Rolling Along With The Reynolds

Jim and Cindy's Adventure Blog traveling all over the USA

Travel Blog

Grand Caverns, Brazilian Bats

 

 

         Carlsbad Caverns in the Guadalupe Mountains, New Mexico: Gigantic subterranean chambers, fantastic cave formations, and extraordinary features!
         We were fortunate to visit during the post summer season, as the crowds were almost nonexistent. In fact, the self-guided tour allowed us to stop and marvel in the scenery without feeling hustled along. We took our sweet time of 3.5 hours to walk the Big Room, close to twice the average time! It was a very special opportunity to be able to let it all soak in, especially getting to sample the natural auditory experiences as well (instead of just getting earfuls of human voices and foot scuffles, we were able to sit still and listen to air whooshing through passageways, the occasional faint echoes of children’s oohs and ahhs across the Big Room, and also the rare but simple perfect silence.)
            By the time we emerged from the caverns  (via an extremely fast and smooth elevator to both on the descent and then the ascension over 750 feet in a matter of seconds!) it was late afternoon. We had not planned on lingering in the park much longer, but realized it was only 1.5 hours until the spectacular Bat Flight show was to commence. So, we did a short hike around a cool above-ground cave next to the river, and then had a picnic at a beautiful overlook with the hairpin highway below.  Driving back to the Bat Flight Amphitheater area (which is the natural entrance to the caverns), we were already spotting the swarm of bats emerging in the pink sunset sky. I was actually happy to see them here in the parking lot so I could snap a few pics at the car, because all electronic cell phones and cameras are prohibited down at the amphitheater to protect the bats’ echolocation process. It was fascinating to witness the thousands of Brazilian bats emerging for a night of feasting on insects. The sheer number of bats flying out (over 500,000) was an exodus lasting well over an hour. We both agreed this event was a not-to-miss experience!
             The last trip we made out here was in 2013 on our way home from Burning Man. We camped back then right outside the gates of the Park in Whites City; the stars were unbelievably clear and bright out there in that dark area, but we didn’t feel too safe in that particular campground to remain up on our roof skygazing for too long. Surprisingly, nine years later, the vibe was exactly the same, and for that reason we felt relieved to have chosen the “Carlsbad RV Park and Campground” this time around. It’s 20-30 minutes away from the Park, but it’s right on the direct route, its gated, and the skies were just as bright and twinkly here.

  

 

 

 

 

Roswell, New Mexico.   A fun day doing all things alien. And to top it off, visited the Planetarium to explore the cosmos of which they come.
* Had to of course visit the UFO spacecraft-themed McDonalds.
* Kitchy attractions all along Main Street.
* Cool show to end the evening at the Planetarium.

 

Roswell, NM

       
    

Roswell NM pics (album 74)

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The House of Eternal Return. 
Meow Wolf, Santa Fe NM

 

We only had ONE night in Santa Fe New Mexico, not by choice, as everything within 100 miles of the Albuquerque Balloon Festival was booked. We called the Santa FE Skies RV Park while on the road there and delightfully claimed a one night last minute cancellation. There was so much that we wanted to do while in town, but it will have to wait until next time we roll through.

What we did manage to do for that one night was an absolute blast.

House of Eternal Return is an immersive art experience featuring a wild, new form of storytelling. You walk, climb, and crawl through more then 70 unique rooms created by selected artists. Its a maximalist experience that is part mystery house, part art museum, part jungle gym, all wrapped up in a fantastical, explorable world suspended in space and time. “Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin purchased a long-vacant bowling alley in Santa Fe’s emerging Midtown Innovation District and transformed it into one of the most talked about experiences in the world: a 20,000 square foot award-winning, interactive art experience like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Want to learn more? Check out the documentary, Meow Wolf: Origin Story, at http://meow.wf/doc

SPOILER ALERT!
Only look at this album if you don’t think you’ll ever get to visit this place!

Meow Wolf pics – Album #73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The town of Durango

     Durango Colorado – beautiful place. Last time I was here was back in the late 70s as a teenager, doing a 2-week road trip out West. The two historical hotels are still here as I remembered; the Strater Hotel (which we stayed in for one night), and the General Palmer Hotel. Still just as preserved as it was back then with ‘Wild West’ decor and saloons.  And of course the Train Station! Main Street has changed somewhat, lots of alfesco dining and cool shops to stroll around. Check out the picture above at the closed hunting store with what looks like a real dog in the window display – jokes on us – it IS a real live dog! He had such sweet eyes and took his job quite seriously, looking regal with his green bandana and stayed in character by not moving/interacting with people looking at him. How on earth did the owners train him to do that? and the store was closed, where are the owners? Do they leave him there all nigh? So many questions. All I can say though is “good boi”.

      Take Note: there are 4 different picture album links in this post (#69, 70, 71, and 72).

Pics around town in Durango (Album #69)

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Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango to Silverton Train

         This narrow gauge railroad was built in nine short months back in 1882 and has been taking passengers on excursions ever since! It is truly a spectacular experience. They were currently running two trains every day, one steam and one diesel. We rode the diesel train in the coach immediately behind the engine. Not our first choice of seats (we actually wanted to ride the steam train and indulge in the rear luxury caboose), but with just one day planning we took what was available. They pretty much sell out everyday, and over the course of one years time they carry close to 220,000 people!

         Starting off in Durango in the morning, it’s a three hour ride to Silverton. We then had 2 hours in Silverton to stretch our legs, grab lunch at Natalia’s which originally was the 1883 Welcome Saloon, and check out the gift shops lining the town’s dirt roads.  Hopping back on board we got to travel three more hours back to Durango.  The train stopped several times to pick up backcountry hikers from the Needles region and other small ‘stations’.
         For the majority of the way, the rails follow the Animas River. We got to see the water at eye/ground level, and from a bird’s eye view when the rails were hugging the cliffside 400 feet up the side of the mountain.
         Once back in Durango, we had time to quickly browse the 12,000 square foot Railroad Museum – highly recommended to visit it if you have the time; they feature many train-set dioramas, and many treasured artifacts donated by local families.

Durango-Silverton Train pics (album #70)

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Mesa Verde National Park

       Mesa Verde National Park was one that neither Jim or I knew much about. We knew of course it was the home to Cliff Dwellings, but not much else. What a treat this Park was to spend a full enjoyable day here. The scenic road inside the Park was fun to drive and offered up so many breathtaking vistas. The gentle but constant switchbacks take you through a tunnel, leading to many Overlooks, and after 20 miles that takes two hours, ends at the the Cliff Palace dwelling site at over 7,000 feet of elevation. 

        A nice surprise on the drive out was seeing a wild horse. We wouldn’t have seen him but for the three deer standing on high alert at the edge of the road, not looking at us, but intently checking out the far side of the road. We followed their stares and there he was, the blackest of black coats mimicking the color of the many regal Ravens there too.

         An interesting fact about this National Park is that it is the only one established to preserve the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people – there are over 4,500 archeological sites and 600 of those are cliff dwellings. You seem them everywhere you look when you look hard enough at the canyon walls.
        
Mesa Verde NP pics (album 71)..

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Million Dollar Highway

     

        Yes, it was white knuckle driving! Yes, at 10,000 feet elevation the trees were showing splendid fall colors! Yes, I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Drove from Durango through Silverton (traveling through many of the same canyons carved by the Animas River) to Ouray Colorado. Had hoped to take in a hot spring in Ouray, but daylight was fast upon us, so we skipped that. However, we found that the timing upon approaching Durango afforded us a second chance at a hot spring soak at the Durango Hot Springs Resort.

Million Dollar Hwy to Ouray (album #72)

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Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

        Looking online while driving southward towards the end of our Million $ Drive, we were delighted to discover available tickets were still open for the Last Call Soak time. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Perfect sunset relaxation. Mineral rich hot springs infused with oxygen-rich nano bubbles in its waters, 16 different soaking pools of various sizes and temperatures were nice to bounce around. We  found a perfect 106 degree water one perched up high to overlook the center lawn and listen to the live music. It was a great evening to meet and chat amongst what was mostly locals, including a group of late-20-something professionals enjoying a hometown reunion. Growing up in Durango, they left town for better opportunities, but most all of them had plans to return to the area and plant their own family roots back in their treasured hometown. They were so warm and welcoming – great town ambassadors!         

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The town of Moab

     Moab Utah is a town of recreational heaven. Besides the two National Parks close by, there are tons of public lands for OHV (Off Highway Vehicles) fun, there’s rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, hiking, and so much more. Beyond the said two national parks, we also did an incredibly fun Jeep Tour, and explored downtown Moab with shopping/dining. We spent 5 nights here, but could’ve easily spent another 5. Most definitely will return again.

      Take Note: there are 4 different picture album links in this post (#65, 66, 67, and 68).

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Arches National Park

         Arches is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and other unusual rock formations. Towering spires and balanced rocks complement the arches, creating a remarkable assortment of red-rock landforms. This park is very busy with visitors (over 1.5 million visitors per year), and because of that you must make reservations to enter at certain time slots months in advance. Because we did not have solid dates planned to visit, we had to wing it and hope for the best. Jumping onto the computer and going to Recreation.gov, I discovered that no time slots between 8 am and 5 pm were available during our time here. Sad. However, you are allowed to enter as you please anytime before 8 am, or anytime after 5 pm. So, late afternoon it was, and we did so three different nights. Sunset was around 7:30 PM, so we had the chance to enjoy the beautiful Golden Hour. First night was a rapidly paced scenic drive all the way to the end of the 18 mile (I think?) road to scope out what areas we wanted to return to later. Second night was an even shorter visit to see the Park Avenue area; night fell quick this time since it was on the tail end of a fantastic day at Canyonlands. The third and final visit was our most leisurely paced and enjoyable time there;  we hiked the very short trail that circles around Balanced Rock, and then onwards to the Windows District to hike and see the North and South Windows, the Turret Arch, and the Double Arch trail. Bonus show while exiting the Park this night around 8:30 PM (yes, it was already dark dark and we were hoping to see some stars) was to watch a scary looking storm approaching that had lots of lighting in it. We missed out on some hiking due to their trail lengths which would’ve taken too long after dark, so there’s more on our list to see and do here when we get the chance to come back.

Arches Natl Park pics (album #66)

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Jeepin’!

       FUN, FUN, FUN! We did the Hell’s Revenge Trail in the Sand Flats Recreation Area with “Dan Mick’s Guided Jeep Tours“. Highly recommended! We opted for the three hour Sunset Tour which was an awesome choice.  Additionally, saw dinosaur tracks, and was treated to chilled strawberries and whipped cream to watch the sunset.
       Our Driver guide was Robbie Mick, son of Dan.  Dan Mick is quite the legend here in Moab. He was the one who blazed the trail and named it “Hell’s Revenge” almost 40 years ago. He did it with a stock Jeep back in the day – this guy no doubt has nerves of steel! Robbie and his brothers grew up riding these areas with their Dad and learned at an early age how to navigate and maneuver over these rocks and crevices. Today, they’ve equipped their fleet of Jeeps to handle the extreme demands of the terrain and command the wheel like true pros that they are. We were told that some of the ‘extreme’ tour competitors have outfitted their rigs and one that was with us on the trail had over $300,000 invested in it!  Having a “chauffeur” haha was definitely the way to go since there was no way an inexperienced driver could accomplish this trail. Thinking back on our time with a 4×4 ATV in Idaho at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, we would’ve enjoyed that experience ten-fold had we had an experienced driver rather than just blindly going into the unknown on our own. This Tour was terrifying to say the least, but oh-so-much-fun having full confidence in Robbie and his Jeep “Baby”.
       Oh, and how can I forget to mention the special feature on the Trail called “Hell’s Gate”. There are three or four special “features” on the trail that are recommended for excellent/experienced drivers and are optional side paths. Sadly, it does not deter some folks who are either too arrogant in their skills or are simply ignorant of the risks. Case in point: we didn’t witness the actual crash, but did come upon the aftermath and watched the rescue of a brand new Lexus SUV at the bottom of Hell’s Gate. That poor driver learned the hard way to respect the land. Not only did his vehicle sustain major damage unlikely covered by insurance, but also had to pay what Robbie said would be about a $5,000 tow-truck recovery. Ouch!
        
Hells Revenge pics (album 65)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Canyonlands National Park

     

        Canyonlands National Park is very large and consists of four districts: Islands In The Sky (the most accessible are and the district we visited), The Maze, The Needles, and The Rivers themselves (Colorado and Green Rivers). It was so very scenic, being able to see the canyon below from a birds eye view. Islands in the Sky also features the popular 4X4 drive on the Shafer Trail, a winding dirt road that is narrow and leads you to the cliff where “Thelma and Lois” drove off the edge. Approaching the Park is no less beautiful traveling on Hwy 191 to get there. Yet another thunderstorm was threatening as we approached the Park, it rained just a little and thankfully didn’t impact the day. What it did do however was a really cool scene; clouds and mist, rising up from the lower canyon ground. This happened at the Buck Canyon Overlook. The Grand View Point Overlook was spectacular – you can see the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers here, with the spectacular canyons carved deep (pictured above). Tip: if you visit this area, be sure to also make a stop at the Orange Cliffs Overlook and take a walk out on the rocks (no designated trail) to get super views that you cannot see from the turnout.
         Before departing, we took the spur road to see Whale Rock and had a picnic at Upheaval Dome. Much to Jim’s amusement, regal intelligent Ravens were here in this Park too (just like Bryce and Capitol Reef).

          Can you spot the Bride and Groom standing precariously on the cliff edge doing Wedding shots? Yep, that happened, and are found in the album link below!

Canyonlands NP pics (album #67)

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Hole N’ The Rock

        A cheesy roadside attraction,,, or so I thought. This place was so interesting! It’s a historic 5,000 square foot home carved out of the huge rock. Inside are 14 fabulous rooms arranged around huge rock pillars. A fireplace with a 65 foot chimney was actually drilled through solid sandstone, all manually done back in the 1920’s – 1940’s. It was the home of Albert and Gladys Christensen.  There is much more history to this home, which actually began as a small cove. Chiseling and blasting in the 1920’s by five brothers spent years enlarging the cave one room at a time. It is estimated over 70,000 cubic feet of sandstone was removed from the rock.
          Situated between the towns of Moab and Monticello, it had a wild history during the 20’s and 30’s. Eventually, it became a Diner during the day for weary travelers, and a Dancing Hall with moonshine during the night. Eventually, the hollowed rock became the home of Albert and Gladys. They kept the diner running for a while, adding a rock shop and a gift shop, and started charging customers for tours of the house.
         The “Hole N The Rock” is quite an amazing feat and well-worth an hour of your time to stop and check it out.
          Check out the album below which contains not only Hole N The Rock pictures, but also of our cool campground situated right on the Moab Rim, and other fun pics of downtown.
      

Hole N The Rock and town of Moab pics (album 68)

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