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We were on the road at 8am via 365 heading east. This was a B ticket ride out of town. Many "S" curves, road construction and a quick rise in elevation. Finally, the highway leveled out and we were meandering through rolling hills studded with Yucca plants with cattle and white tail deer grazing. Our first destination was Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park information warned that there were no services or gas in the park and the last place was Dell City coming from the West. Dell City is about 14 miles off the 62/180. Dell City comprises of a Napa Auto Store, where we got fuel, a Western Union store, feed store, and a few other small businesses, and one main street. What it did have was alot of water. A very fertile area. Oil prospectors discovered a huge underground water supply in the 40's that made it possible to irrigate the land very easily.
All fueled up, we continued on our way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It was not all that we were expecting. The projector was broke so no film or slide presentation. No store to purchase postcards or momentos. Though, they said it was coming soon. Thank goodness for the website, "eParks.com". They have everything for all parks. This park is mainly a day hike park. With hikes ranging from .75 mile Pinery Trail to a 11.3 hike up to El Capitan. We opted for the Pinery trail, which was informative and an easy walk.
After leaving Guadalupe, we stopped at a rest stop for a bite to eat. The elevation was 5200 ft.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park was only 31 minutes further down the road from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We turned off at Whites City made our way to the Visitors center at the top of the Buff. What a vista of the valley below. We got there around 2pm. They cut off the last group at 3:30 and everyone has to be out of the caverns by 4:30. To save time, we opted to take the 1 minute elevator ride down to the main cavern instead of walking the 1.25 miles trail. Absolutely a must see. We have been to the Luray Caverns in Virginia, which I thought were spectacular, but the Carlsbad Caverns were majestic. Hang on to your ticket. It is good for three days
We opted to stay the night at the White's City RV Park, which was right at the entrance to Carlsbad. It was nothing special, but the tables were sheltered, which was a good thing, because it rained, but not enough to keep us from enjoying a evening of cards and a gourmet meal prepared by Bob and me, Chicken Zaater, wild rice, Refrigerator Salad, and roasted asparagus. For dessert....Lemon Gelato.
Tomorrow we head for Big Bend National Park and RR at the Maverick RV Park and Resort for a few days.
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Dale Kathy did you purchase a National Park passport book? Travel stamps with unforgettable memories are available at each ranger station. Happy trails