From there we headed on to a quick stop in Roswell. When you're this close, you might as well stop and visit the aliens. It's a quirky little place with alien eyes on the street lamps (photo just below on the left) and green alien footprints down the sidewalk. Adaline was quite taken with the aliens as you can see.
So fun! I'm loving reading about your adventures!
Posted by: stephanie | June 14, 2010 at 05:48 AM
What an awesome adventure you're having! Love hearing about all of your stops.
Posted by: MelissaFoscardo | June 14, 2010 at 09:53 AM
I feel like I am right there with you. What a trip!
Posted by: Jmdurbin | June 14, 2010 at 11:43 AM
ohmigosh, i've totally been to that crazy ufo museum (my brother went to a private hs in roswell) :) and the dunes, are so different from anything i've ever seen before...love new mexico! xoxo, -melanie-
Posted by: melanie mauer | June 14, 2010 at 01:41 PM
Ha! LOVE these!! And, loved seeing your beautiful face in some of the pics!! I feel like you are getting closer to Seattle!! : )
Posted by: Kristie | June 14, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Amy....even your vacation photos are amazing! I'm going to go burn all my vacation pictures taken to date. If I win the lottery I'm going to hire you to follow us around on all future family vacations and document. :) Looks like you guys are having fun! Keep the photos coming so I can vacation vicariously!
Posted by: Lori Smith | June 14, 2010 at 07:32 PM
adding White Sands to my bucket list NOW!!! keep those updates coming! totally JEALOUS!!!!
Posted by: Shannon Littrell | June 14, 2010 at 10:37 PM
i am from roswell....love seeing these photos!
Posted by: gina P. | June 22, 2010 at 05:10 PM