Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Welcome to New Mexico! (5/30/12)


Beautiful Texas - before the desolate desert.  
After leaving San Antonio, I still had hundreds of miles of Texas to cover before reaching New Mexico.  Western Texas was a tougher drive than eastern with its super long stretches of interstate between gas stations and even rest areas - at least two 50-mile stretches without gas stations and one 100+ mile stretch without rest areas.  Although it was a tough drive, I was prepared.  I carried a five-gallon gas can with me just in case, but thankfully never had to use it.  I always filled up with 70 or so miles left on the tank, which was a big change from my usual 7 miles left fill-ups in Atlanta.  I was also prepared for the worst with two gallon jugs of water and lots of snacks, which were the only “emergency” item used.    

Welcome to New Mexico!
Desolate Texas.
Most of the drive was on interstate, but to get to Carlsbad, New Mexico, I had to drive more than 100 miles on the highway.  You might think this would slow me down considering the speed limit on I-10 in Texas ranges from 70 to 85 mph, but this was not the case.  The highway speed limit was 75 mph!  I’ve never seen anything like the straight, lonely roads I traveled to get to Carlsbad.  It was totally worth it to see the Caverns (next post), but I will always remember the drive between El Paso, Texas, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, as a rather desolate one.   I should also mention that it was stinking hot the desert. 

Hot New Mexico.  Yes, that thermometer is
registering 106 degrees Fahrenheit.


P.S. I am a little behind on my posts, but working to update them.  I should have my adventures from Carlsbad Caverns and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area up soon.  

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