We ventured North to the Guadalupe National Park to find the highest point in Texas. At 8,749 feet Guadalupe Peak falls short of Alaska's highest point, but still, it was a pretty good climb. The Guadalupe Mountains are considered an island in the desert, as they tower up from the desert below. It was a neat contrast to begin with the cactus and yucca at the trail head and end up wandering through a ponderosa pine forest. The park is small, but it has some interesting history and geology. It is also the world's premier example of a fossil reef from the Permian Era.
 |
| El Capatain and Gaudalupe Peak |
 |
| Looking back at the campground as we begin our 8 mile, 3000 ft. climb, hike. |
 |
| Another look back. |
 |
| Still a long way to go, but we have found the trees. |
 |
| Getting closer, gotta check for cell service! |
 |
| At the top of Guadalupe Peak, |
 |
| A view from the top. |
|
| A map of our hike. |
 |
| A flowering cactus. |
 |
| Remnants of the Butterfield Stage Coach stop. |
 |
| The Frijole Ranch |
Carlsbad Caverns was the coolest cave that we have visited so far. The mass quantity of formations and the enormous size was just amazing. The cavern was carved from limestone by sulfuric acid about 4 to 6 million years ago. It is also located in the Guadalupe Mountains, but is in New Mexico.
 |
| Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns. |
 |
| Flowstone |
 |
| Popcorn formation |
 |
| Popcorn, columns, stalactites |
 |
| A really big column. |
 |
| Stalagmite and stalactites |
 |
| This is called the Chinese Theater |
 |
| The Whales Mouth |
Gorgeous. Jacq was just wondering what you guys were up to now. We are in WA for another week or so and then on to Tasmania.
ReplyDelete