Post Parks (8.8-31.11)

After the parks of the West we explored some Texas treasures biking around the San Antonio Missions,

paying tribute to Ailey's relatives at the Alamo,

 and having a beer at the Menger Bar where Teddy Roosevelt recruited the Rough Riders!

We went dogsledding in the Houston humidity

and had drinks with friends in Austin.

And then in Carthage, Texas...

And then...

And then...

With Mbuti road-ready once again we made our way east, had several fantastic visits with family and friends, slept in a Walmart parking lot...

And made it to Framingham, MA!

Just in time for a Mbuti bath before her winter hibernation.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (8.7.11)

In Carslbad we left the 100 degree weather of the Chihuahuan Desert and hiked one mile to spend 5 hours in the lovely 56 degree caves 700ft underground.

We wandered the labyrinth of caves spending most of our time in the Big Room, which has an area equivalent to 6 football fields! Even more impressive were the decorations. Polar bears and lions tails...

Stalactites & stalagmites were just the beginning! The features are incredible to see and a challenge for photographers. Our pictures barely do it justice & we highly recommend you check it out for yourself!

We also got to experience a total blackout. Where's Ailey? (part III)

Great Sand Dunes National Park (8.5.11)

Since we were down from Mt Elbert by lunchtime we packed up & drove to Great Sand Dunes National Park: 750ft tall dunes in southern CO.

We headed into the dunes armed with cereal boxes against the fierce wind.

It felt like walking across the Sahara.

Good times at the beach ... 1000 miles from the ocean.