Carlsbad Caverns

What an amazing trip!  My parents, Kevin, and I decided to take the short 3 hour trip to visit Carlsbad caverns.  I had been there twice as a kid, but I was not prepared to be so taken a back by the beauty and mystery of the caves.  I didn't remember all the wonderful sites it held.

We decided to forgo the elevator, and venture in the same way the first explores found the cave.  It was a steep and plunging 1.25 mile trail that takes you deep into the darkness.  It was amazing to see new and bigger rooms unfold at every turn.  At the bottom, we stopped for a snack and to rest our feet for a bit.  Luckily, someone had the foresite to install bathrooms down there.  Next was the trail into the Big Room.  It's approximately 8.2 acres in size.  While less steep, this hike was just as long.  It took you twisting around massive stalagmites and precariously hanging sharp stalactites.  Dripping water from the dessert above showed that the cave is still alive and changing.  The cool 56 degree breezes (yes, there are breezes in caves) were a welcome change to the sweltering heat outside.  The tour ended with a speedy and much needed elevator ride back up to the surface.  We stuffed ourselves with greasy hamburgers, and then passed out for a much needed nap.

While I was nervous about taking my 3 year old on a trip that involves walking close to 3 miles down 750 feet down, she was a champ and walked on her own most of the way.  It was an amazing trip, and I'm so thankful that we got to take it with my parents.  We love to travel with them, and I'm so glad Clare gets to experiance all these things with them.

Start of our journey.  Clare's holding up 3 fingers to help us remember how old she was when we made this trip

The first twist and turns into the mouth of the cave

Unbelievable sights underground