Monday, February 4, 2008
Feb.2 to Feb. 4
Hi Everyone!
Just a short note to update the last few days. I am sitting here on a bench at the washroom/shower building on the internet as the park host is near by and he was nice enough to give us his wireless password. A lot of RVs have satellite dishes to get internet - most have passwords so we can't use them. One trick we found yesterday was driving through town with the computer on - as soon as we get a link we pull over. Seems to work well!
Saturday morning we went to the Living Desert Museum and Zoo. It isn't big but nice to see the animals, reptiles and succulents. We got as close to a rattlesnake as we ever want to - behind a piece of glass. Still a bit nerve raking since he was rattling and staring at us. Maggie the bear who is a painter wasn't to be seen except for the wood carving we are standing beside. It was a nice day to stroll around the grounds.
Yesterday we went back to the Caverns as we mentioned. Just as impressive the second time. We forgot about the fact that Sundays would be busier. However, most people seem to take the elevator down to the Big Room which is 1/2 through the tour. The first part is a little more work because the path is quite long and steep - however we had the place to ourselves. We took more photos - photo taking in a cave seems to be a fine art so only about 1/2 or so work out which is a bit frustrating.
On the way through Carlsbad we were riding beside the motorcycle fellow in the picture. We were happy to see the writing on his jacket - Disciple - Jesus is Lord. Amen. We thought about our motorcycle friends back home. Helmets must not be mandatory here no one seems to wear them.
Today we are just hanging around the park. It is a warm day - about 72F - 22C - but it is really windy so not very nice to sit out - but the trailer is really hot. Tonight we are going to the Fiesta Drive - In to see Sweeny Todd - fun fun! www.fiestadrivein.com
I forgot to include photos of Brantley Lake State Park in the last batch so here they are.
Tomorrow we are on the road again. We were planning on going north through Artesia and then west to Alamogordo and then through to Los Cruces. However, we hear that there is a steep elevation gain after Artesia to a town called Cloudcroft where they are calling for snow. SNOW! eckk! so we will go south instead back through Texas to El Paso and on to Columbus New Mexico to Pancho Villa State Park.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Jan. 29 - Feb. 1
Sorry for the delay everyone - we have been on the road again!
Last Monday we spent the day in Alpine - we were expecting a bit more since we heard that it is being overrun by artists. It is still pretty small and quite and not much to do. We did go to a few shops and met some nice people. Ivey's Emporium was one of the nicest shops and we did find a great metal Texas sign at Texas Treasures. Leaving the downtown area we went in sure of some Western Wear. We went to two shops on the outskirts of town but didn't find anything. However, on the way back into town we found Penny's Diner. Couldn't pass up a chance to have lunch in a 50's style diner. Charbroiled burgers, fries and Derek having a real malt and I had a vanilla cola. The manager sat and chatted with us a while - nice guy. Penny's Diners are around the US so we may find one again.
Tuesday was a very cold and windy day but we headed up up up to McDonald Observatory. We went during the day for a guided tour of the telescopes. First we watched a video about the sun which was fascinating. After that the group goes up to the top of the hill for a tour of the telescopes. One of them is the fourth largest in the world. Interesting but a bit dry because it is about the mechanical workings of the telescope. The best part was at the 'Star Party' that night. The first part is in the amphitheater behind the visitor center. Also a bit cool but the wind had died down. The guide points out and discusses the constellations and big stars in the sky. Then we went around to different telescopes to look at nebulas, supernovas and planets. WOW - how can one deny there is a God when you see such beauty. Following that we saw another short film that shows how far the stars really are from earth and the earth's relationship to the sun. We were truly blown away by that evening. We highly recommend this experience.
Later in the week we went to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. The site has a great history from the mid to late 1800's. It was the site of Apache Indian activity and the base for Buffalo Soldiers (Black Soldiers) and is restored very well. We watched a video and then walked around the site. A very windy day but the history and buildings are interesting.
We bid Fort Davis adieu on Thursday having spent 6 days at the Fort Davis State Park. We were NOT sad to be leaving the Javelina. As we mentioned earlier it is a nice place with very friendly people. If you go through Fort Davis we highly recommend eating at the Drug Store - big portions and great food. We also enjoyed very much meeting some local residents - Greg and Myra Mead and the good folks at Twin Souls Coffee Shop and Gallery. We found a large size Texas Flag which we will be happy to fly at home - we are leaving Texas but not in our hearts. We enjoyed our month in the Lone Star State and cannot wait to return. Thanks Texas!!
Thursday afternoon we arrived at Brantley Lake State Park just north of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Not a bad drive - just a few hours. This is another nice park - a treed area set amongst the desert and water reservoir.
Yesterday we headed to Carlsbad Caverns. We have included a few pictures but have to say that neither our description or pictures could do any justice to the truly awesomeness of the caverns. If you have never been we HIGHLY recommend it - it was one of the best experiences of our lives. Because the $6 entry fee ticket is good for three days we are going back tomorrow as well. Wow is about all we can say. The caverns are huge and take your breath away. We were there for about 4 hours. Strange but true (and perhaps only in America) there is a snack bar down in the cave - 750 feet below ground. A bit trippy because the counters etc are from the 50's or 60's. Being in the caverns gives you the feeling of being on another planet - something out of a sci-fi movie.
Today we went to the Living Desert Musuem and Zoo. After the Caverns tomorrow we are going to the Fiesta Drive-In in Carlsbad which should be fun, neither of us have been to a drive in in a very long time.
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