Day 21: Wagons West

There wasn’t a big sign or welcome center on the small backroad road we followed from West Texas to Carlsbad, New Mexico—just curtains of rain on the horizon and an exciting lightning storm. This is exactly what I remember/picture when I think of New Mexico: horizons, clouds, open space. It’s so beautiful. 

We arrived in Carlsbad along with flash flooding and Mountain Time. The Lucky Bull restaurant, housed in the old city hall, served up New Mexico draft beef and perfect sliders and burgers. The lightning Storm continued until well past bedtime. 

Hannah and Justin and company caravanned with us, leading the way, and if we don’t get rained out we’ll explore some caves before parting ways. 

Days since leaving Norfolk: 21

Days until San Diego: 7

Emergency highway-side bathroom stops (trip to date): 4

Road kill armadillos: 6 

Snakes run over today: 1

Percentage of driving days we’ve had rain: 100% 

Time zones: 3 

Number of places slept: 13 

Trip mileage to date: ? (left the mileage notebook in the car) 

Total party in Carlsbad: 9 souls