V4N3B

We had a little mishap last month. One of our stories (Beach Bums) got cut off because of a glitch. It was NOT because of my stupidity. Duh! To finish the story, the last sentence was, "Are we too old to be beach bums? Maybe so."

Gazing upon the Wonders

Always trying to find a new cavern to explore, sometimes we have to go through the same ones again. This was the case with Carlsbad Caverns National Park in White City, New Mexico.

Having previously been to Fantastic Caverns in Missouri, Luray Caverns in Virginia and Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, we had also been to the Iron Mountain Iron Mine in Vulcan, Michigan. If there was a hole in the ground, by God, we had gazed into it. We had opted out of seeing Kartchner Caverns in Benson, Arizona last year because of the sheer expense. $38 for a hole in the ground seemed pricey.

By staying at Guadalupe Mountains we had the perfect "jumping off" place for Carlsbad Caverns. At about 40 miles away, we just jumped in the car and pointed it down the mountain. And after climbing another to the entrance of Carlsbad, we passed through magnificent views of mountain road and expansive valley. Reaching the huge Visitor's Center we toured the caverns for about an hour and a half. Even with the "Great Room" at 50-some degrees, you can work up a sweat walking around because of the high humidity encountered.

We're Not Expanding.........Yet

We had toyed with the idea of creating a mid-month extra edition when our news outnumbered our space to write it in. And then I remembered that our early editions contained 2 pages instead of just one. Since then our life has not been exciting enough to fill 2 pages. Well this month our cup runneth over and we have more "stuff" to share with you than usual. Don't get used to this "Extra Edition" cause if won't happen very often. But as long as it did this month.................Enjoy.

Potluck, eh?

Upon arriving at El Golfo, Mexico (our stay will be covered in detail in the "end of the month" edition) we were invited to a Potluck supper being put on by the Canadians in the park. The four of us went to the party, and a party it was.

We (Sharon and I) arrived at the party with a pair of 30 oz. Dos Equis Beers. Soon to be joined by one more before the dinner was over. Our kids know what "biggies" are, and they were it.

Cramped into the tiny 2nd story clubhouse room, the crowd soon overflowed to the outside deck. The day was sunshiny and warm so either place to enjoy the dinner was prime seating. It took a while for all the dishes to show up, but after that the feeding frenzy was on.

Attending the dinner was at least 60 people from throughout the park. Everyone was surprised at the number who had opted to attend. And needless to say, some of the food was unrecognizable, having come from another country. But we didn't care what it was as long as it looked good and tasted that way. We just guessed what it was, and were pleasanrly surprised. It was all very good we were glad we attended.

Chiricahua National Monument

A trip to Arizona would be incomplete without a side trip to Chiricahua. This was a subsequent trip for us having been here with Len and Rose Schultz from Norway, MI a couple of years ago. That time the mountains had been lightly dusted with snow before our arrival. This time the ground was clean and clear.

After arriving at the Visitor's Center we sat and watched the orientation movie for about 15 minutes. The Visitor's Center is a "not too large" building with several exhibits, but very nicely appointed and modern.

After the movie we embarked on the drive "to the top." It is a single road, with several hiking trails leading from it, that ends at a cul-de-sac at the top. The side trails from the parking lot afford several spectacular vistas overlooking the valley below. The spires and columns afford the opportunity to take fabulous pictures.

The trip back down the mountain reveals several different rock formations that are noted on signs along the road. We've always wondered who actually names these formations. It would have to be an individual with a very creative imagination at the least.