What You Might (and Might Not) Expect in the Desert

Yesterday we finally got to spend a bit of time at Carlsbad Caverns National Park (also our new place of work) for fun. There will be many more posts on this park, we are certain, but - to get started - here are just a few pics of our new backdoor (the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains):

Some buildings at CCNP:

A sage thrasher:




The plant in front and center is Soaptree Yucca (New Mexico state flower). It is flanked by prickly-pear cactus. Behind the Soaptree Yucca is Sotol:


Steve pondering some plants:


Mescal Bean:


Jennifer exploring a short interpretive trail:


Now the caves! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE...here's a couple pics:

Pretty cool stuff. The Big Room (one of the bigger caves) is the size of 14 football fields!! Check out the incredible formations:


More soon....