C A R L S B A D C A V E R N S N A T I O N A L P A R K
Carlsbad, New Mexico

Looking at my cave literature I notice the primary picture is that of bats in flight. As I make my way closer to the cave entrance, I wonder, will I see a bat or two? Will they fly into my hair and freak me out? Oh, wait, I don't have much hair, never mind.

Here's a panorama of the entrance. I immediately notice the footpath switchbacks into the entrance due to the steep incline one must make upon entry.

Okay, where are the bats? I see evidence of them, their guano (bat droppings) is scattered all over the cave walls near the entrance.

No, I haven't been drinking. My nose is red because it's a bit nippy out. I've been told it'll be chilly in the cave as well. I guess earlier I should've tipped the bottle back a bit in order to stay warm on my tour, oh well, my bad.

I'm now ready to descend into the dark subterranean labyrinth. Perhaps this will be the last picture of me? Maybe soon I'll be hopelessly lost, left to waste away and wander forever the miles upon miles of dark underground passageways, all the while, desperately searching for that one glimmer of light to point my way out. Surely, my life and future now hang in the balance as I make my way down into the throat of the beast.

Despite all the perils I'll soon face, I muster up a smile for posterity sake. Yes, I am indeed a brave man. During my trek let's just hope I don't degenerate into a babbling, trembling shell of my former self, where I develop a shameful propensity to scream like a litte girl and soil myself like an infant.

Okay, no more thoughts of the impending danger, I must just put one foot in front of the other and start this caving adventure of mine.