There’s something downright magical about the RV lifestyle,
isn’t there? We’re constantly on the move, collecting memories and friendships
like souvenirs from every corner of the country. Conversely, this also means that Judy and I are typically solo travelers
for the majority of our trips. We have observed,
firsthand, the larger caravans of RV’ers crisscrossing the roadways on preplanned
routes. Your travel buddies become your mobile family, and at every stop,
you’re surrounded by familiar faces and inside jokes that span miles of road. But
there’s another kind of RV encounter, the kind that sneaks up on you. That’s when
you meet a fellow traveler by pure coincidence. Finding a connection with another couple who seem like old friends, even
though we've only just met. No prearranged plans, no expectations. Just four people crossing paths and
instantly clicking over sightseeing and travel. We got to experience this
serendipity firsthand during our stop in Carlsbad, NM. Picture us, 750 feet
underground in the Carlsbad Caverns, bumping into another couple who were, figuratively
speaking, mirror images of ourselves. It all began with the simplest exchange
of everyday pleasantries between two previously unknown travelers, just a
friendly hello, a casual question, and a shared smile. In that instant, a
genuine connection sparked, transforming strangers into travel companions as we
swapped stories and laughter. That effortless, immediate bond is what turned an
ordinary encounter into the start of a wonderful friendship. It’s not every day
you make new friends beneath stalactites!
Carlsbad, NM became our gateway to an underground world
after we left behind the rugged expanse of Terlingua, TX and the wild beauty of
Big Bend National Park. Still anchored in the Chihuahuan Desert, our first day
found us venturing about 40 miles into the heart of the Guadalupe
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| Natural Entrance to the Carlsbad Caverns |
Mountains—where the earth conceals one of its grandest secrets. Exploring
Carlsbad Caverns isn’t just a day trip; it’s an epic journey into a colossal
subterranean landscape. The caverns themselves are so vast and awe-inspiring,
you feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of the chambers and tunnels. During peak
season, the caverns teem with up to 4,000 visitors, but we were lucky enough to
experience the haunting quiet of the off-season with fewer than 500 guests. Visiting
when the caverns are nearly empty heightened our sense of awe and made every
moment feel like a private experience. The discovery of Carlsbad Caverns is
rooted in wonder; Jim White, a 16-year-old cowboy, first glimpsed the swarm of
bats erupting from the cave’s yawning natural entrance in 1898. His curiosity
sparked the exploration of the main accessible chambers, leading to the
protection and eventual designation of the caverns as a National Monument in
1923 and a National Park in 1930. Today, the caverns are recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, celebrated as  |
| En Route to the Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns |
one of the world’s most remarkable
underground marvels. It’s hard to grasp the scale until you descend into the
cave yourself. Carlsbad Caverns is a world beneath the world, a place where
massive chambers stretch out in quiet grandeur, and where each step reveals
breathtaking formations that defy imagination. The journey from the Natural
Entrance to the Big Room takes you 750 feet below the surface, following a steep,
paved trail with switchbacks that winds for 1¼ miles. The main chamber, known as “The Big Room”, is so vast it’s easy to lose track of time and
space as you follow the 1 ¼ mile long path around the most amazing formations of
stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, pillars and gnome shaped creations formed
over millions of years. Even after more than a century of exploration, Carlsbad
Caverns remains a mystery in many ways. Over 30 miles of passages have been
mapped in the main cave, with new rooms still being uncovered among the park’s
117+ known caves. The surrounding limestone, formed over 250 million years ago,
continues to conceal wonders waiting to be revealed.
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| Steven, Judy with Rachelle and Kevin |
We first met Rachelle and Kevin in the heart of the caverns, and before
long, they became our fellow travelers. The next day, we set out on a journey
north to Roswell, NM—dubbed the "Alien Capital of the World"—known
for its playful extraterrestrial theme and its reputation tied to the famous
1947 UFO incident. We invited Rachelle and Kevin to join us, and they eagerly
accepted. That morning, our main destination was the International UFO Museum
and Research Center, which features an in-depth exploration of the alleged
alien crash in 1947 through comprehensive accounts and a vast research library.
Roswell combines quirky charm, intriguing conspiracy lore, and classic
Southwestern ambiance, offering visitors a truly unique and
"otherworldly" experience.
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| International UFO Museum |
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| Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum |
After lunch, we said our goodbyes to Rachelle and Kevin, agreeing to
keep in touch and meet again down the road, possibly in Cottonwood, Arizona in
a few weeks. With our plans set, we headed off to the Miniatures and Curious
Collections Museum. This museum proved to be a fascinating stop, filled with
intricate dollhouses, imaginative miniature scenes, and unusual collections.
The exhibits offered a welcome change from Roswell’s alien-themed attractions.
From one-of-a-kind curios to a piano player, there was no shortage of
creativity and detail to enjoy.
Drawn back to Roswell by the city’s creative energy, we
returned a few days later to explore the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art. The
most remarkable arts center we have ever visited, and one we will compare to
all future contemporary art museums. The museum
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| "Lucky the Immortal" by Michael Ferris Jr, Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art |
dazzles visitors with over 500
contemporary works including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, all
curated from the celebrated Roswell Artist-in-Residence (RAiR) program. Established
in 1994, the unique RAiR program provides visiting artists not only with
spacious studio facilities and comfortable housing, but also generous financial
support. This environment allows artists to focus fully on their creative work,
free from the stress of monetary concerns. Its bright, airy galleries display
an impressive array of pieces, reflecting the diversity and innovation of
artists from across the country. With its special mission and ever-changing
exhibits, the Anderson Museum offers an inspiring stop well beyond Roswell’s
extraterrestrial fame.
Of course, between alien museums and modern art, we couldn’t
just let our sneakers gather dust or miss out on the wild beauty of southern
New Mexico’s desert terrain. So, with our step counters pleading for mercy and
a craving for sunshine, we carved out time to explore the local state
parks—because in New Mexico, even the landscape is interesting and unique!
- Brantley Lake State Park, New
Mexico’s southernmost park, was created in 1987 when the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation completed Brantley Dam across the Pecos River, forming the lake and
establishing the park as a hub for water recreation. While the lake usually
draws boaters and anglers, our visit offered a rare, peaceful afternoon with no
crowds, just the quiet beauty of the water and the surrounding desert. It was
the perfect time for a sunny, tranquil hike along the lakeshore.
- Set atop a
scenic ridge in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State
Park offers sweeping views over the Pecos River valley and city below.
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| Elk at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park |
The
easy, paved walking trail winds through striking Chihuahuan Desert terrain,
pine-juniper forests, and sand dunes, making it a wonderful spot to soak in
diverse southwestern landscapes and stretch your legs. We spotted very few
animals—most seemed to be tucked away in their dens for a midday siesta, except
for the elk, who happily posed for a picture and stole the show!
Reflecting on our time in Carlsbad and Roswell, it’s clear
the RV lifestyle is more than just discovering new places, it’s about the
unexpected connections that make the journey truly unforgettable. There’s
something special about traversing underground wonders and quirky towns with
newfound friends who seem to mirror your own spirit for adventure. Meeting
Rachelle and Kevin so far from home and instantly clicking amidst the grandeur
of Carlsbad Caverns and the playful alien lore of Roswell, was a reminder that
travel isn’t just about the destinations, but the company you keep along the
way. While we said our goodbyes with hopes of meeting again in Cottonwood,
Arizona, the beauty of this lifestyle is the open-ended promise of new
adventures and friendships waiting just around the bend. Who knows when our
paths will cross again or what stories are still waiting to unfold? For now, we
hold onto the memories and the anticipation of future reunions—always ready for
what comes next, as we tell… the
Rest of the Story.
