Friday July 30, 2010-Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

Today was a very busy day for us. The big problem this morning was that Tyler wanted to sleep in because he stayed up late again. We had plans to go to the Living Desert Zoo here in Carlsbad today after we missed the closing time by 2 minutes yesterday. The zoo is in a very nice location with beautiful scenery around it, but I was let down by many of the cages being empty . and a lot of the animals not visible. I can only think that they stay inside their houses or in shelter from the heat. I know that it is summer and the animals are suffering from the heat, but after paying to see the animals, it is disappointing to not be able to see them. The boys liked it, so I guess thats all that matters.

From there we went to the caverns again. The boys wanted to go on a guided tour of a different part of the cave, but again we were late. We didn't get there in time for the last guided tour but did make it in time to go on the original entrance route. This is a very strenuous route that takes you 750 feet deep into the Big Room where we would catch the elevator back up to the ground level. Stella decided not to try the walk all the way and after taking the hike down, I'm glad she didn't! Even though it was cool in the cave, I was soaked in sweat. My knees ached, my ankles felt as if they were coming apart and my leg throbbed. Although I took several rest stops, I made it. It was tough but we made it. The boys didn't have too much trouble making the walk but they were very supportive of me.

On a lighter note, We were walking into the original mouth of the cave, where the bats fly every evening, and Cameron was intently watching the cave swallows swirling around near the opening when he was hit by a white sticky substance from one of the birds. He was very embarrassed and upset when it happened and of course, Tyler and I had a ball with it, but everyone had a good time. It was nice for me to get to spend some time with the boys alone. They have had fun for the trip and I'm sure it will continue when we get to Colorado.

So long.