We got up super early. Mike somehow got his watch messed up and his alarm went off at 5am. The caves didn't open until 8 so we had some time to spare.
The caves were amazing. And that may be an understatement. We had already seen Timpanogus and Mammoth caves, but wow, Carlsbad topped them both. Huge ceilings and stalagmites the size of houses. Truly spectacular.
Mike bought Scarlett pink helmet with the light on front. It's pretty much her most favorite thing ever. She had it on first thing before the sun came up, making good use of the light. It came in very handy in the cave. She wasn't nervous about walking into a cool, dark, damp unknown at all. And it was easy to keep track, always being lit up.
We heard different things about the caves, the most negative being the harsh smell of guano or bat poo. I have to say I never smelled any ever. Neither did Luke who has a very sensitive sense of smell. I suppose it may smell somewhere in the cave, but not anywhere we visited.
The park ranger did a stellar job of teaching us about the bats on Monday night. She spoke off the cuff because she had no idea whem the bats would fly out of the cave. Yet she was interesting and even funny. She answered questions so well. The park facilities were clean, well kept and so educational. I have a deep gratitude for the country I live in, for all it's beauty and resources.
The Lubbock Temple was very small and tucked back behind a stake center. It was the first temple we saw with an empty parking lot. Probably closed on a Tuesday afternoon. No one to take a picture we made due with a selfie. Scarlett wanted to wear her helmet and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love my little pink minion.
After Carlsbad we headed out towards Lubbock. The air conditioner unit on the trailer had been rattling and bouncing along the way. Mike checked it and the plastic cover was beginning to Crack around oneach of the bolts that holds it down. He bought a larger washer for it and then a tie down strap to keep it in place. Now it sits solid and doesn't move. The air conditioner has been so nice on the trip, we are all glad it's still with us and working.
Mike had a hankerin' for a peach shake so we drove all the way to Abilene to find one. It was Cow Appreciation Day. Scarlett wanted to meet the cows, but then wouldn't get near them. So I picked her up for a picture.
We finally made it to Dallas just before sunset. The temple was so pretty. Bright pink flowers, dark green grass and grey stone walls. I love the unique architecture of each one. Dallas reminded me of Portland a bit the way the steeple sits out in front. When President Hinkley spoke of temples to dot the earth, I had no idea all the dots I would be able to connect and see. What a trip this is!
I drove from Abilene to Dallas. Mike was able to rest a little which was good. The signs and interchanges were different than what I was used to, but Mike navigated well with no wrong turns.
It was great to see Uncle Craig. Aunt Lorrie was leaving California from Donnie and Saren'a reception heading to the Brady reunion in Nevada. We stayed up late talking, til about midnight central time. Craig slept on a cot and gave Mike and I their big king bed. It was so nice to be indoor for a solid sleep night with clean air. My allergies were so much better in the morning.
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