This episode of our continuing adventures takes us to three National Parks—and a SOAK!
We left Albuquerque and headed to Carlsbad, New Mexico. After a lengthy drive, we settled in, and the very next day we had reservations for Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Carlsbad Caverns uses a timed-entry reservation system, and once we got there, we understood why. The cavern is immense, incredibly well preserved, and very well organized—but the sheer number of people who want to see it is staggering! You reserve your entry time online, and I would definitely recommend doing it well in advance.
We rode the elevator 750 feet below the surface of the earth, and when we stepped out into the cavern, we were amazed by the sheer vastness of it. The cave system stretches for miles and includes some enormous underground rooms. I won’t go into all the history here, but if you ever get the opportunity to visit, it really is something to see.
We walked the 1.5-mile trail through the Big Room. And if you go, make sure you get the little audio-guide ear thingy! 😂 It was $5 and WELL worth it.
Ruby couldn’t go with us, so we left her with a Rover daycare sitter named Colleen. She lovingly cared for Ruby, and when we returned to pick her up, Ruby’s response was basically…
“Oh. There you are.”
Apparently, she had a wonderful day playing with another dog and Colleen’s kids and really wasn’t all that concerned about our return!
We haven’t used Rover much, but the times we have, we’ve loved it. There is a kennel available at Carlsbad Caverns because dogs are not allowed inside, but Ruby had been pretty shaken up by her kennel experience at Mesa Verde. We decided we weren’t going to put her through that again if we had another option. Colleen was right along our route, so it worked out perfectly.
National Park #2 — Guadalupe Mountains
Our next stop while staying in Carlsbad was Guadalupe Mountains National Park, just across the border in Texas.
We drove through, stopped, and explored a little, but this is predominantly a hiking park.
And when I say hiking, I mean STRAIGHT UP!
We were perfectly happy enjoying this one from the bottom. 😂
I was also dying to see a javelina, but no luck. Maybe someday!
National Park #3 — WHITE SANDS!
Next we headed to Alamogordo and White Sands National Park.
Do NOT underestimate this park.
WOW!
We absolutely loved it.
We purposely planned our visit for late afternoon so we could stay through sunset. Dogs are welcome, so Ruby came along—and I think it is safe to say that White Sands is now her favorite stop of the entire trip.
She ran and ran across the dunes and then started digging, apparently trying to reach China.
The “sand” is actually gypsum, and one of the amazing things about it is how cool it feels. It was a beautiful, sunny day, which made it seem even more surreal to walk barefoot through all that brilliant white sand and have it feel so cool.
Our KOA loaned us some saucers, so of course we had to try sledding down the dunes. Yes, we did it. Yes, it was fun!
Then we stayed for a beautiful sunset.
And once again—and again and again—we found ourselves marveling at God’s incredible creation. There is so much fascinating history here, too.
And Then Came the SOAK!
After several days in Alamogordo—not exactly our favorite city—we packed up Big Bertha and headed out for the next leg of the trip: two days in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
Yes.
That is actually the name of the town.
We stayed in a tiny six-site RV area that is part of Riverbend Hot Springs. The campsite itself was nothing much to speak of, BUT our camping fee included unlimited soaking in the hot springs.
Now THAT was GREAT!
And we took full advantage of it for two days.
We soaked while looking out over the Rio Grande River—which, at the moment, looked a little like chocolate milk. 😂 It certainly isn’t the same kind of river scenery we’re used to in the Northwest, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
The weather has been wonderful, and we’ve been taking full advantage of the sunshine.
The Amandus Report
So, the adventure continues!
Here’s where things currently stand:
Jim has had NO BBQ FOR WEEKS.
The only pie he has managed to find has been mini pies from Trader Joe’s in Albuquerque.
This situation is becoming serious.
On the positive side, we have now visited 6 National Parks, 4 National Monuments, several National Historic Sites, and 4 different hot springs!
Our next leg of the journey will hopefully include two very important additions:
BBQ and PIE.
Thanks for following along on our adventures. Even our own family is probably getting bored with all of this by now.
But don’t worry, kids.
You’ll get the FULL experience when we get home.
One.
MASSIVE.
SLIDE EVENING.
JUST YOU GUYS WAIT!! 😂
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