Next morning we headed north in Texas to the NP. The drive was flat and very pretty. After about 55 miles we started to head up into the mountains. We passed some historic ranches and a lot of pretty scenery.
The visitors center is rather small but the people were very nice and accommodating. This is mainly a hiking park that is located near one of the original stage coach stops that carried passengers and mail through this area.
We visited a farm area that is now a museum and took a short hike up the valley to see some of the views. We also took a short walk to the remains of the stagecoach stop. We lucked out with a beautiful day. This park is actually very close to Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico were we visited last year. It's a little out of the way but filled with natural beauty. Worth the trek.
After we visited the farmhouse we had a small picnic at the trailhead. It was a great day. We needed the exercise.
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| More camera magic of the valley to the NP! |
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| Historical Marker we came upon on our ride. One of many ranches in this valley! |
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| On the edge of the NP! |
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| Saw this little guy on the road into the NP! |
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| This mountain is named "NIPPLE MOUNTAIN" Can't imagine why! |
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| On the trail! |
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| I'm the one on the right! |
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| We stopped when it started to get steep! |
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| Eileen is the one on the left! |
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| Beauty in beauty! |
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| Another odd looking bug we saw at the ranch! |
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| They were truck/wagon farmers peddling their fruit in Van Horn 60 miles away! |
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| Comfortable farm and schoolhouse. Plenty of water from their well! |
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| This is a Stellar Jay. The picture didn't catch the beautiful color. |
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| Info on the stagecoach. Click on it to read it. |
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| This is all that remains of the station! |
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| There is beauty in death. |
