We arrived in Carlsbad, NM yesterday.  Our distance was only 138 miles but we did have one miss-step that added to our drive time.  When I did a "walk around" the rig while filling up at a Pilot station just outside of Carlsbad, I noticed that one of the trailer tires was "low" but not flat.  On closer inspection, the tire was treadless!  It was being held together by the steel belts only.  So I called AAA and had them come' and put the spare on the rig.  Very quick, very capable service.  Unfortunately, there's nothing open in Carlsbad on Saturday afternoon... except Walmart and they don't carry trailer tires.  Oh well.  The tire place will be open Monday Morning.  On with being a tourist!  We went to the Caverns National Park to "do" the museum and gift shops yesterday.  Interesting films and displays to prepare us for the actual cave experience we had today.  We went back to the caves this morning and did "the big room".  Took an elevator 750' below the surface (one minute ride) and arrived at the entrance.  Very dark, and about 56 degrees.  It is reputed to be the size of 14 football fields!  We wandered throughout the room for 2+ hours along paved paths with guard rails along both sides.  It wasn't an overly difficult walk... but did test our endurance in a little over a mile and a half.

  We'd purchased handheld audio tour wands and that gave us detailed information about the geology, history and highlights.  Well worth the money ($5)  Since our admission was free with our Senior Access passes - all-in-all a fabulous experience for very few dollars!  I'll post more photos tomorrow as the Wi-Fi here is abominably s-l-o-w.  By the way, the temp here is about 105 today
...we are sweltering