This was Kt and I first big trip as a couple. We had recently started dating and we wanted to celebrate with Kt graduating from college. We ended going to:
Mesa Verde National Monument, CO
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
El Malpais National Monument, NM
Natural Bidges National Monument, UT
Our first night we pulled into Mesa Verde. It started to downpour and I was the only one without a tarp to cover the hammock. I stubbornly tried to wait it out. After a few hours passed Kt offered to share her hammock. Mild hypothermia setting in, I was happy that she let me squeeze in (head to toe of course).
Carlsbad was by far the most amazing cave we have ever seen. We first to arrive at the park since we didn't have a single reservation. Carlsbad has the one of the largest known selection of cave pearls, is home to Lecheguilla Cave system (one of the largest known caves in the world), has a prominent bat population, has just about every cave formation you can think of and more! By the end of the day we went on five different tours. Two of them were self guided, one regular, one was a wild cave tour and a bat show. Half of million bats come flowing out of the cave at night. We stayed and watched the whole thing till the sun went down. We were last to leave.
El Malpais National Monument was our first cave we went out on our own. It was a system of small caves, perfect to go out and explore without any real consequences. We went at night making it almost spooky. The place was filled with big lava tubes. Big enough to fit semi trucks.
Kt invited a friend on the trip. Which was great to have someone help split gas, drive and to share a cool experience with. The only problem this individual had a crush on Kt. This wouldn't been a problem but the individual didn't know we were a couple starting the trip. Awkward. He started flirting with Kt during the drive, opening doors for her, etc (basically making me look like a fool). About five hours into the trip I started making it clear we were official by talking about it in open conversation. We still had several days on the road but it turned out alright.
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| Mesa Verde National Monument |
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| Kt was happy to have a break from driving. |
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| One of Josh and Kt's first photos together in Carlsbad Caverns. |
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| Who knew Kt would be wearing the National Park uniform that next summer. |
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| Josh crawling through the cave. |
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| Kt in her element. |
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| Josh showing off his knowledge of caves. |
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| Kt working her way through the cave. |
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| Josh and Kt taking the easy way out. |
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| Lion Tails. |
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| Massive columns in Carlsbad Caverns. |
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| Carlsbad Caverns is home to Cave Pearls, Popcorn, Chandeliers, Soda Straws and more. |
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| On the way out we stopped at the Area 51 Museum. |
