New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment 2

There is something about the camaraderie in a traditional Escapees RV Park and The Ranch is one of the few that follow that tradition. A welcoming bell rings each time visitors come in. Folks seem to come out of nowhere to welcome the new visitors. Hugs are the greeting for many and others just welcome the newcomers with a smile, a nod or a handshake. The only drawback of The Ranch is that it sits in the middle of nowhere between Roswell and Carlsbad but the folks could not have been more welcoming and congenial. We reconnected with people we had met before and connected with others we will probably meet again in our travels as we explored the area.

Carlsbad Caverns
The first caverns we toured were the Mitchell Caverns in the Mohave Desert over 10 years ago. They felt small and intimate as the walls seemed to close in. The strongest memory is the sense of darkness. Without the guide’s light, it was impossible to even see your hand in front of you.

In contrast, the Carlsbad Caverns are humongous!
We toured the Big Room. that is supposed to take about one and a half hours – Huh! After over two hours, we were all pooped out but it is spectacular.
The first thought through my mind was “it seemed a lot like the Grande Canyon “ – just that huge! Then I discovered that Will Rogers described it as the Grand Canyon with a roof on it - I understand why (except you are 750 ft. underground).
When I Googled the Big Room in the Carlsbad Caverns it came up with the funniest explanation of the size that I have ever read so I decided to include it.
The Atlas of Great Caves of the World by Courbon, Chabert, and Bosted & Lindsley published in 1989 states that the floor area of the Big Room in Carlsbad Cavern is 33,210 square meters. 33,210 sq. meters equals approximately 357,480 sq. ft. A football field is 360 feet long (including the end zones) by 160 feet wide or equal to 57,600 sq. ft. By dividing 57,600 sq. ft. into 357,480 sq. ft., you roughly get that 6.2 football fields would fit into the Big Room. In acres, one acre is equal to 4,840 sq. yards or 43,560 sq. feet. Divide 43,560 sq. ft into 357,480 sq. ft. and we find that the Big Room is 8.2 acres in size (more or less).

Needless to say - it is BIG! – And old!
It’s estimated the caves started forming about 25 million years ago. The acid percolating up from below and rainwater and snowmelt draining down from above form small mineral deposits called speleothems. Growths from the roof downward are known as stalactites. Additionally, water on the floor of the caverns can contain carbonic acid and generate mineral deposits by evaporation. Growths from the floor upward are known as stalagmites. Other speleothems have names that reflect their shapes: columns, soda straws, draperies, helictites, and popcorn and formation carry names such as: Bottomless Pit, Giant Dome, Rock of Ages, and Painted Grotto.

Path through the Big Room


Stalagmites

Stalactites

Ladder down to the Bottomless Pit