Here To There

N32 10.56' W104 22.06'
With the front wheel spinning around as good as new and $375 lighter for the privilege, the open road beckons once more. Having been off and on the road again within 24 hours I am well pleased. Thanks aplenty to my Mum and Dad and Sandra for heeding the plea and chipping in towards the expense of it all!

Getting to see Roswell was a fun byproduct of the breakdown so I decide to double the fun and retrace my steps south to visit the Carlsbad Caverns which I would have otherwise passed by. Everything happens for a reason and these I feel are the the reason the van got sick. Walking down into the incredible underground world deep under the desert was an emotional experience. Such ancient magnificence was breathtaking and quite overwhelming. Definitely one of those must see places during each lifetime.

A few hours later on I begin to grow more than a little disturbed as the van begins labouring, dropping speed and abandoning any notion of having a power reserve. Mechanical issues fresh in my mind I begin concocting woeful scenarios of a dreaded engine relapse and pull over on several occasions to let the following pack pass by. Even the backcountry crucifixion party I came across does little to lift my spirits that much. Glancing at the GPS data on the laptop all worries are exorcised as I see I'm at over 8000ft. Guess I've been chugging up a mountain of some kind these past couple of hours and the van doesn't like the altitude as much as I do. Phew!

The next day brings on yet another natural wonder of the world when I realise an ambition of mine and visit the White Sands National Monument. A vast expanse of great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand stretch as far as the eye can see. Set against a brilliant blue sky the effect is electrifying. Following a 4.5 mile trail on foot through this dream world without seeing another soul is glorious and does wonders for the all over tan. It's amazing that life goes on even out here - hardy little critters and plants seem to make the most of it all. An inspiration for sure.