Camping in Carlsbad

Austin ==> Carlsbad, NM
The next morning we went to the most famous Mexican restaurant in Austin, which apprently has seen 4 hour waits on weekend nights. Matt's El Rancho. The food was pretty good, and we didn't even have to wait for a table. The waitress was beautiful and friendly and we traded contact info for a future rendezvous in some state or another. Then it was time to head farther west into New Mexico. The Stones are playing tonight in Austin but we won't be around.

The drive was probably about 8 hours. Of nothing. Speed limit was 80 mph, and I scored a speeding ticket like I always do for going 91, though i was on cruise control and locked at 85. WTF. Came very close to running out of gas (I felt like a Porter) but found the 1 gas station in a 100 mi. radius. The exit off the highway had 2 farms, a bunch of greenhouses, and this 1 gas station/general store. That was the town. Population 8. The store was full of at least 100 stuffed moose/deer heads and antlers. Such is Texas. We watched Gangs of New York in the car and drove and drove and drove until night hit when we drove some more. In our search for Carlsbad Caverns National Park in NM, we saw the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen, just outside of Pecos, TX, home of the first rodeo. I have 82 pictures of it for all to see. We pulled over on the highway to watch the sunset, throw the football, and listen to country music.

Driving through the New Mexican desert at night was scary. There was nothing but flatland and weird lights (this is where the aliens live), and a Church that followed us around throughout the night. Finally we found the park, set up camp, ate some hot dogs, drank a beer, and rolled a salvia cig.

Bed time was freezing cold, and I think that all 4 of us were snoring, making for a great nite's sleep all around.. But we survived the night and went through the Caverns, which were unbelieveable. It is like an underground city with stalactites and stalagmites and amazing formations. It actually goes about 1000 ft. under the earth's surface. I've got some pics, but it must be seen to be appreciated. A true wonder of the world.

Drove through Roswell, NM. It was not cool. Just like any other small town down here, with aliens on the lightposts and a McDonalds playplace shaped like a UFO. Now we are driving to a hot spring in Santa Rosa, NM en route to our destination state. A stop in Mesa Verde National Park for tonight is planned. Hopefully we will be at our Frisco house on Tuesday late night. I'll let y'all know.

The south was/is really cool. I could see myself sitting on the porch watching the sunset with a southern belle, listening to country music, wearing my cowboy hat, drinking homemade wine, and taking it easy. But i gotta go skiing first. And win Fantasy Football.

321: a lot of nickelback on the radio in new mexico. Me and keith are pumped.