The weather was so bad, it changed our plans to visit Carlsbad Caverns (and Roswell) in New Mexico. And so we ended up in San Diego a couple of days earlier than we expected. The weather in San Diego was also poor. Rainy, mostly, more than usual. The temperatures were tolerable, almost pleasant... even for this Florida boy. And the rain held off one day to allow me to play a round of golf at one of my old favorites. Unfortunately, other circumstances prevented me from playing another full round.
And then it was off to Las Vegas where I managed to get in a miserable round at a poor quality course, break even gambling, and break my cell phone.
Now, in spite of the whining of the casino owners in Las Vegas, there seems to be a lot of construction going on and many, many changes. Some rather odd buildings have popped up in recent years. Like these crooked ones....
Here's a closeup showing the heli-pad on the roof.
After a fine Mexican dinner with Tony of My Life as I See It and another fine Mexican dinner with Larry and Shirley at Willie and Jose's Cantina in Sam's Town Casino, we left Las Vegas behind and headed back east. After wending our way down past Boulder Dam and down onto I-40 East, we found ourselves heading for the Grand Canyon. I had never been there before. Faye had been there as a child, even taking a donkey ride down into the canyon. Not this time, we stayed up on the rim, visiting a few vista points. The views are remarkably different while, strangely, being remarkably similar.
So, I took a few pictures.
Yes, the white stuff on the other side is snow. It was cold.
I also had a pleasant surprise when purchasing entry into the park. First, we now pay to visit the National Parks (which we "own" and pay to staff and maintain as citizens of this country). Second, that since I am an "oldie", I get a senior pass which allows me into any National Park for free. That pass cost me $10 and never expires. the (rather young) ranger who sold me that pass emphasized that with a stern look.
The colors in the photos don't compare with what the eye picks up. And I am using an inexpensive camera that isn't suited to this type of scenic photography.
To prove we were actually there (and maybe that it was cold), here are a couple of shots:
Faye's scowl is because she thought I might push her off the edge.
That is one handsome senior citizen!
Tomorrow we head for the Carlsbad Caverns.
7 comments:
It seems you enjoyed the trip inspite of all the mishaps and bad weather.
I like the thought of your wife scowling rather than scared. So much more spunkier isn't it?
Since I spent the first 5 years of my life in New Mexico and have a strangely connected feeling every time I am in the state, I am looking forward to your post on Carlsbad Caverns. We have been there several times, once to watch the millions of bats fly out at dusk.
You look like Poseidon.
That was some trip! You had to log a couple thousand miles, eh?
J, it is always about the journey, never the destination.
Cheri, I had never been to the Caverns before. Interesting but a little disappointing. Pictures and story tomorrow.
Andreas, Poseidon? Didn't he have a full beard?
Fragrant, still 2000 to go. Already over 4000...
That was some trip! You had to log a couple thousand miles, eh?
It seems you enjoyed the trip inspite of all the mishaps and bad weather.
I like the thought of your wife scowling rather than scared. So much more spunkier isn't it?
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