This past weekend I did a whirlwind tour of southeast New Mexico, visiting White Sands National Monument, White Sands Missile Range and Carlsbad Caverns.

The highlight of the trip for me was the Caverns, which I’ve wanted to visit since I was a boy. It lived up to my high expectations. I strongly recommend doing the Natural Entrance self guided tour, rather than going in by elevator.

My second favorite stop was the open house at Trinity Site - the site of the world’s first atomic explosion in July of 1945. The odd thing about visiting ground zero is that nuclear bombs are a little less threatening now.

The lowlights of the trip were the Border Patrol checkpoints well inside the United States.

I almost did too much on this quick weekend. A lot of people wouldn’t enjoy the pace I maintained, and a larger group of people would have a hard time doing so much. But I had a great time, and other then restaurant choices, wouldn’t have changed a thing.

My detailed trip report and photos are at http://www.mightymac.org/06nm01.htm

Keith

I will read your full report but in the meantime, did you stay in one central location or did you stay in a different area each night? I am in the midst of planning a trip which includes some of these palces.

Never mind....read your report -GREAT photos!!!

Loved your trip report! Thanks!

Loved the trip report and photos esp Carlsbad Caverns. I've wanted to go since I was little too - hopefully, one day!!

Keith,

thanks for your great trip report! We had drinks at the cool bar in the Double Eagle--the mango infused tequila margarita was ALMOST worth the $8 as you said.

Awesome pictures--thanks for sharing.

I was glad I hadn't ordered more than one margarita, since I hadn't bothered to ask the price

Have you tried La Posta? If I make it to Mesilla again, I thought I would give it a try.

And thanks all for the compliments.

Keith

Great great great report! I'm leaving Friday and covering much of the same ground. (Missed Trinity Site Open House this time!) Thanks.

Keith,

we did eat at La Posta and liked it a lot. Our plan was to consume mass quantities of good mexican food, and La Posta fit right in. Also, we ate at Double Eagle's sister restaurant Peppers (in the same building, the more casual dining room in front), and though not as good as La Posta, it was really good, moderately priced mexican as well.

Thanks for sharing your photos Keith - great job. I liked the Mackinac Island photos too.

My favorite photo is the one where you have the option of going to Ground Zero or Toilets.

WONDERFUL pictures. These are like the perfect photos I think I shot while on the Colorado Plateau and returning home find not many keepers.

Thank you all. Your comments made my day.

Keith

We just got back from Las Cruces a few weeks ago. A great restaurant is Lorenzos. It is very good Italian food and cute decor. We always enjoy La Posta as well. Tiffanys greek restaurant has great food too.