- IMG 2882
The usual suspects: Pip (the gray hippo-marble) and Mr. Frogman (holding open the computer) take their customary positions on the dash as we head out of Austin. - IMG 2883
Ears are weird. Bet you can't stuff yours into itself. - IMG 2911
This is the view from the parking lot of Carlsbad Caverns. Not bad. - IMG 2912
We chose the "natural" entrance, and were warned that it would be quite challenging. The naturaly entrance consisted of asphalt-paved, gently-inclined trail all the way through the cave. With lights. But hey, it was pretty and hassle-free. I won't complain. - IMG 2893
IMG_2893 - IMG 3015
Within 15 minutes of arriving in Vegas, we are disgusted and return to the interstate to put the horrid city behind us. - IMG 2887
IMG_2887 - IMG 2910
IMG_2910 - IMG 2945
To get from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, you drive through a very unlikely coniferous forest (Kaibab Natl Forest). - IMG 2908
IMG_2908 - IMG 2884
After arriving at the scenic Guadalupe mountains, we prepared to head to our campsite from the Rangers' station, but discovered the car wouldn't shift out of park. Here, Bryan tries to find something in the manual that might help; eventually a call to a VW dealership yeilded the answer. - IMG 2918
The coolest of the pillars were the ones that seemed to be composed of armies of mushrooms from floor to ceiling. - IMG 2897
IMG_2897 - IMG 2891
IMG_2891 - IMG 2913
From just within the cave entrance. - IMG 3018
A year later, the two travelers see the other ocean together. We've now traveled the entire length of Our Great Nation together :) - IMG 2920
The little puffs of rock are called "popcorn." - IMG 2886
IMG_2886 - IMG 2900
And here's the beetle sex. - IMG 2894
IMG_2894 - IMG 2926
A couple of the stunning, finger-like projections of stalagmites we encountered. - IMG 2890
The fore-mentioned red tree. - IMG 2919
Sharp spikes hanging from the ceiling. Occasionally I imagined these snapping of and skewering me. - IMG 2901
IMG_2901 - IMG 2940
Again, I defer. - IMG 2925
Some beautiful flowstone. - IMG 2892
IMG_2892 - IMG 2895
IMG_2895 - IMG 2906
IMG_2906 - IMG 2885
We went for a hike a few miles into the mountains. The best part: the red trees. The views weren't bad either. Nor the beetle sex. Ahem.