High plain drifters

We got a new rim with a tire and exchanged the tire we’ve just mounted with a new one. So, we should be OK. From Fort Stockton, TX to Carlsbad, NM was a short drive of only 140 miles.  In between were only 2 cities which disrupted the drive through a rather vast land high plateau (4,000 ft). And Rupert mentioned the movie with Clint Eastwood, “High Plains Drifter”.

On the side of the road were just oil derricks. Not a lot, but every now and then. All the billboards along the road were advertisements for drill rig services, pipe line repair and similar. Rupert was wondering why they did not have any advertisements for Brazilian butt lifts, breast argumentation, or face lifts done during lunch break like one can see on Miami billboards. Don’t they know what’s important in life?

Wind was shaking our rig and we were glad to arrive early in Carlsbad. We drove into the city, which is really an ugly city.  “Moorly” (our truck) got treated with an oil change. For a 21 year old truck he is doing really excellent. On Saturday, we did the Caverns in a self-guided tour. Equipped with audio guides we strolled around for 4 hours. 

 

Isn't that fitting? Rupert as a 'caver"

Man, time went by so fast, it was unbelievable. I have seen many caves or caverns (whatever the difference might be) but that one is by far the most impressive. Not as colorful and decorated as some, but the dimensions. Just unreal. What an experience. Wow-wee.

This is the natural entrance to the cavern.

After a visit to the Living Desert & Zoo in the afternoon we drove back to the Caverns to witness the bat flight. Too early in the year to see thousands of them, but we saw quite a few. 

quite impressive

Back into town for dinner in a well know restaurant, were the service was so bad, we almost left. Well, we were hungry and it was already very late. Too bad, we found out way to late that Carlsbad had a drive in movie theater that was actually open. I have never been to one. Well, maybe we will find another while cruising the country.

Ta-ta