Grand Adventure always provides the best information about the coolest places with the right words! Susan and I (Roscoe) look forward to watching you guys each week, as we dream about hitting the road full time ourselves.
I jumped in and commented on this video before it was complete. Wherever they are now is there a Verizon caught my message and they responded before the end of the video. Superlative
Just subscribed, learn something on your first video, I'm in. Y'all could make a Minni series of checking out highyway 1 on California west coast. I went from Monterey bay aquarium, all the way down to where there is to many people, which is like more than 20 for me. I did it in early January of 2016, and it's moist, to say it wasn't raining, but misty ALOT. It took me three days, and I stopped ALOT, and jumped over a crappy fence and TOUCH a sea lion. That I will never forget. Had some cool times with new people I just met driving down the road. the herst estate is down the road. Treehouse living retreats. Cool cool.
@@kerrymarris4260 Hey Kerry! Glad to have you here, thanks for subscribing. Fun story about your Highway 1 travels! We need to do more of the California Coast ourselves at some point. In 2018 we were coming down the coast from Washington and Oregon, and made it as far as Fort Bragg before cutting across the state to the Tahoe area. We loved the Mendocino Coast: ua-cam.com/video/soBlsXhiZII/v-deo.html
I am 68 and explored the Cavern back in September of 1959, when my dad was Transferred from March AFB in Riverside Ca. to Loring AFB in Limestone Maine. We stayed all day with the tour, and made sure to watch the mass exodus at Dusk. Watching several million bats flying frantically out into the open in search of food is one of the wonders of the world. Great video, bro.! I'm heading that way from Dallas is a month or 2, as I take up Boondocking full time. Love your channel!
We had no idea what those lights were at night! Like a city that disappeared everyday. It’s amazing that we can spend time at a place and still learn more about it from watching your videos. You always have THE BEST info on an area. Great boondocking spot. Totally agree about the natural entrance, with taking the elevator back up of course! We actually went back a couple days later and took the elevator down to walk the great room again. Couldn’t get enough. Beautiful video!!
Yes, I was there in 2016, and you have to go early and on an off day. I was one of the first five people to go down for the day, cool and quiet. And 3-4 hours later 200+ people with kids and flash lights shining them everywhere, and into your eyes. I think that I would have said something to the staff if I had of came with the crowd. But it's one of the most impressive inspiring places I've ever seen. Bought the T-shirt. 100 year Park's service. And I found a dead badger about four miles from entrance. Road kill claws, about as big as a small brown bear, long and sharp. Divine destiny. Everything happens for a reason. Thanks again Wonka Luv'z y'all
Surprisingly, we were there at prime time on a Sunday, it wasn't bad at all. In 2018 we took a year off of life and spent half the year traveling in the RV, and the rest of the year skiing. This year, though, we're working business hours from the RV as we travel, so we only have evenings and weekends to drive and to explore places like Carlsbad Caverns.
We went to Carlsbad, NM to visit my daughter in April 2019. All the motel rooms were taken by the oil workers who worked in the oil fields you showed us. It really was an amazing sight at night. Loved Carlsbad caverns but my favorite thing there was in the evening when the bats come out of the cave. We climbed Guadalupe Peak and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park quickly became one of my favorite places. Thanks again for your inspiring videos.
We love your honesty and the great information you pack into your outstanding videos. Your videography and ability to capture the essence of the places you're visiting are remarkable and very appealing to those of us looking for destinations down the road. Even though our Class A won't make to your current location on the hill overlooking the Permian Basin, it's nice to know it's there. Carlsbad, on the other hand, will be on our Spring itinerary because of your enthusiastic endorsement. Thanks, Mark, for sharing your love of the West.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective, Doug! As you might tell, we simply love exploring and trying to capture the places that we visit to share. And Carlsbad Caverns definitely deserves a spot on your list, we were simply awed by the experience.
Great recommendation on this boondocking spot!! My wife and I left the Dragoon mountains and boondocked out here for a few days as well. We were lucky to get this exact same spot!! The views at night are fantastic!!! Plus, the close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park make this a great FREE spot to camp!! Your recommendations have turned multiple camping trips for my me and my wife a success!! Keep the awesome videos coming!! ( I must report the table is no longer there, but wasn't needed for us :)
Whoa, we're two for two! The view from there across the Permian Basin oil fields is certainly unique, but interesting in its own right. We're thrilled to hear that it worked out for you.
The low light conditions actually resulted in some stunning images. It is truly a magical place and we are glad we have seen it. The bat colony exodus at dusk gives you chills. Thanks Marc.
Trying to find gas in the middle of nowhere is one of my fears. I’ll let Larry know. I am adding the Caverns to our list and this boondocking spot. Thanks 🤗
Gas stations! Tell me about it! In Canada, in the Winter, never having been there and not knowing anything ... my sis and I passed a station, thought about it and Thankfully turned around! There are NO roads except the one you are ON. And they are few and far between. Maybe some day, I can visit Carlsbad Cavern. But if not, thanks so much for showing us all this! The trees at the trail head to Smith creek look like cottonwoods. That breeze blowing through must have been great! :)
Thank you as always, Jesi! the breeze was far more ferocious than it looked in that video. It was difficult to drive even without the trailer. Our work schedule kept us from hiking in Guadalupe Mountains, but we won't make that mistake next time.
We have been following some of your travels for 2 1/2 months now and have had our own, "Grand Adventure "!! We spent time in Port A. College friends flew down and spent a week with us. We even parked on the beach. We are now boondocking near Carlsbad Caverns. We were unable to go to Fence Canyon (the road was too rough & our trailer too long) but we found a place down the road. However, the wind has been steady at 35 mph since Big Spring, TX so not the same experience camping that you have had!! Can't remember if you had dinner at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua outside of Big Bend NP or not? But it's a musr!! Thank you for all of your wonderful videos and inspiration! Russ and Lynne Heryford
Thanks so very much, Russ & Lynne! We're thrilled to have you along. Aren't those caverns just absolutely spectacular? We found them to be awe inspiring. And it's no surprise that you're experiencing that kind of wind in West TX and SE NM. Not a whole lot to block the wind out there. 😄
Thanks for watching, Peter! We had a lot of fun editing next week's video, playing off the whole alien theme in a very tongue-in-cheek way. We're really proud of how that one came out. Hope to see you there!
Another great video! Carlsbad Caverns . . . amazing place! The video turned out pretty nice of the inside. I remember it as being just huge. You are our tour guide because we seem to be following your videos. We certainly are enjoying them and all your hard work! Safe travels and may you never run out of fuel. 🙃
Thank you, and same to you, Christine! We had to shoot at such a high ISO that we almost didn't make this video, we were so disappointed with the pixelated footage. Folks don't seem to be minding it as much as we did, though.
I liked how you made it look like you had the whole cave to yourself as I know how busy it gets. Last time I was there I had a baby strapped to my back ... that was 30 years ago. Thank you, you did a wonderful job of filming.
I've only been to Shasta caverns and Moaning caverns in CA. Thanks for this. Really amazing. Sometimes those downhill hikes are really rough on the knees though.
They can be indeed. This one really beat up my quads, it's steep in places. There's always the elevator, but if you're healthy and able, by all means take the Natural Entrance.
Thanks for posting on one of my favorite areas. Don't miss going on down to Guadalupe Mtns NP and hiking some of the spectacular trails One thing to mention to RV-er's is that because of all the oil activity in the basin, the primary highway U.S. 285 that comes up from West Texas to Carlsbad is primarily a two lane highway and is heavily congested with oil field traffic. Many of the rigs are oversized wide-loads so RV-er's take note and travel can be slow. US Hwy 62 to Whites City and the caverns themselves is also possibly heavily traveled by big rigs these days.
Very true, Thom. Add the construction on US-285 and it can be absolutely scary. We know...we drove it on this trip. And we wish that we had more time to enjoy hiking in Guadalupe Mountains NP, but that'll have to await a return visit as we were busy with work during business hours this trip.
Wow, wow, wow! A gorgeous boondocking spot and two amazing National Parks. We love to explore in caves, so naturally Carlsbad is absolutely on my list. And now Guadalupe Mountains NP is on my radar. Love this episode!
It's very nice you offer Information and History on the areas you are visiting. Most other Channels just act "Goofy" and give little info 🤣 Thanks for the Adventure Marc 👍
ohhhh yeah, we had to do that leaving Laughlin back to Vegas years ago, only I stayed with the rig on the side of the road while Ron tried to limp into Searchlight with the truck. Didn't work. I say him in the distance down the road stall out, get out with the red can, and hoof it into town about a mile down the road from there. LOL!! It was a lesson indeed, we NEVER go below half a tank now if we can help it for sure.
Your BEST video yet! Your truly genuine amazement and impressions of Carlsbad Caverns came through loud and clear! Currently in the RV outside of Dallas. Think I’ll be headed your way soon! Despite the concerts about photography limitations inside the cave ; you did a great job. Thanks for sharing and taking us along. Going for a long walk tomorrow to prepare for an 800’ decent into the caverns!
Thank you! We're always our own worst critic, and some of those pixelated scenes really annoyed us. In fact, truth be told we almost didn't make this video because of it. You won't regret heading that way. The caverns are truly not to be missed, and if you haven't been to the Big Bend area, the Davis Mountains, etc., you could turn all of that into one big loop.
Great video. Thank you. I plan to get there to see the bats. I can’t think of any reason that I would end up 800’ feet under ground so I really appreciate your work.
Been to Carlsbad a couple times, but long before elevators and fancy rest area at the bottom. Wow! You did a nice video capturing what you could, but there is nothing like being there. Your camp had lots of elbow room! Big score there!! Thanks again!
Lol!!! Did I ever tell you how ‘good’ my memory is.... First time I went there I was a wee lad, in the early 60’s I guess. The second time was in the 80’s. I just don’t remember any elevator(s) and definitely don’t remember riding them. I also do not remember a nice smooth path going down into them. Maybe that came later for ADA? At least I’m not at the point where I have new friends every day. 😉 ....sigh....
Wow! It really does light up in the night!! Great drone footage of a beautiful area! Thanks for taking us to Carlsbad Caverns and sharing the history! We haven't been there as adults. Beautiful! Hope to get back there to see it again.
Gonna watch it again of course and this time full screen! I can't wait! Yea Marc I am going to do my best to get there! Thanks again to you and Mrs. GA for sharing! You know I love y'all!
Awesome video!!! Yes along dead road with no gas stations for quiet some time so be prepared. This place is only about 2-1/2 hours away From my home town so we’ve been to both a few times and it’s a must visit Place and you did awesome with information and pictures as always safe travels, look forward to alien town info next lol drive through many times never stopped there though
Awesome camp spot! I think you got amazing shots of the caverns - haven’t been there yet, but what you showed was impressive! Love that they left the old ladder. Oh Roswell sounds fun 👽
I was just at Carlsbad and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks a couple weeks ago. I have been to a number of caverns but have to agree with you that Carlsbad is the best. The highlight for me was later in the early evening watching the bats fly out of the cavern. Thousand of them coming out was quite the sight.
We were probably there at just about the same time, John! We also wish that we could've filmed the bat flight to share, but as you know they don't permit any electronic devices, including cameras. We found Carlsbad Caverns to be positively fascinating.
Thank you so much John, I live here and am so proud of the Carlsbad Caverns... I used to live in White City when I was a girl.... and went through the caverns many many times.
We enjoyed all of the background info on the oil fields and the cave itself. That area in Texas may be the sparsest we've seen for gas stations. Sounds like you cut it as close as you could.. I also remember you commenting on the poor efficiency of the Tundra. I wish we had been there the same time of year as you guys. We had to stay at that terrible campground near the sign to the park.
Thanks, Tony! Aah, the one in White City. I was curious about that one. Actually, as another commenter @2012escapee pointed out, the worst we've encountered is Tonopah to Ely, NV: 169 miles between gas stations.
Well done on the recordings in difficult conditions. Marc, as always thanks for my “revisit” from so long ago! Looking forward to your next adventure...
Great video. Over given up trying to take pictures on the Cavern. They never do the formations justice. Next time you are in the area, be visit Sitting Bulls Falls. Nice home Pretty area.
Guadalupe national park is one of my favorite spots in Texas. I have done a lot of the trails there. The high point trail is challenging but the view is worth it. Mckittrick Canyon is however a much better hike and much more interesting. You can do around 5 miles in-and-out of nothing too strenuous into the hunting lodge and cabin and grotto and back out. For probably the most strenuous hike in the entire park continue past the grotto and start the climb up to the notch and up-and-up and up. The hike up to the hunter peak and the bowl is in between in terms of difficulty but it is very pretty and an entirely different ecosystem up top at the bowl. Edit to add Mckittrick Canyon is a separate entrance down the road from the main visitors center. It is on mountain time not central time and it has a gate that they lock at night. Overnight hike in camping requires a back country permit.
Excellent feedback for our viewers, thank you! Due to work we had only one weekend day to visit both parks, so our hikes in Guadalupe Mountains will have to await our return.
Wow. Love them drone shots Marc. Looking at the the first mins of footage, and your campsite, Is this the most solitude you've ever had in your adventures?
I was just there! Camped right there!😊 The pumps start up and sounds like a rock band playing in the distance. Did you see the tiny cacti next to the little stone "fort" built into the wall of the hill as well? Nice place!
Don, we've thought about it. But with the portables we don't need to worry about orienting the rig to the sun, or avoiding a canopy of shade over the trailer. We can point the things at any angle. We avoided the installation expense. We don't have to wire them to the trailer's controller, and install a separate solar controller. And the combined 200W of those panels allows us to fully charge our two batteries to 100% by around 10 a.m. each day. What we lose is the ability to bank solar while driving, and about 3-5 minutes of setup and takedown time each time we set and break camp. Where we'd like to spend the money (once we've got some to spare) is in expanding the battery bank, and changing battery technologies -- at a minimum wet cell to AGM, or better still to lithium. Are there any lithium battery manufacturers out there listening? 😎
Outstanding destination Professor G! Please share with us what the climate (temp) is like now and throughout the year for this location. Also, include detail about the temp inside the cave. I'm assuming that it is farely cool and about the same all year round. BTW... with all those bats, there must be some places in the cave that are waist deep in guano - LOL!
We can't speak for the rest of the year because we haven't looked into it ourselves, but high temps were in the 70s while we were there in late October. We had first intended to stop in Carlsbad on our way to Texas in late September, but it was just too darned hot to do so then. So we revised our travel plans to hit the area on our way back. Inside the cave is indeed a steady temp, 53ºF if I recall correctly. Never saw piles of guano, but then again there was a time when they literally mined that stuff to sell to farmers as fertilizer.
Loved it, Marc... Yes, a camera cannot represent the reality. That really is incredible walking down 800' of switchbacks. That likely takes at least one to two hours alone. Definitely on my to-do list... Gord
Thanks Gord! I had to hoof it as I had a tour ticket that I had to be on time for, but even with stopping to film I think that it was 90 minutes or less to hike in.
Tom, we did better than touring the crash site. While we didn't notice it while we were filming, we discovered a few "anomalies" in our footage while we were editing next week's episode. 😉
The CRASH site in NOT in Roswell .. it is 100 miles away in Carona NM... I know because I used to live there (miles from the crash) ... also in Roswell... Roswell takes credit for it, but the crash site was not in Roswell BUT... Roswell is a great city to see and learn all about the crash... check out the UFO museum...
@@JudiChristopher, yes, it's farther from Roswell, about 56mi NW, and only about 28mi SE of Corona. I always assumed in 1947 Corona was very small, today the population is only about 200. Roswell was on the map, due to the Army air base, which is where the bodies were transported to. Although rancher Mac Brazel first told some residents in Corona about the crash, Roswell is where he reported his finding of the saucer to Sheriff George Wilcox, who in turn reported the news to Major Jesse Marcel at the Roswell Army air base. I suppose that's why Roswell is associated with the crash today. It's where the cover-up occurred, by Marcel, who later admitted to it on his deathbed.
Yup! Send some our way, Marian! (Although our forecast is changing for the better beginning early next week. It looks like winter is finally on our doorstep.)
It is amazing to see the quadcopter video today that would have cost THOUSANDS of dollars a few years ago and now its almost free for the do-it-your-selfer. Nice work! Nothing is worse than someone using a video camera like a flashlight..............
It’s been said that hindsight is always 20/20. I’ve also let the gas gauge get dangerously low in a desolate location. Scared the bejesus outta me. Now I start looking for stations at half a tank. Lesson learned.
The sad part is living out here, we know to use Google maps to look ahead for gas stations and we try to never get below 1/4 tank. I just happened to not be paying attention and by the time I passed the last gas station the next exit was something like 25 miles, and the next gas station was 65 miles, and 14 miles off the freeway.
Please NOTE: We do have a lot of TREES in Carlsbad (city) and the Pecos River which runs into the Rio Grande is also in Carlsbad (city) White City, 20 miles away, is the gateway to the Carlsbad Caverns...
It looks like the cavern is handicap accessible. Are there any stairs that would make it difficult for someone with a walker? Thanks for sharing. Wonderful video as always.
Jean, if you take the elevator down there is a stretch through the Big Room that is accessible to wheelchairs. The sections that are accessible, and those that are not, are clearly marked.
I had to watch it again it was so good. Just a followup on our earlier comments about snow. The place that I couldn't remember was Eagle Ridge. The fun thing was the lodge was the Swiss Exhibition hall from the NY World's Fair. I didn't find a email for you.
No worries William, to keep spam down I try to not publish my email address on the WWW; however, you may always send an email to me using the contact form at www.GrandAdventure.tv. And Eagle Ridge doesn't exist anymore, it's the a casualty like many small ski areas across the US. Over half of New York State's ski areas no longer exist. skikabbalah.com/lostNY/LostNY_about300.htm
@@GrandAdventure That is an amazing list. I see Peak'n Peak is still in business. My experience with Eagle Ridge was back in the mid 60's when it opened. It was different because the lodge was at the top of the slopes.
@@WILDEBILL308 yep, it's a sad list, too. In today's era if you don't have millions to sink into high-speed detachable chairlifts and massive snowmaking plants, you can't survive. And there are other upside-down ski areas out there -- Snowshoe (WV), Powder Mountain (UT), and Hidden Valley and Jack Frost/Big Boulder (PA) all come to mind.
@@GrandAdventure I just sent you a email. I know they had a problem with low snowfall at least one year, I think the year they opened. Who would think a place that averages 200" of snow would have low snowfall. Later they had snow machines. By the way what were you doing in Western NY?
@@WILDEBILL308 chasing snow. It was December and I was living in Saratoga Springs, NY. It was a poor start to the season in Vermont, but the western NY lake effect was going off, so we drove west.
I kept trying to figure out why I wasn't seeing your new video! Finally figured out today that somehow we had gotten Unsubscribed!!!!??? Argh! Gotta watch those fingers when doing UA-cam online! Awesome video!!!!!!
I watched one of your episodes where you filled a water bladder while dry camping, what do you do with the dirty water already in your tanks? You didn't mention where you dumped, or did you? I'm new and have allot to learn. Thanks for your patience. Happy Thanksgiving.
We all have a lot to learn, Joy! In our case our waste tank capacity far exceeds our fresh water capacity, so we can usually go through two fresh water tanks before we need to dump.
I'm keeping a "Grand Adventure" notebook for next winter when we both are fully retired. Have you ever kept an expense log... We're trying to decide if we can afford to full-time for 6 months a year.
No Joy, we haven't tracked expenses at all, really. In 2018 we burned through way, way too much money, but knowing that we were taking a once-in-a-lifetime year off of work to travel, we weren't too upset about spending the money, either. Plus, because we're trying to cover a lot more ground than most full-timers, both because we're often on limited time and because we're trying to see (and share) as much as possible, our expenses would not be reflective of typical full-time life anyway. FYI, your notebook may get an assist by our episode map. If you're not already familiar, on the home page at www.GrandAdventure.tv we keep an interactive Google map with the location of each episode pinned, so you can use that to see what may be worth visiting in a particular area or region. The map can be panned and zoomed, and each pin is linked to the particular episode, and has embedded within the pin the video thumbnail and description.
@@GrandAdventure Thank you... your comment was cut off , but I think you were going to say that you were not too concerned about the money... I'll figure it out. I love the videos.
And it gets massively bigger just beyond the entrance. It's truly awe-inspiring. I've been in caves before but nothing prepared me for this experience.
Marc, is that a pipe running down the other side of the road? I see you finally left the biggest state with the least amount of public land. Looks like some good views now. I know you love boondocking like that. I imagine your knee deep in powder by now. Great video as always. Thanks again.
It is indeed a pipe, Mark. Probably leading to a well site up the hill but we never investigated. It was so good to return to boondocking! And one more week awaits before those pow turns.
I’m still trying to imagine leaving the trailer on the road and going to get fuel ! How long did it take ? Life without a fuel station it’s hard to get my head around , caves are just amazing the bits you managed to film were great Thankyou G&Z
Thanks you two! We probably lost the better part of an hour dropping the trailer, getting fuel and returning. There's one stretch we can think of, from Tonopah to Ely, Nevada, where it's 169 miles (273 km) between gas pumps. Sometimes you need to plan ahead, and in this case we simply failed, but at least we made it to the station before the fumes ran out, albeit without the trailer.
Head north from Carlsbad to NM 131. Go west past Queens toward El Paso Gap. When you see South Rim Road, turn left(south). Follow this road to the end. You will see a two rut road to the left. Follow this about a half mile and it will turn west on to an old drilling pad. This faces the canyon with Dark Canyon to the east. Water is there if you know where to find it. You can see this area from Google Maps. I have been thete for 2 weeks and seen no person. You will need a cell booster for phones to work. Head back to 131 and down to North Rim Road. Follow this to the Artesia/Cloudcroft highway. Have plenty of gas, water and food. This is remote but has excellent well maintained county and ranch roads. Just no people and communication is spotty. Then there is all the area below the Caprock north of Loco Hills. But that is for another time.
Do you subscribe to the yearly All Access Pass for the National Parks? I plan on full-time boondocking come 2020 and was wondering if it were worth it. Thoughts?
We do, and it's most certainly worth the $80 per year for us, especially when you realize that single Park admission can cost as much as $30. Plus it also pays for National Forest recreation fees, National Recreation Areas that charge entry fees, etc. Ours usually pays for itself within a month.
Hey I am planning to travel through Roswell & then southern Arizona in January, trying to keep warm. Looking for gold & spooky stuff. I'd like to find free showers & camp sites along the way, got any ideas? Also wouldn't mind ducking across the border for some street tacos but times are odd. Juarez was said to be very dangerous but some say things have calmed down. Not interested in going over at night but still.
Yeah, Juarez would be the last place I'd think about crossing, personally. As for your travel plans, I'd be doing the same online research that you're doing to be able to answer you. But have a wonderful trip! And do try to squeeze Carlsbad in along the way, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We've never encountered caves like those.
I've done that leg, and with my 2014 Tundra (which doesn't have the larger tank that the newer ones do) and the Tundra's horrible gas mileage, especially while towing, I rolled into Ely on fumes.
You missed the mandatory fuel stop at Ozona, didn't you? The last thing I told my sweetheart before she took the wheel and I took a nap was that I had programmed the fuel stop in the GPS and we would not make El Paso if we didn't get fuel. I was awakened suddenly by a dead-stick lane change to the shoulder. The GPS showed we were miles from nowhere. She had substituted her own risk analysis with disappointing results. I dialed on-the-road service and put it on speaker. "YOU tell him what happened." "Why ME?" "Because you were driving while I was asleep and it is way easier for him to understand why YOU ran out of diesel than if I did it -- because that doesn't happen." The dirty look from the driver was accompanied by laughter from the call center. A rollback arrived with no diesel. We made a plan to load the pickup and ride with him to the Loves in Sparks, TX. He had no ball for his underreach, so we had to leave the trailer on the roadside. I placed some LED strobes. After fueling and priming the fuel filter head, I dropped her off at the house and deadheaded an hour back east to recover the trailer. At least I got four hours sleep before work. 😉
Great story, William! You nailed it, Ozona is what we missed. Once you pass there, there's no close-by exit to turn around so you're committed, but unlike you folks we were at least able to cover for our mistake. We ended up dropping the trailer at exit 328 and then bobtailing into Iraan on fumes to get gas before returning for the trailer. If we hadn't dropped the trailer we never would've made it.
Bruce, it's a 2016 Evo T2050, which is best displayed by sharing with you this used listing including the floor plan www.rvcountry.com/product/used-2016-forest-river-rv-evo-t2050-768525-29 It's 25'11" long including the hitch, or the living space "box" is 23'. What makes it unusual is the dual opposing slides, which allows it to open up to 15' wide, so it has an enormous amount of space for a relatively small trailer. We've never found a floor plan that we liked better.
Oh yeah it's acceptable for anyone, I went in 2016 and earlier the better, 5 of us were the first for the day. Nice and cool and quiet. And 3-4 hours later when leaving 200+ people there, and kids with bright flash lights, shining them every were And in your eyes, got to go early, and maybe an off day.
My wife and I have been traveling the western U.S and our biggest problem is getting packages that we order because it seems that no one wants to send our packages to a PO Box. How can we solve this issue and still travel?
We've done one of two things: if we're in an RV park, we ask if we can have the package shipped there. If not, we call ahead to a pack-n-ship store, most will allow you to receive a package there for a nominal fee.
A place like that really doesn't have much to be concerned about, and we encountered some pretty strong winds while we were there. The soil is fairly sandy and you're on a ridge, so rain isn't much of a concern and the risk of a flash flood is nonexistent. If there's a risk of snow, the road is steep enough that slippery conditions might be a concern. Otherwise, we really couldn't see much cause for concern there.
I was there for 2days with storms both nights. Not a single problem. Yes, it was windy and rain. But the sun came out in the morning and everything looked fresh. Was sitting looking at my road atlas, planning the next let of my trip, when a roadrunner passed by within ten feet. Only wildlife (that I saw). Went to Carlsbad town to fuel up and made the mistake of going south on 285. Absolutely the worst road I have ever driven in my life! Nothing but oil well equipment
We tried to camp there in March but had to escape to AZ bc there was 95mph winds there so never did make it to Carlsbad (made the decision to run when we were at white sands). So yes pay attention to weather.
You bet, Patricia. There were a few. Just a short distance from the main road was a site that multiple folks occupied. There was another about an eighth of a mile down from us that wasn't occupied as we filmed, but did receive a truck camper before we left. We picked the spot further from the road for a) the solitude, and b) distance from the highway noise.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks , your spot looked great , but I would feel better being closer to main road. I am not experienced at driving on a dirt road and thought I might could handle a short distance.
@@patriciacharrier3620 that first spot that was occupied by multiple RVers was before the road got steeper and rougher, so it's a good choice for your situation. Here's a Google Map pin to that exact spot: goo.gl/maps/8CUsmfVz2Tsn1ryUA If you scroll around in satellite view you'll see a few others camped nearby, too.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks mate. Some people warned me about snow up there this time of year, and I know it's been windy the past few days. First RV trip for me, so a bit indecisive if I should head that way, or continue down South.
Yes we did, Barry. Now that we're working full-time business hours from the RV, we have to seek out sites with service, and we were using our Visible setup ua-cam.com/video/VrigHuE6igw/v-deo.html to have Internet via Verizon's network.
Grand Adventure always provides the best information about the coolest places with the right words! Susan and I (Roscoe) look forward to watching you guys each week, as we dream about hitting the road full time ourselves.
Thank you so much!! We love having you along.
I jumped in and commented on this video before it was complete. Wherever they are now is there a Verizon caught my message and they responded before the end of the video. Superlative
@@weswalker1208 we try. We'll admit that as the channel grows it's getting harder and harder to do, but we'll do our best.
Just subscribed, learn something on your first video, I'm in. Y'all could make a Minni series of checking out
highyway 1 on California west coast. I went from Monterey bay aquarium, all the way down to where there is to many people, which is like more than 20 for me. I did it in early January of 2016, and it's moist, to say it wasn't raining, but misty ALOT. It took me three days, and I stopped ALOT, and jumped over a crappy fence and TOUCH a sea lion. That I will never forget. Had some cool times with new people I just met driving down the road. the herst estate is down the road. Treehouse living retreats. Cool cool.
@@kerrymarris4260 Hey Kerry! Glad to have you here, thanks for subscribing. Fun story about your Highway 1 travels! We need to do more of the California Coast ourselves at some point. In 2018 we were coming down the coast from Washington and Oregon, and made it as far as Fort Bragg before cutting across the state to the Tahoe area. We loved the Mendocino Coast: ua-cam.com/video/soBlsXhiZII/v-deo.html
I am 68 and explored the Cavern back in September of 1959, when my dad was Transferred from March AFB in Riverside Ca. to Loring AFB in Limestone Maine. We stayed all day with the tour, and made sure to watch the mass exodus at Dusk. Watching several million bats flying frantically out into the open in search of food is one of the wonders of the world. Great video, bro.! I'm heading that way from Dallas is a month or 2, as I take up Boondocking full time. Love your channel!
Thank you Paul, both for watching and for such a heartfelt memory from your childhood. Your story is far more special than the place.
We had no idea what those lights were at night! Like a city that disappeared everyday. It’s amazing that we can spend time at a place and still learn more about it from watching your videos. You always have THE BEST info on an area. Great boondocking spot. Totally agree about the natural entrance, with taking the elevator back up of course! We actually went back a couple days later and took the elevator down to walk the great room again. Couldn’t get enough. Beautiful video!!
Thanks guys! Sounds like you enjoyed the area every bit as much as we did.
Yes, I was there in 2016, and you have to go early and on an off day. I was one of the first five people to go down for the day, cool and quiet. And 3-4 hours later 200+ people with kids and flash lights shining them everywhere, and into your eyes. I think that I would have said something to the staff if I had of came with the crowd. But it's one of the most impressive inspiring places I've ever seen. Bought the T-shirt. 100 year Park's service. And I found a dead badger about four miles from entrance. Road kill claws, about as big as a small brown bear, long and sharp. Divine destiny. Everything happens for a reason. Thanks again Wonka Luv'z y'all
Surprisingly, we were there at prime time on a Sunday, it wasn't bad at all. In 2018 we took a year off of life and spent half the year traveling in the RV, and the rest of the year skiing. This year, though, we're working business hours from the RV as we travel, so we only have evenings and weekends to drive and to explore places like Carlsbad Caverns.
We went to Carlsbad, NM to visit my daughter in April 2019. All the motel rooms were taken by the oil workers who worked in the oil fields you showed us. It really was an amazing sight at night. Loved Carlsbad caverns but my favorite thing there was in the evening when the bats come out of the cave. We climbed Guadalupe Peak and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park quickly became one of my favorite places. Thanks again for your inspiring videos.
Wish we could've spent more time in the Guadalupes and done the bat flight, but our visit was a short one. That just gives us more reason to return.
An adventure indeed, this is what it's all about!
We love your honesty and the great information you pack into your outstanding videos. Your videography and ability to capture the essence of the places you're visiting are remarkable and very appealing to those of us looking for destinations down the road. Even though our Class A won't make to your current location on the hill overlooking the Permian Basin, it's nice to know it's there. Carlsbad, on the other hand, will be on our Spring itinerary because of your enthusiastic endorsement. Thanks, Mark, for sharing your love of the West.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective, Doug! As you might tell, we simply love exploring and trying to capture the places that we visit to share. And Carlsbad Caverns definitely deserves a spot on your list, we were simply awed by the experience.
Have not been to Carlsbad Caverns in nearly 20 years. I had forgotten how amazing those caverns are. Great quality video as usual!
Thank you so much as always, LoneStar!
I remember visiting there with my grandparents about 36 years ago when I was a kid, amazing place for certain
Seriously, it far exceeded any of our expectations.
Great recommendation on this boondocking spot!! My wife and I left the Dragoon mountains and boondocked out here for a few days as well. We were lucky to get this exact same spot!! The views at night are fantastic!!! Plus, the close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park make this a great FREE spot to camp!! Your recommendations have turned multiple camping trips for my me and my wife a success!! Keep the awesome videos coming!! ( I must report the table is no longer there, but wasn't needed for us :)
Whoa, we're two for two! The view from there across the Permian Basin oil fields is certainly unique, but interesting in its own right. We're thrilled to hear that it worked out for you.
Definitely not an overstatement. That place needs to be seen first hand. Truly a marvelous cavern.
We couldn't agree more.
The low light conditions actually resulted in some stunning images. It is truly a magical place and we are glad we have seen it. The bat colony exodus at dusk gives you chills. Thanks Marc.
we would have loved to have been able to film the bat flight, Don, unfortunately they won't allow you to use a camera for that.
I've always heard about Carlsbad, just never went. Looks pretty cool. Need to put this one on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
You do indeed need to put it on the list, DSA. Thanks for your comment!
I live here... and the Carlsbad Caverns are a must... Beautiful
Amazingly beautiful, really looking forward to seeing it in person.
You truly must! Getting close to 1K subs there, Campaholics -- can our Grand Adventurers help push these fine folks over the edge?
@@GrandAdventure Thank you sir!
Trying to find gas in the middle of nowhere is one of my fears. I’ll let Larry know.
I am adding the Caverns to our list and this boondocking spot. Thanks 🤗
You bet Alice, although be aware that you won't like that road to that boondocking spot. There's lots else available nearby, however.
Stunning! I continue to live vicariously through you.
thank you Ken!
Beautiful footage of the caves! Thanks for being our “advance guy” 😂
Our pleasure, Eileen! Seeing as how you'll be there in January, if we can help with your planning just let us know.
Great footage inside the Caverns! Well Done Grand Adventure! Love all the insights you give as well!
Thank you so very much as always, Tom!
Awesome!! I went to see the Caverns because of your video and you are right. This is a must to experience in person.
No doubt about it. Our cameras truly failed to do it justice.
We were there back in February. Had a great visit at the caverns. We walked down and took the Elevator out.
Sounds like you enjoyed it as much as we did. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Gas stations! Tell me about it! In Canada, in the Winter, never having been there and not knowing anything ... my sis and I passed a station, thought about it and Thankfully turned around! There are NO roads except the one you are ON. And they are few and far between. Maybe some day, I can visit Carlsbad Cavern. But if not, thanks so much for showing us all this! The trees at the trail head to Smith creek look like cottonwoods. That breeze blowing through must have been great! :)
Thank you as always, Jesi! the breeze was far more ferocious than it looked in that video. It was difficult to drive even without the trailer. Our work schedule kept us from hiking in Guadalupe Mountains, but we won't make that mistake next time.
We have been following some of your travels for 2 1/2 months now and have had our own, "Grand Adventure "!! We spent time in Port A. College friends flew down and spent a week with us. We even parked on the beach. We are now boondocking near Carlsbad Caverns. We were unable to go to Fence Canyon (the road was too rough & our trailer too long) but we found a place down the road. However, the wind has been steady at 35 mph since Big Spring, TX so not the same experience camping that you have had!!
Can't remember if you had dinner at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua outside of Big Bend NP or not? But it's a musr!! Thank you for all of your wonderful videos and inspiration!
Russ and Lynne Heryford
Thanks so very much, Russ & Lynne! We're thrilled to have you along. Aren't those caverns just absolutely spectacular? We found them to be awe inspiring. And it's no surprise that you're experiencing that kind of wind in West TX and SE NM. Not a whole lot to block the wind out there. 😄
Wow looks like an amazing place 😊 it’s on my Must See List Marc. Another cool video😎👍🌎🎶🚌😊🎥👍🎈 thanks for sharing and safe travels
Thank you as always, Tom!
Thanks for sharing Mark! I'm looking forward to next week's video.
Thanks for watching, Peter! We had a lot of fun editing next week's video, playing off the whole alien theme in a very tongue-in-cheek way. We're really proud of how that one came out. Hope to see you there!
Very cool! You had the perfect neighbors at your camp spot. Hard to find anymore.
We were very pleased with the lack of others.
Inspiring video, awesome job as always Mark. Thanks for sharing!
And thank you for sharing such a welcome comment!
still on my bucket list. beautiful shots.
Thanks so much! Carlsbad Caverns definitely deserves a spot on that bucket list.
So beautiful. And love the music you picked.
Thanks as always, Lori!
Another great video! Carlsbad Caverns . . . amazing place! The video turned out pretty nice of the inside. I remember it as being just huge. You are our tour guide because we seem to be following your videos. We certainly are enjoying them and all your hard work! Safe travels and may you never run out of fuel. 🙃
Thank you, and same to you, Christine! We had to shoot at such a high ISO that we almost didn't make this video, we were so disappointed with the pixelated footage. Folks don't seem to be minding it as much as we did, though.
Great video, Mark. Really looking forward to staying in this area for a while. Love the long pans and drone footage, also your descriptions.
Appreciate that so much, Steve!
I liked how you made it look like you had the whole cave to yourself as I know how busy it gets. Last time I was there I had a baby strapped to my back ... that was 30 years ago. Thank you, you did a wonderful job of filming.
Thank you Anita! Surprisingly the cave was really not that busy, the only place we had a crowd was while we were on a ranger tour.
I've only been to Shasta caverns and Moaning caverns in CA. Thanks for this. Really amazing. Sometimes those downhill hikes are really rough on the knees though.
They can be indeed. This one really beat up my quads, it's steep in places. There's always the elevator, but if you're healthy and able, by all means take the Natural Entrance.
Grand adventure What a great episode. Will definitely add it to our ‘Must see’ list. Thanks so much for what you do! Look forward to it every week.
Thank you so much, Donna! Yes, Carlsbad Caverns deserves to be on that list, and we're thrilled to have you along each week.
Thanks for posting on one of my favorite areas. Don't miss going on down to Guadalupe Mtns NP and hiking some of the spectacular trails One thing to mention to RV-er's is that because of all the oil activity in the basin, the primary highway U.S. 285 that comes up from West Texas to Carlsbad is primarily a two lane highway and is heavily congested with oil field traffic. Many of the rigs are oversized wide-loads so RV-er's take note and travel can be slow. US Hwy 62 to Whites City and the caverns themselves is also possibly heavily traveled by big rigs these days.
Very true, Thom. Add the construction on US-285 and it can be absolutely scary. We know...we drove it on this trip. And we wish that we had more time to enjoy hiking in Guadalupe Mountains NP, but that'll have to await a return visit as we were busy with work during business hours this trip.
Thank you so much. We were wondering where to take the 5th wheel to. It's been years since we visited the caverns. My grandpa knew Mr. White.
Very cool! Enjoy, those caves are spectacular.
That's way we had a 50 gallon tank in the bed of our truck.. But I still have to stop we she's says stop... Great videos..
Thanks Timothy!
Wow, wow, wow! A gorgeous boondocking spot and two amazing National Parks. We love to explore in caves, so naturally Carlsbad is absolutely on my list. And now Guadalupe Mountains NP is on my radar. Love this episode!
Thanks so much! We need to get back to spend some time hiking in Guadalupe Mountains, which we were unfortunately not afforded on this trip.
It's very nice you offer Information and History on the areas you are visiting. Most other Channels just act "Goofy" and give little info 🤣 Thanks for the Adventure Marc 👍
And thank you as always, Tony! We sincerely appreciate your comment.
ohhhh yeah, we had to do that leaving Laughlin back to Vegas years ago, only I stayed with the rig on the side of the road while Ron tried to limp into Searchlight with the truck. Didn't work. I say him in the distance down the road stall out, get out with the red can, and hoof it into town about a mile down the road from there. LOL!! It was a lesson indeed, we NEVER go below half a tank now if we can help it for sure.
The sad part is that we know better, but still failed anyway.
Nice Job Marc. Again. All the best Dan.
Thanks as always, Dan!
My grandparents took me a few times. We never did see the bats yet. Ready to take my grandaughters soon!
She'll be fascinated, for sure.
Your BEST video yet! Your truly genuine amazement and impressions of Carlsbad Caverns came through loud and clear! Currently in the RV outside of Dallas. Think I’ll be headed your way soon! Despite the concerts about photography limitations inside the cave ; you did a great job. Thanks for sharing and taking us along. Going for a long walk tomorrow to prepare for an 800’ decent into the caverns!
Thank you! We're always our own worst critic, and some of those pixelated scenes really annoyed us. In fact, truth be told we almost didn't make this video because of it. You won't regret heading that way. The caverns are truly not to be missed, and if you haven't been to the Big Bend area, the Davis Mountains, etc., you could turn all of that into one big loop.
Outstanding video as always, well done.
Thank you as always, William!
Great video. Thank you. I plan to get there to see the bats. I can’t think of any reason that I would end up 800’ feet under ground so I really appreciate your work.
Kim, do it. It would be such a pity to go there and not enter the caverns themselves.
Been to Carlsbad a couple times, but long before elevators and fancy rest area at the bottom. Wow!
You did a nice video capturing what you could, but there is nothing like being there.
Your camp had lots of elbow room! Big score there!!
Thanks again!
Thank you, Ram! But you're a lot older than we thought 😉 - the elevators went in in 1928.
Lol!!!
Did I ever tell you how ‘good’ my memory is....
First time I went there I was a wee lad, in the early 60’s I guess.
The second time was in the 80’s. I just don’t remember any elevator(s) and definitely don’t remember riding them. I also do not remember a nice smooth path going down into them. Maybe that came later for ADA?
At least I’m not at the point where I have new friends every day. 😉
....sigh....
@@laughingram7287 😅
Wow! It really does light up in the night!! Great drone footage of a beautiful area! Thanks for taking us to Carlsbad Caverns and sharing the history! We haven't been there as adults. Beautiful! Hope to get back there to see it again.
Thanks so much! You're definitely due to return.
Marc another GREAT video!!!
Thank you James!
Gonna watch it again of course and this time full screen! I can't wait! Yea Marc I am going to do my best to get there! Thanks again to you and Mrs. GA for sharing! You know I love y'all!
And we love you too, Tracy! Thanks so much. You really should go, he'll be there with you in spirit.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks so much guys...a little tear, but smiling!
Excellent as always
Thank you as always, Stephen!
Awesome video!!! Yes along dead road with no gas stations for quiet some time so be prepared. This place is only about 2-1/2 hours away From my home town so we’ve been to both a few times and it’s a must visit Place and you did awesome with information and pictures as always safe travels, look forward to alien town info next lol drive through many times never stopped there though
Thanks Tina! That Roswell video will Premiere tonight, hope you'll join us for the Premiere.
Awesome camp spot! I think you got amazing shots of the caverns - haven’t been there yet, but what you showed was impressive! Love that they left the old ladder. Oh Roswell sounds fun 👽
And we had a lot of fun taking some "editing liberties" while producing that upcoming Roswell episode, too. 😎
I was just at Carlsbad and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks a couple weeks ago. I have been to a number of caverns but have to agree with you that Carlsbad is the best. The highlight for me was later in the early evening watching the bats fly out of the cavern. Thousand of them coming out was quite the sight.
We were probably there at just about the same time, John! We also wish that we could've filmed the bat flight to share, but as you know they don't permit any electronic devices, including cameras. We found Carlsbad Caverns to be positively fascinating.
@@GrandAdventure Yes I wish I could have filmed it also, but definitely understand it not being allowed.
@@johnd746 as do we.
Thank you so much John, I live here and am so proud of the Carlsbad Caverns...
I used to live in White City when I was a girl.... and went through the caverns many many times.
We enjoyed all of the background info on the oil fields and the cave itself. That area in Texas may be the sparsest we've seen for gas stations. Sounds like you cut it as close as you could.. I also remember you commenting on the poor efficiency of the Tundra.
I wish we had been there the same time of year as you guys. We had to stay at that terrible campground near the sign to the park.
Thanks, Tony! Aah, the one in White City. I was curious about that one.
Actually, as another commenter @2012escapee pointed out, the worst we've encountered is Tonopah to Ely, NV: 169 miles between gas stations.
Well done on the recordings in difficult conditions. Marc, as always thanks for my “revisit” from so long ago! Looking forward to your next adventure...
As always thank YOU Curt!
Marc, after subscribing to your channel I need a " bigger bucket".
Keep going I'm right behind you. Lol.
Your comment truly made us smile, Helen -- thank you! We'll keep an eye on that rear-view mirror.
@@GrandAdventureThanks Marc, please keep me in plain sight as my sense of direction is lousy. Lol
@@helenmallazzo7094 😆
Great video. Over given up trying to take pictures on the Cavern. They never do the formations justice. Next time you are in the area, be visit Sitting Bulls Falls. Nice home
Pretty area.
Thanks Christian! Wish we had known about Sitting Bull Falls, but next time.
Great vid Marc.
Thank you so much for watching!
Guadalupe national park is one of my favorite spots in Texas. I have done a lot of the trails there. The high point trail is challenging but the view is worth it. Mckittrick Canyon is however a much better hike and much more interesting. You can do around 5 miles in-and-out of nothing too strenuous into the hunting lodge and cabin and grotto and back out. For probably the most strenuous hike in the entire park continue past the grotto and start the climb up to the notch and up-and-up and up. The hike up to the hunter peak and the bowl is in between in terms of difficulty but it is very pretty and an entirely different ecosystem up top at the bowl.
Edit to add Mckittrick Canyon is a separate entrance down the road from the main visitors center. It is on mountain time not central time and it has a gate that they lock at night. Overnight hike in camping requires a back country permit.
Excellent feedback for our viewers, thank you! Due to work we had only one weekend day to visit both parks, so our hikes in Guadalupe Mountains will have to await our return.
Wow. Love them drone shots Marc. Looking at the the first mins of footage, and your campsite, Is this the most solitude you've ever had in your adventures?
Heh heh... Not even close, Marce. Here we had the US Highway close by, so we didn't feel that far off the grid.
I was just there! Camped right there!😊
The pumps start up and sounds like a rock band playing in the distance. Did you see the tiny cacti next to the little stone "fort" built into the wall of the hill as well? Nice place!
Missed the fort, but we loved the spot. How cool!
Like always, another cool video. I'm surprise you don't have more solar than just the fold out panels, as must as you boondock.
Don, we've thought about it. But with the portables we don't need to worry about orienting the rig to the sun, or avoiding a canopy of shade over the trailer. We can point the things at any angle. We avoided the installation expense. We don't have to wire them to the trailer's controller, and install a separate solar controller. And the combined 200W of those panels allows us to fully charge our two batteries to 100% by around 10 a.m. each day. What we lose is the ability to bank solar while driving, and about 3-5 minutes of setup and takedown time each time we set and break camp.
Where we'd like to spend the money (once we've got some to spare) is in expanding the battery bank, and changing battery technologies -- at a minimum wet cell to AGM, or better still to lithium. Are there any lithium battery manufacturers out there listening? 😎
Great information! Thanks!
You're most welcome, Haydee. Thank YOU!
YES... a lot of Oil Field work here.
Outstanding destination Professor G! Please share with us what the climate (temp) is like now and throughout the year for this location. Also, include detail about the temp inside the cave. I'm assuming that it is farely cool and about the same all year round. BTW... with all those bats, there must be some places in the cave that are waist deep in guano - LOL!
We can't speak for the rest of the year because we haven't looked into it ourselves, but high temps were in the 70s while we were there in late October. We had first intended to stop in Carlsbad on our way to Texas in late September, but it was just too darned hot to do so then. So we revised our travel plans to hit the area on our way back. Inside the cave is indeed a steady temp, 53ºF if I recall correctly. Never saw piles of guano, but then again there was a time when they literally mined that stuff to sell to farmers as fertilizer.
Funny, as I watch this video, I realized I have your shirt on. (I sleep around) : )
Love it, Bert! That's our favorite design that we've done, by far.
Loved it, Marc... Yes, a camera cannot represent the reality. That really is incredible walking down 800' of switchbacks. That likely takes at least one to two hours alone.
Definitely on my to-do list...
Gord
Thanks Gord! I had to hoof it as I had a tour ticket that I had to be on time for, but even with stopping to film I think that it was 90 minutes or less to hike in.
@@GrandAdventure Just incredible... Marc. That's really a long hike down into the earth. Never heard of such a thing before.
G
I'm ready for Roswell! See if you can get a tour to the crash site. I'll be visiting there in Feb/Mar
Tom, we did better than touring the crash site. While we didn't notice it while we were filming, we discovered a few "anomalies" in our footage while we were editing next week's episode. 😉
@@GrandAdventure , I look forward to see it. Here's my anomaly from a year ago in So. Calf. ua-cam.com/video/_bFv4lmXb1I/v-deo.html
The CRASH site in NOT in Roswell .. it is 100 miles away in Carona NM...
I know because I used to live there (miles from the crash)
... also in Roswell... Roswell takes credit for it, but the crash site was not in Roswell
BUT... Roswell is a great city to see and learn all about the crash... check out the UFO museum...
Corona New Mexico
@@JudiChristopher, yes, it's farther from Roswell, about 56mi NW, and only about 28mi SE of Corona. I always assumed in 1947 Corona was very small, today the population is only about 200. Roswell was on the map, due to the Army air base, which is where the bodies were transported to. Although rancher Mac Brazel first told some residents in Corona about the crash, Roswell is where he reported his finding of the saucer to Sheriff George Wilcox, who in turn reported the news to Major Jesse Marcel at the Roswell Army air base. I suppose that's why Roswell is associated with the crash today. It's where the cover-up occurred, by Marcel, who later admitted to it on his deathbed.
Thank you! Do you need some snow? ☺🇨🇦
Yup! Send some our way, Marian! (Although our forecast is changing for the better beginning early next week. It looks like winter is finally on our doorstep.)
It is amazing to see the quadcopter video today that would have cost THOUSANDS of dollars a few years ago and now its almost free for the do-it-your-selfer. Nice work! Nothing is worse than someone using a video camera like a flashlight..............
Thanks! And so true, on all counts. Slow panning and zooming is where it's at.
you keep moving this ahead and ahead
Thank you Hector!
It’s been said that hindsight is always 20/20. I’ve also let the gas gauge get dangerously low in a desolate location. Scared the bejesus outta me. Now I start looking for stations at half a tank. Lesson learned.
The sad part is living out here, we know to use Google maps to look ahead for gas stations and we try to never get below 1/4 tank. I just happened to not be paying attention and by the time I passed the last gas station the next exit was something like 25 miles, and the next gas station was 65 miles, and 14 miles off the freeway.
Please NOTE:
We do have a lot of TREES in Carlsbad (city) and the Pecos River which runs into the Rio Grande is also in Carlsbad (city)
White City, 20 miles away, is the gateway to the Carlsbad Caverns...
great video
Thanks so much!
It looks like the cavern is handicap accessible. Are there any stairs that would make it difficult for someone with a walker? Thanks for sharing. Wonderful video as always.
Jean, if you take the elevator down there is a stretch through the Big Room that is accessible to wheelchairs. The sections that are accessible, and those that are not, are clearly marked.
I had to watch it again it was so good. Just a followup on our earlier comments about snow. The place that I couldn't remember was Eagle Ridge. The fun thing was the lodge was the Swiss Exhibition hall from the NY World's Fair. I didn't find a email for you.
No worries William, to keep spam down I try to not publish my email address on the WWW; however, you may always send an email to me using the contact form at www.GrandAdventure.tv. And Eagle Ridge doesn't exist anymore, it's the a casualty like many small ski areas across the US. Over half of New York State's ski areas no longer exist. skikabbalah.com/lostNY/LostNY_about300.htm
@@GrandAdventure That is an amazing list. I see Peak'n Peak is still in business. My experience with Eagle Ridge was back in the mid 60's when it opened. It was different because the lodge was at the top of the slopes.
@@WILDEBILL308 yep, it's a sad list, too. In today's era if you don't have millions to sink into high-speed detachable chairlifts and massive snowmaking plants, you can't survive. And there are other upside-down ski areas out there -- Snowshoe (WV), Powder Mountain (UT), and Hidden Valley and Jack Frost/Big Boulder (PA) all come to mind.
@@GrandAdventure I just sent you a email.
I know they had a problem with low snowfall at least one year, I think the year they opened. Who would think a place that averages 200" of snow would have low snowfall. Later they had snow machines.
By the way what were you doing in Western NY?
@@WILDEBILL308 chasing snow. It was December and I was living in Saratoga Springs, NY. It was a poor start to the season in Vermont, but the western NY lake effect was going off, so we drove west.
What!!!! I live in Carlsbad New Mexico!!!
How did you like the caverns?
I kept trying to figure out why I wasn't seeing your new video! Finally figured out today that somehow we had gotten Unsubscribed!!!!??? Argh! Gotta watch those fingers when doing UA-cam online! Awesome video!!!!!!
Thank you, thrilled to have you back!
I watched one of your episodes where you filled a water bladder while dry camping, what do you do with the dirty water already in your tanks? You didn't mention where you dumped, or did you? I'm new and have allot to learn. Thanks for your patience. Happy Thanksgiving.
We all have a lot to learn, Joy! In our case our waste tank capacity far exceeds our fresh water capacity, so we can usually go through two fresh water tanks before we need to dump.
I'm keeping a "Grand Adventure" notebook for next winter when we both are fully retired. Have you ever kept an expense log... We're trying to decide if we can afford to full-time for 6 months a year.
No Joy, we haven't tracked expenses at all, really. In 2018 we burned through way, way too much money, but knowing that we were taking a once-in-a-lifetime year off of work to travel, we weren't too upset about spending the money, either. Plus, because we're trying to cover a lot more ground than most full-timers, both because we're often on limited time and because we're trying to see (and share) as much as possible, our expenses would not be reflective of typical full-time life anyway.
FYI, your notebook may get an assist by our episode map. If you're not already familiar, on the home page at www.GrandAdventure.tv we keep an interactive Google map with the location of each episode pinned, so you can use that to see what may be worth visiting in a particular area or region. The map can be panned and zoomed, and each pin is linked to the particular episode, and has embedded within the pin the video thumbnail and description.
@@GrandAdventure Thank you... your comment was cut off , but I think you were going to say that you were not too concerned about the money... I'll figure it out. I love the videos.
@@joyluck9078 weird, but I'm seeing the whole comment with a "show more" button. YT can be flaky sometimes.
@@GrandAdventure I see it now....thank you, I'll check it out.
Holy Cow... What a hole in the rock!
Gord
And it gets massively bigger just beyond the entrance. It's truly awe-inspiring. I've been in caves before but nothing prepared me for this experience.
@@GrandAdventure They need to call this Carlsgood Caverns... but for millennials Carlsbad works as well.
G
@@gorrdd 😅
Marc, is that a pipe running down the other side of the road?
I see you finally left the biggest state with the least amount of public land. Looks like some good views now.
I know you love boondocking like that.
I imagine your knee deep in powder by now.
Great video as always.
Thanks again.
It is indeed a pipe, Mark. Probably leading to a well site up the hill but we never investigated. It was so good to return to boondocking! And one more week awaits before those pow turns.
I’m still trying to imagine leaving the trailer on the road and going to get fuel ! How long did it take ? Life without a fuel station it’s hard to get my head around , caves are just amazing the bits you managed to film were great
Thankyou G&Z
Thanks you two! We probably lost the better part of an hour dropping the trailer, getting fuel and returning. There's one stretch we can think of, from Tonopah to Ely, Nevada, where it's 169 miles (273 km) between gas pumps. Sometimes you need to plan ahead, and in this case we simply failed, but at least we made it to the station before the fumes ran out, albeit without the trailer.
Head north from Carlsbad to NM 131. Go west past Queens toward El Paso Gap. When you see South Rim Road, turn left(south). Follow this road to the end. You will see a two rut road to the left. Follow this about a half mile and it will turn west on to an old drilling pad. This faces the canyon with Dark Canyon to the east. Water is there if you know where to find it. You can see this area from Google Maps. I have been thete for 2 weeks and seen no person. You will need a cell booster for phones to work.
Head back to 131 and down to North Rim Road. Follow this to the Artesia/Cloudcroft highway. Have plenty of gas, water and food. This is remote but has excellent well maintained county and ranch roads. Just no people and communication is spotty.
Then there is all the area below the Caprock north of Loco Hills. But that is for another time.
Excellent beta, Curtis -- thanks for sharing! Looks like you might mean NM-137 and not 131?
Do you subscribe to the yearly All Access Pass for the National Parks? I plan on full-time boondocking come 2020 and was wondering if it were worth it. Thoughts?
We do, and it's most certainly worth the $80 per year for us, especially when you realize that single Park admission can cost as much as $30. Plus it also pays for National Forest recreation fees, National Recreation Areas that charge entry fees, etc. Ours usually pays for itself within a month.
Hey I am planning to travel through Roswell & then southern Arizona in January, trying to keep warm. Looking for gold & spooky stuff.
I'd like to find free showers & camp sites along the way, got any ideas? Also wouldn't mind ducking across the border for some street tacos but times are odd. Juarez was said to be very dangerous but some say things have calmed down. Not interested in going over at night but still.
Yeah, Juarez would be the last place I'd think about crossing, personally. As for your travel plans, I'd be doing the same online research that you're doing to be able to answer you. But have a wonderful trip! And do try to squeeze Carlsbad in along the way, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We've never encountered caves like those.
Imagine our caveman ancestors. Crazy. Last gas, Ely to Tonopah 169 miles.
I've done that leg, and with my 2014 Tundra (which doesn't have the larger tank that the newer ones do) and the Tundra's horrible gas mileage, especially while towing, I rolled into Ely on fumes.
@@GrandAdventure I think my motorhome has an 80 gallon tank. I could make it. On like $125 of gas.
You missed the mandatory fuel stop at Ozona, didn't you? The last thing I told my sweetheart before she took the wheel and I took a nap was that I had programmed the fuel stop in the GPS and we would not make El Paso if we didn't get fuel. I was awakened suddenly by a dead-stick lane change to the shoulder. The GPS showed we were miles from nowhere. She had substituted her own risk analysis with disappointing results.
I dialed on-the-road service and put it on speaker. "YOU tell him what happened." "Why ME?" "Because you were driving while I was asleep and it is way easier for him to understand why YOU ran out of diesel than if I did it -- because that doesn't happen."
The dirty look from the driver was accompanied by laughter from the call center.
A rollback arrived with no diesel. We made a plan to load the pickup and ride with him to the Loves in Sparks, TX. He had no ball for his underreach, so we had to leave the trailer on the roadside. I placed some LED strobes.
After fueling and priming the fuel filter head, I dropped her off at the house and deadheaded an hour back east to recover the trailer. At least I got four hours sleep before work. 😉
Great story, William! You nailed it, Ozona is what we missed. Once you pass there, there's no close-by exit to turn around so you're committed, but unlike you folks we were at least able to cover for our mistake. We ended up dropping the trailer at exit 328 and then bobtailing into Iraan on fumes to get gas before returning for the trailer. If we hadn't dropped the trailer we never would've made it.
What is your rig? It is interesting!
Bruce, it's a 2016 Evo T2050, which is best displayed by sharing with you this used listing including the floor plan www.rvcountry.com/product/used-2016-forest-river-rv-evo-t2050-768525-29
It's 25'11" long including the hitch, or the living space "box" is 23'. What makes it unusual is the dual opposing slides, which allows it to open up to 15' wide, so it has an enormous amount of space for a relatively small trailer. We've never found a floor plan that we liked better.
The wonders of our living earth. We are but fleas on Her backside!
So very true.
Is this handicap accessible? I can't walk too far so I use a scooter.
Parts of the cave are wheelchair accessible. Take the elevator down and follow the signage.
Oh yeah it's acceptable for anyone, I went in 2016 and earlier the better, 5 of us were the first for the day. Nice and cool and quiet. And 3-4 hours later when leaving 200+ people there, and kids with bright flash lights, shining them every were
And in your eyes, got to go early, and maybe an off day.
How do you boondock with no solar panels on roof?
This video was made years ago with a prior trailer. We had 200 watts of portable solar. Our current rig has 1200 W on the roof.
My wife and I have been traveling the western U.S and our biggest problem is getting packages that we order because it seems that no one wants to send our packages to a PO Box. How can we solve this issue and still travel?
We've done one of two things: if we're in an RV park, we ask if we can have the package shipped there. If not, we call ahead to a pack-n-ship store, most will allow you to receive a package there for a nominal fee.
What do you do just sitting out there alone,
Relax? 😎 That and check out the sights, like the National Parks just down the road.
How much do you pay attention to the weather when camping on an open area like that? What would be the critical factors to cancel a stay in that area?
A place like that really doesn't have much to be concerned about, and we encountered some pretty strong winds while we were there. The soil is fairly sandy and you're on a ridge, so rain isn't much of a concern and the risk of a flash flood is nonexistent. If there's a risk of snow, the road is steep enough that slippery conditions might be a concern. Otherwise, we really couldn't see much cause for concern there.
I was there for 2days with storms both nights. Not a single problem. Yes, it was windy and rain. But the sun came out in the morning and everything looked fresh. Was sitting looking at my road atlas, planning the next let of my trip, when a roadrunner passed by within ten feet. Only wildlife (that I saw). Went to Carlsbad town to fuel up and made the mistake of going south on 285. Absolutely the worst road I have ever driven in my life! Nothing but oil well equipment
@@patrickbodine6010 we concur, we came up 285 from I-10. Crazy busy road with high speed oil field service trucks.
We tried to camp there in March but had to escape to AZ bc there was 95mph winds there so never did make it to Carlsbad (made the decision to run when we were at white sands). So yes pay attention to weather.
@@E_House 95 mph? I'd be running, too!
Another great video! What are your plans to deal with the upcoming change in UA-cam concerning COPPA beginning in January 2020?
Thanks! We really anticipate no change (it goes into effect 12/10/2019), as we've rightfully declared all of our videos as not attractive to children.
Did you pass any campiing spots closer to the mian road?
You bet, Patricia. There were a few. Just a short distance from the main road was a site that multiple folks occupied. There was another about an eighth of a mile down from us that wasn't occupied as we filmed, but did receive a truck camper before we left. We picked the spot further from the road for a) the solitude, and b) distance from the highway noise.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks , your spot looked great , but I would feel better being closer to main road. I am not experienced at driving on a dirt road and thought I might could handle a short distance.
@@patriciacharrier3620 that first spot that was occupied by multiple RVers was before the road got steeper and rougher, so it's a good choice for your situation. Here's a Google Map pin to that exact spot: goo.gl/maps/8CUsmfVz2Tsn1ryUA
If you scroll around in satellite view you'll see a few others camped nearby, too.
I would like to do this trip. What would it be like this time of year?
I'd think it would be OK any time of year except for the dead of summer. Those caves are utterly amazing, have fun!
@@GrandAdventure Thanks mate. Some people warned me about snow up there this time of year, and I know it's been windy the past few days. First RV trip for me, so a bit indecisive if I should head that way, or continue down South.
👋😊
Did u have internet boodocking.
Yes we did, Barry. Now that we're working full-time business hours from the RV, we have to seek out sites with service, and we were using our Visible setup ua-cam.com/video/VrigHuE6igw/v-deo.html to have Internet via Verizon's network.
@@GrandAdventure WE got the Visible after watching your vlog .
@@GrandAdventure
I am so Happy I saw that video!!!
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Thanks as always, Petra!