Our next stop was Carlsbad, New Mexico. The drive from San Antonio to Carlsbad was beautiful. My ears popped as we navigated through the mountains. I was happy to see all the Windmills in Northwestern Texas, but the closer we got to Carlsbad, the landscape became flat and dry, and all we could see were oil rigs.
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns are incredible. The only other caverns I have seen are Luray Caverns in Virginia, but Carlsbad is in a different class. I’m not sure my photos do them justice, but here are some highlights. We walked down the 1 1/2 mile trail, and then another 1 1/4 through the Big Room. It was quite steep in areas, and I did hold onto the railing. If you know me, you know I do not like heights, but I made it. No, we did not hike back up; we cheated and took the elevator!
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center
I always try to visit Art Galleries, and the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center did not disappoint. My favorite piece was this triptych by Jesus Toro Martinez. The materials he uses are an expression of what Mother Earth has provided. His art uses non-native materials found in creeks and rivers. From a small act of picking up trash has come a new series of artwork for all.
Several other artists’ work caught my eye because of their unique way of using collage and mixed media. I love the way Helen Gwin used such thin strips of colorful paper! I have so many ideas now for all those shreds of collage paper back in my studio. And, Denise Pace’s use of old jewelry is a great example of creative ways to reuse, recycle, and repurpose.
Pickleball!
Yes, of course, we found a local pickleball group. I always search on Facebook and found this group Cavern City Pickleball and learned about Open Play at the Lake Carlsbad Tennis and Pickleball Courts. We played one evening, and again the next morning. What a nice group of people. I told them about our Key Largo Pickleball group and invited them to get in touch.
Next Stop Roswell, New Mexico, en route to Santa Fe.