Do Something Different This Summer
The longer, lazier days of summer provide many opportunities to get out and enjoy a family vacation. Most people choose a beach vacation, which can certainly be refreshing. If the beaches are just too crowded for you, or if you're just looking for something a little different for your family vacation, then you might consider a trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad is nestled between the Guadalupe Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert, and the area features the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This is truly a wonderful vacation experience for all ages, because there is beauty, relaxation, wildlife, and learning all in one spot.
Carlsbad Caverns consist of over a hundred different caves and caverns, and more are discovered every year. There are several Ranger-guided and self-guided cavern tours that you and your family can enjoy. It is actually quite startling to visit the park during the brightest hours of the day and then venture into the dark and cool caves. On many of the tours, the Rangers will shut off all of the lights, leaving the entire crowd in pitch blackness, just to show visitors how dark the caverns can truly be.
During the summer months, Carlsbad Caverns sponsors several educational experiences. You can often find photography classes, nature hikes, and history talks if you check the calendar. One of the most popular activities is the Celebrate the Night Sky and Star Party, which takes place once a month through October. The Rangers are all on hand to teach visitors about astronomy, nocturnal wildlife, and local folklore. The distance from any city lights serves to heighten the stargazing experience. In the relative darkness, the night sky is even more brilliant and looks almost close enough to touch.
The summer is also the best time to see the bats in flight. May through October are the typical months for the Bat Flight Program, but migration patterns and new bat births can cause the numbers to grow during July and August. The bat flights take place before dawn each day as the bats return to roost, or you can witness the exodus in the evening if the wee hours are too early. The Rangers are always on hand to teach visitors about the bats and the caves, so it is really an experience that is not to be missed. Even if you aren't crazy about bats, you won't be able to deny the moving power of the sight.
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