NEW MEXICO, "LAND OF ENCHANTMENT"

Wed, 4/23. Mike and Pamm wave goodbye (bye!) as we leave Nolan, TX, en route to New Mexico, "Land of Enchantment." Back on 20W through Pecos, 285N to Carlsbad, NM. It's still early so we check out the car (we share duties) and take inventory of our supplies. If we were ever lost in the wild, survival would not be a problem! Tim did a great job in packing everything we might need...and we've been using it all! He's the best!

The scenery changes are amazing and we have had great weather while driving.

We are still in Carlsbad the next day, Thurs, 4/24 and decide to visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. The 1.5 mile walking tour specialized in native animal and plant species of the Chihuahuan Desert and NM. We didn't get to see Dukie the badger because he passed away a few days ago, but we had fun with the other birds, mammals and reptiles. Did you know that the Roadrunner is NM's state bird?

Next is Carlsbad Caverns National Park and we descended 750-ft into the dark caves for a 2.5-mile hike. Wonderful geologic history and beautiful formations of stalactites, stalagmites, etc.....just eye popping.

WHEW!

We drive through Roswell, southeastern NM, where allegedly in July 1947 there was a crash of a "flying saucer," the recovery of debris and bodies and the ensuing cover up by the military. Then there is Lincoln, a small town where young outlaw Billy the Kid rose to fame. Is that a coffee shop up ahead?...not your usual place for Starbucks coffee, but oh, so quaint.

While driving through the spectacular Capitan Mountains we come to a screeching halt. There before us is the former home of Smokey the Bear. Surely everyone remembers that cute little black bear cub who gained notoriety after surviving a forest fire. Absolutely have to stay here. To be continued.....