I don't remember many details about Carlsbad Caverns. When I was there in '88, it was early in December, and the big bat flights were long past. The tour started at the visitor's center with a walk to the cave and down the long, winding pathway into the cave. The guide gave the standard talk about caves, conservation, and the 'named' formations. The guided part of the tour ended at a little rest area in the cave. There were restrooms and I believe some concessions. The elevator through which we would leave the cave was located in this area as well.
In addition to the guided tour, we were allowed to walk along a circuit that started and ended at the elevators. Maybe this tour through this area is guided during the main part of the tourist season, but in early December it was just a free walk. I could go at my own pace, take the pictures that I thought would be interesting, and just have a good time. Park rangers walked this area frequently, and most would stop to talk. I told them about my wild caving experiences, and they told me about lesser known features of the cave.
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on Feb 25, 2003
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