Carlsbad Caverns & Ruidoso, New Mexico. September 30 October

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Alfred Lyons
5 years ago
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1 Carlsbad Caverns & Ruidoso, New Mexico September 30 October

2 Sitting Bull Falls, NM Sitting Bull Falls is located in the Lincoln National Forest about 30 miles from Carlsbad, NM. The falls are a short, easy hike from the parking lot. Sheltered tables at the parking area make it convenient for a picnic lunch.

3 Sitting Bull Falls, NM This selfie with the falls in the background shows that I was really there. Just in case you were skeptical

4 Reflections on Sitting Bull Falls The drive from the RV campground to the falls was slightly more than one hour each way. The falls are the only attraction at this location. The park service charges a $5 day use fee, but does honor national park passes. The falls are nice and relaxing, and there are many picnic tables in the parking area. Does the value of the experience compensate for the required driving time? It s not clear, one way or the other.

5 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM The entrance to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitor s center.

6 The following six slides show some of the sights inside the Cavern, with minimum commentary. Tour trails are well lit and have rails for safety. Explanatory displays are placed at appropriate sites along the trail.

10 Early exploration of the caverns

12 Outside the Caverns The cavern visitor center is located atop a mesa in the desert. This is a typical view of the desert from the parking lot.

13 Reflections on Carlsbad Caverns National Park All natural underground caves are the same, yet each one is unique. The formations and sights in Carlsbad Caverns can be observed in other caves. But Carlsbad Caverns is the biggest and the best. It has the largest open cavern area. Self guided tours are excellent, and ranger guided tours are available for a fee. National park passes are honored. Carlsbad Caverns is a must see destination, but it is not a place you would need to go more than one time as an adult.

14 Perk Canyon Trail (T93) Ruidoso, NM The trail of part of the Ruidoso trail system and lies within the Lincoln National Forest.

15 Typical Trail View Grass and trees. Very typical of this trail.

16 Water along the trail? These slides show water in the creek but precious little. Can you see it? The waterfall, alleged to be at 2.2 miles, was never found.

17 Reflections on the Perk Canyon Trail My visit took place in early October. The creek was mostly dry with a little water observed near the trail in a couple of spots. Sufficient for a doggie watering break. The short waterfall, advertised to be 2.2 miles from the trailhead, was never observed. The hike wasn t too difficult for a retired senior human and two older dogs. Good forest scenery. I would do this hike again.

18 Grindstone Lake Trail Ruidoso, NM Trail head to the Grindstone Lake hiking trails. A part of the Ruidoso trail system.

19 Views of Grindstone Lake from the trail.

20 Typical view of the Grindstone trail. Pine trees and grass are typical.

21 Fall colors were beginning to show the first week of October.

22 Reflections on the Grindstone Lake Trail My visit took place in early October. Some of the leaves were beginning to turn color, providing a nice addition to the green pine trees and grass. A relaxing get away from the city. The trail markers and posted information are confusing. I took a wrong turn because the fork to the trail I intended to follow was not marked. Baseline had trouble keeping up the last stretch of the hike, even though it was mostly downhill. This may be due to taking her for 3.5 mile hikes on two consecutive days. Good forest scenery. I would do this hike again, but I would double check and verify my trail information before setting out.

23 Co Stars of the Show Baseline, with her seatbelt on. Signal, all ready to get out and play.

24 Sleepy heads Signal and baseline are still in bed this day at 10 am, more than three hours after daddy got up.

25 The Rig Levelled and hooked up at the Ruidoso RV park.

26 Hooked up and Ready to Go At the curb in front of my house In a truck stop parking lot

27 The rig in storage mode.

28 Tour of the Rig Living space as viewed from top of stairs Couch and recliners, with Signal s hind end in the foreground

29 Tour of the Rig Kitchen with refrigerator, gas stove and oven, and microwave. Dinette with TV, AM/FM Tuner with DVD system, and fireplace.

30 Tour of the Rig Flush toilet Sink and Shower

31 Tour of the Rig The bedroom boasts a queen sized bed, a wardrobe, a drawer, and several cabinets.

32 That s all, Folks!

Camp Dorothy Thomas Sleeping Capacity of 246; Camp Capacity of 296

Camp Dorothy Thomas Sleeping Capacity of 246; Camp Capacity of 296 Lodge/Dining Hall This unit includes a fire place, tables with bench seating (you must set up yourself), chairs, industrial ice machine,