I am so grateful for the blasting wind blowing me toward Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. It features more than 100 caves. What an incredible place! I'm taking my time in the cave, as people are passing me, but I need and want to be present and feel this unique beauty. It is one color hue. Only the shadow from the lights is playing with the space. The texture is so rich, and the movements are so unique. It's amazing what time can create.
I'm all alone at one point, so silence comes around me. What a wonderful feeling of the sound of the dripping water, knowing it's creating more layers of beauty and texture. I get to Silent Bell. Oh wow, it looks like a giant candle dripping its wax slowly on itself!
Did you know that joy is the hardest emotion to feel? I am so glad I have the education I received from Brené Brown's work before leaving for this journey. I can truly immerse myself in the joy of what I see, feel, and experience!
I take a guided tour to the King Palace with a ranger. I highly recommend this. I learn a more in-depth history about the caves. One extraordinary experience the ranger gives us is to be in the cave's darkness so we can experience what it felt to the first explorers. I never experienced that darkness, even when I closed my eyes. I enjoy sharing this experience with Molly, another solo traveler who is on a two week trip. She's heading to Big Bend National Park. I hope the weather will treat her well and she can enjoy Big Bend as much as I did.
When I exit the cave through the Natural Entrance, my phone comes to life with messages, so I glance at it. Suddenly I hear someone calling my name. How funny, Brenda and Taylor are embracing me with hugs. What a delightful surprise to bump into them again!
I decided not to struggle with the wind for tonight, and I'm staying at an RV park in a cabin providing me with a bed and a roof above my head.
The incredible friendships and connections through this journey, is no doubt the cherry on top of the cake! As a solo traveler, it is up to me to create and engage with others. Sometimes it doesn't go anywhere, but most of the time, it is a beautiful gift.
