Photo of cave formations in "The Big Room" at Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.

Had a nice week in the southwest.   Spent five days at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is about 100 miles east of El Paso, Texas.  Hiked to the top of Guadalupe Peak, the highest mountain in Texas, 8743.'  Trail was actually about 60% snow-covered, but easy to follow the footsteps, and the temp on top was in the 50's. 

Spent a couple of days exploring Carlsbad Caverns, which is a truly magnificent place.  Walked through on the regular tourist trails, plus took a couple of ranger-led tours to lesser-visited cave areas.

A really nice break from the mid-winter routine, but it's nice to be back in our deep snow too!