Tucson

When we went to bed last night it was hot, dry and calm.  In the middle of the night a wind kicked in that woke us up by flapping the tent ends around.  Donnie got all secured promptly.  I was already up due to some late arriving campers that must not have seen the other six tents in the area when they decided to loudly set up their gear.  After a brusque "excuse me....are you aware what time it is" all was reasonably quiet again.  It is amazing how quickly you become accustomed to the lack of outside noise and interference, to where the slightest intrusion is amplified.

I'm rambling again....

Had an amazing breakfast of steak and grits then we drove back to the entrance to the caverns.  The vista below it was massive and desolate looking - it used to be an ocean floor. It appeared as though we were a few of the first ones to arrive.  We used our newly obtained a national park service passport that is good for year, and proceeded down into the mouth.  

The descent was really cool.  Literally.   The caverns are a constant 56ºF.  Pretty steep with switchbacks. It felt as though we had the place to ourselves....and it was HUGE.  The formations were impressive.  There are two ways out...elevator and walking back up the way we came in.  99% use the elevators...but not this team.  We hiked back up the cavern trail amongst all the comments of how bits we were to be doing that.  Total hike we estimate at 4 miles.

Back to driving through endless desert. 

Next stop Tucson. 

Random iron horse sculptures in the desert

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