T
he dichotomy that exists is as vast as the countryside itself. A sampling of this vastness
occurred in just three day period when I went from above ground treasure to magical
underground worlds. I started in New Mexico and then into Texas...
F
irst up – the White Sands of New Mexico. Housed in the Tularosa Basin these sands are
275 sq miles of gypsum sand desert. I did the sunset walking tour which is free and you learn the
history of the area and can walk the entire hour barefoot if you would like, and as the sun goes
down man does it get cold! But before the walk began I hit the dunes with a circular sled that I
strapped on the back of my bike bike and took into the dunes - it was a blast!
O
ne day I was playing in the dunes and the next 700+ feet below the surface traveling into
the depths of Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico. Leaving Alamogordo early as I had a big ride
planned, I had figured about an hour and half to enjoy the site and then back on the road. Once I
turned on the 285 to head south the winds kicked in, it was a good break to arrive at the caverns.
I bought my ticket (which is actually free-sort of I have the $80 a year NP pass that has already
paid for itself in the 10+ parks and sites I have visited) and turned the corner to head down only
to be greeted by a ranger on his walkie-talkie. “sorry the electric just went out, we had to turn on
the backup generator it should just be a short while.” This turned into 30 min. I was getting
worried because I knew I only had so much light to ride, so I ask again, “oh not long, maybe
fifteen minutes, maybe an hour.” An hour! So I took in the 17 min. free video, had some lunch,
and checked again. “Someone ran into an electric pole outside the park they are trying to get us
back up and running."
T
his crazy wind probably threw someone off the road, but how long would it be – do I
stay and wait or leave to be sure to get to my destination before dark....I decided to use the
restroom one more time and walk really slowly! Coming back in I heard a ranger tell another
couple that they are in there making sure all lights are functioning! Fantastic I turned to the
elevators with the other couple and by this time the visitor center was packed but