We started out on Hidalgo Road here in Carlsbad. The first couple of miles are residential, then it runs right out into the desert. The next five miles were a mix of good and bad. Good for the beauty of the desert and bad for the sight of all the oil wells and pumps intruding on the landscape. I know it's a necessary evil, but I wish they were able to hide them.
We stopped at Whites City for lunch, nothing special, then headed south to the park. As soon as we got on to National Parks Highway at Whites City, it was 14 miles of nearly perfectly straight roadway. As the road rose and fell, there were several points where you were able to see the entire stretch in front of, and behind you. At several times we were the only people visible in any direction. When the road crossed the Texas State line, it made a wide sweeping 90 degree turn to the right and proceeded to be poker straight for another 5 miles. There is something exhilarating about roaring down a desert highway when all you can see is wide open space and all you can hear is the rumble of pipes under your feet. Have I mentioned I love riding a motorcycle? 
As we got closer to the park entrance, the road started to turn a bit more as we increased in altitude and drew closer to the mountains that had been miles to the west of us. The peaks were wide and rounded from millions of years of erosion and covered with bushes and plants that were spaced far enough apart to see the tan colored earth between. This space is necessary to try to get as much moisture as possible to survive.
As we headed back to camp, the sun was getting low but it was still warm. Over 100 miles today and the last ride in New Mexico for this trip.
After dinner, we got into the heated indoor pool here at the resort. The water was heated, but the building was not. Quite the shocker exiting the water.
Tomorrow is a day off as we get ready to leave on Thursday for Arizona. See you then.
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