Little Things Make Memories, Too

We have made some lasting memories on our road trip to Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns . . . yes, we can even laugh at the spill I took on Guadalupe Peak.  Thankfully, I wasn't really hurt; I was able to finish the hike, scratches and all.  We met some nice people along the trail, some of whom where there to help me get back on my feet.  Thank you!  It seems we always meet great people on our trips. Little did we know that another adventure awaited us after a fun day at the caves, because there was an accident on the main highway in Carlsbad during the evening rush hour.  Long story short, after going east, south and west we stopped to ask a man for his help.  His name was Charles, he worked for Oxy (Occidental  Petroleum) he was just getting off work and he said, "Follow me," so we did . .  on a wild goose chase on paved, gravel and dirt roads; he then waved us on our way!    

Pecos River sunset at Carlsbad, New Mexico

Yucca on our way to Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls

These mule deer ran across the road in front of us,
how many do you see?

The highway through Carlsbad was closed due to an accident and we were lost.
  Charles helped us find our way

New Mexico sunset from our hotel room

On the way home we drove up to Ski Apache near Ruidoso, New Mexico

Ski Apache is located on Sierra Blanca in the Sacramento Mountains

We had great views on the way back down

 Magdalena had some cute buildings

In the late 1800's silver was mined in the area

Further up the road we came across the VLA (Very Large Array),
it's a Radio Astronomy Observatory

The sky looked threatening as we headed towards Arizona,
but relented with just a few drops of rain.

Click here to see our route home
On our road trip we drove 2250 miles. 

White Pocket Adventure

Most people have never heard of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument; it is located in Arizona just south of the Utah border.  Within the monument are many hidden gems, White Pocket being one of them.  If you're looking for some unique rock formations White Pocket is for you. However, it is in a very remote location and does require a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or AWD, depending on the conditions.  Best of all, there are no crowds and it is free!   

Ready or not here we go . . . 25 miles into the unknown!

We are prepared, like the sign says, so we will continue on our way

We are on the right road, it's important to watch the road numbers

We have arrived at White Pocket . . . it feels good to be here!

Follow the path . . . it's just over the rise

Wow!

Amazing!

Strange, but neat formation in the sandstone

What a sight!

It's a perfect day to explore the area . . . blue skies and sun!

What caused this? Geologists have come up with all kinds of ideas, sand-slides, earthquakes or soft-sediment deformation that turned into rock . . . but my "sediments" lie with God! 

I think this is called the Swirl

Kent decided this would make a good wave to surf, he just needs water!

We spent a few hours taking in all of this . . . it's hard to put into words

Most of the pools of water had ice on them

This pool was starting to melt so we could get a little reflection

The textures and colors of the sandstone were unbelievable 

Can you see the small window?

A panoramic view of one section

This is Lollipop Rock

Even the smallest objects were interesting

Half of a Moqui marble embedded in the sandstone

This pool of water is held by a concrete dam 

The dam was built in 1929

This should have a name . . . it looks like a creature of some sort

This old fence sure isn't keeping the cows out

Moqui marbles galore

This pool was really frozen

Water pockets in the cauliflower rock

White Pocket has an amazing variety of rock striations

John looks like a happy camper as he's on his way back to the parking area

Here we are . . . it's best to travel as a group to White Pocket . . . there's safety in numbers!
Ev, Bruce, Allison, Kent, Gary, Susan & John

On our way out . . . it's nice the rancher lets everyone cut through his property

Looking towards Coyote Buttes South

Almost back to the highway, what a great day! 

Aerial view of our route