Our First Spelunking Adventure

Living in Midland has a few perks, and one such is the location. (No, really!) Situated just far enough into west Texas, places like Big Bend, the Davis Mountains, Marfa Lights, and the Carlsbad Caverns are a quick day/weekend trip away, yet we aren't so far out that we feel isolated from the rest of the state. Anyhow, after living here almost 16 months we finally decided to take a little trip to the Carlsbad Caverns. It was actually a last minute idea; my brother, Daniel, mentioned going around 11:00 am on Saturday and we left about an hour later, so it's a darn good thing it's only a 2.5 hour drive away and you gain an hour once in New Mexico! :)

Out of the four of us (Stephen, Daniel, myself, and of course Ella), Stevo was the only one that had been before. In fact, this was our first time in any cave period, and I can honestly say that it was way more impressive than I anticipated! I already want to go again, only next time take one of the hard-hat tours that venture into unpaved and unlit regions of the caverns. Here are a few snapshots from out little trip:)



Just about to ascend (and it's quite a slope!) into the cave.



Stevo and I entering the cave.



Looking up toward the entrance.



Just about the time the sunlight disappears is when the temperature suddenly changes. The cave maintains an average temperature of 56 degrees year round. It felt amazing compared to the stifling heat outside! Oh and did I mention it's extremely humid in there?



Uncle Daniel took over with Ella once we got to "The Big Room". Basically this is where you end up after over a mile of hiking about 700 ft. underground. As you can see, Ella is a bit tuckered out!



Ella with Daddy in line for the elevator that takes you back up. She enjoyed the trip! Did I mention this was her first time to travel out of Texas? :)



Alas, the gift shop, and Ella's favorite part of the trip. Apparently she likes bats!