NM (part 2) and Texas (part 1)

6/18/26 - We spent the day at the RV relaxing, doing a bit of cooking, and going for a run in the sweltering heat!

6/19/26 - We explored more of Carlsbad Caverns.

This is at the top of "The Natural Entrance" of Carlsbad Caverns. This steep entrance is why the bats fly in a "bat-nado" before flying out. This walkway took us 750ft down into the cave.

Once we were at the bottom, we explored "The Big Room". The path through this aptly-named "cavern" was 1.25 miles. It was beautifully lit so you could see the many cave formations and the ceiling about 250 ft above us. We walked past a 200,000 ton rock that had fallen, with a sign that read "don't worry, falling rock is unlikely to occur again". Yeah right!!

The cave is so extensive they built restrooms and a snack bar down there! When we were done, we took the elevator up. We appreciated that...the walk out would have been strenuous!

6/20,21/26 - We left New Mexico and drove to Abilene, Texas, which I had selected as a halfway point to College Station, TX (where we will visit the George H.W. Bush (who I call "Senior") Presidential Library). The highlight of these days was on-line euchre with the Harmanns and a creek-side run (again, HOT!).

6/22/26 - The other reason I found Abilene of interest was FactoryToursUSA.com listed a cowboy boot factory. They were closed on the weekend so I went Monday morning.

I was expecting a bit more than this!

Despite the run-down look, the place is very popular. They had pictures of famous people, including Kevin Costner, who have had boots made by them.

Since I have big feet (women's size 12) I can never find the boots I want. So I decided to have them make me a pair. I got to pick out the leather (many colors and textures), toe-style, heel height, etc. They will be ready in about 10 weeks.

After that, we packed up and drove about 5 hours to our RV site near College Station, TX.

The close-knit trees at our RV park made parking a challenge. Except for a close call with our bikes hitting a moveable fence, Pat did very well!!