Thursday, April 23, 2009

April 23, 2009

Carlsbad Caverns

We took three tours today.  In the morning we went on a ranger led tour into an area called Left Hand Tunnel.  Small tour size, only 15 people. This area is pretty much undeveloped.  Trail is dirt and sides of trail are marked by orange tape on the ground.  No pavement of hand rails.  Also no lights.  We carried candle lanterns.  DSC07810 The idea is to give an experience similar to early cave explorers.  Surprising what one candle can do in total darkness.  At one spot we blew out the candles and the ranger gave a talk in total darkness.  Really neat ranger.  Very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about caves and teaching.  Very fun tour. 

Pool at end of Left Hand Tunnel.  Striped tape means DANGER

20090423-2 Pool at end of Left Hand Tunnel

After that we ate lunch back on top at picnic tables over looking the valley to the east.

Guadelupe Mountains

20090423-8 Guadalupe Mountains

Virga over valley.

20090423-6

After lunch we took the cave entrance tour down into the main room at the base of the elevators.  About a mile and a half long and mostly down (760 feet).  Would not want to do it on ladders made of sticks and wire and would definitely not want to go up the way we came as early explorers and, later, visitors did. 

Viewing area for evening bat flight. 20090423-14 Bat watching ampatheater

Cave entrance.

20090423-15 Natural entrance to cave

Guess Who?DSC07833

Going into cave.

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In cave looking out.

 20090423-18 Inside looking out

Cave explorer.

20090423-31 Cave explorer

That tour took a little over an hour and after about a 30 minute break we took last tour for day.  This was the King’s Palace tour.  Much larger group, fifty people or more.  No handrails but paved all the way.  This area has more cave formations.  Another knowledgeable and enthusiastic ranger.

Bashful elephants

20090423-59 Bashful elephants

Some cave furniture.  Much more on web album.

20090423-46 20090423-58

We took four tours here.  Two come with admission price and are self led.  Two others were ranger led and had additional charge.  There are other tours, some of which actually involve hands and knees exploring.  I would recommend any and all tours that one could do.  It is an amazing place and they have done all they can to give visitors the maximum experience.



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