Covid Escape Hatch Round 5

After spending just two days in LA after the Antigua trip, I quickly decided LA ain't the cool place to be right now which means it was time for Covid Escape Hatch Round 5!  This was the biggest one yet.

Four national parks (Saguaro, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, Big Ben) en route to Austin as the final destination.  Bought an REI tent and tried camping - have been long overdue.  Camping in a state park north of El Paso was an adventure setting up camp in the dark at 40 degrees, but got it done after two hours.  Carlsbad Caverns is the national park winner on this trip.  Has to be one of the top 10 best caves in the world.  The national park service did an incredible job with the path that goes 2 miles underground and the lighting is amazing.  Big Bend is pretty cool too, with the Terlingua ghost town a nice stop.

Onward to San Antonio, was actually impressed with the riverwalk - kinda like New Orleans meets Texas.  Was fun to check out Gruene Hall, in a snow storm which I didn't expect.  Will be back for more music comeday.  Then onwards to Austin, reminded again their barbeque and TexMex are second to none.  Fun to check out the town of Lockhart where Texas barbeque was pretty much invented.  

Then looped back around through Midland TX, with the Hampton Inn receptionist coming out from behind the counter to pass long a pass to the local strip club.  Gotta respect businesses helping each other during covid lol.  Then Faywood Hot Springs in NM with some friendly folks and night #2 of camping!  I camp!