We have always wanted to go to Carlsbad Caverns and finally being in Southern New Mexico, we got our wish. Going up a winding road, we came upon a very inconspicuous brown building. Who would have thought that right beneath it and 750 feet down an elevator is an entirely different world made up of cavernous ceilings and strange water carved stalactites and stalagmites. Sharp straw like spikes decorated the ceiling while an infinite variety of mushroom shaped sculptures pushed out of the floor.
Lights illuminated the beauty of the cave, but without them, it would be pitch black, and you couldn't see a hand in front of your face. Definitely glad to be wearing a sweater, we were lowered deep down into the earth by an elevator. It was only a minute ride but we could feel our ears popping and see where the earth had been blasted away outside the windows.
Arriving at last, we entered the dark tunnel, lit by artificial light, and began our journey. The trail was paved with hand rails and partially accessible to wheelchairs. Several structures really stand out in my mind like the blade shaped sword that hung down from the ceiling,
and the caveman.
Occasionally, I would think someone was watching me, and it ended up to be just another varied stalagmite, that with my vivid imagination had eyes!
As I got hungrier, half way around the stretch, objects started appearing more like food. Don't ask!
However, the brain shaped linings around the water and the graphic insides of a heart, soon helped me to overcome my stomach grumbles.
Fortunately there were places to sit and just take in the beauty and majesty of this place, though we wished there were more. One area showed a rope where upper chambers had been explored. There's a sense of wonder and curiosity as forbidden roped off trails lead off in every direction. Looking over the edge you can see an area still being explored deep below our feet.
A bottomless pit, named because with lights there was absolutely no end in sight, stretches below. With lights and exploration it was found to go 160 feet down, but still looks ominous, even lit up.
There are so many magnificent structures, and pools of clear water that lurk deep in this dark place.
Many of them remind me of strange gardens that blossom over centuries, because they are slowly in the process of change. The Fairy Gardens really stick out for me because they reminded me of Goblin Valley in Utah. Twisting rough shapes of the fairies are absolutely everywhere. Some structures remind me of Yellowstone, and what some of those natural wonders would look like if absolutely dry.
Bats lurk around here, mama bats and their baby pups are born here. (Sorry just had to say that!) And mid May begin a magnificent flight in the evenings to get their dinner. I would love to see that someday.
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