Carlsbad Caverns

We checked out of the condo in Ruidoso a little before 9:00 am yesterday and arrived at the Carlsbad KOA two hours later. The little cabin we reserved had a queen size bed in a front room and two sets of bunk beds in a back room. It was about the same price as a motel would have been but much more fun. We got our sleeping bags set up and everyone used the bathroom, then we drove another hour south to the caverns.

We hiked down the natural entrance trail, which was a little over a mile, took a rest in the underground cafe area, then hiked around the Big Room which was another 1.25 miles. Mercy was, for a second day in a row, a champion and walked the entire route on her own. Grandpa J did not join us. Everyone seemed to enjoy the magnificent views and formations, but the kids grew tired sooner than they had on our 2.5 mile hike the day before. Needless to say, we took the elevator back up. 

We checked out the gift shop and Grandma got us all Carlsbad t-shirts. Then we drove into White's City and ate our evening meal in the tiny town's only diner. We returned to the Caverns at 7:00 pm to watch the bats come out. We waited on stone bleachers for over an hour, then thousands and thousands of bats emerged and circled over our heads before flying off for their night time feast. The whole amphitheater was silent except for the sound of flapping wings and it was truly an awe inspiring experience. Matthew and I would have stayed until the very last bat disappeared into the distance, but it was pushing 9:00 pm and the kids were beyond done with the day, so we made a quiet exit and drove back to our cabin at the KOA. 

Grandma and Grandpa slept in the front room, and our little family took up the back. It was hot and stuffy, but the kids were so tired they didn't have much trouble falling asleep. Matthew and I didn't sleep quite as soundly. 

My parents got up and left before 6:00 am this morning, and though the rest of us were up not long after, Abraham slept as solid as a rock until after 8:00 despite all the commotion around him. He truly has a gift for deep sleep. We packed up, checked out, and drove four hours back home. We were able to finish all but the last couple minutes of the audio book we were listening to, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians, and the kids as usual were great road trippers. Matthew returned the 4Runner and retrieved our Highlander, and I was able to start the loads and loads of laundry that somehow came out of our three small packs.