Stalagmites were standing and scattered all over the cavern floor. This was at Carlsbad Caverns, a national park, in southeastern New Mexico. It is a cavern system located under Guadalupe Mountains and Permian Basin. Carlsbad Caverns is only one of around 120 caverns systems that are connected to each other. The only one publicly accessible cavern system.
We went back to Carlsbad Caverns after seeing it for the first time many years ago. The trip was a weekend excursion for us and the grandkids.
Stalagmites were standing tall and massive in the cavern floor. There were corresponding stalactites hanging from the cavern roof over the stalagmites. It was fascinating how the mineral formations were towering over us. We can only imagine the length of time it took to form it. The slow, steady drip of mineral-laden water gradually forming stalactites from the roof and slowly growing stalagmites from the cavern floor.
One of the stalagmites caught our attention. It was looking like a giant bearded gnome and was standing on one side of the cavern. The sight was fascinating and scary. Light focusing on it was giving a special visual effect. Walking right next to it though made it lose its special effect. It became just one of the many rock formations in the cavern.
Such stunning cave formations! Who knew there could be so much beauty underground?!
That’s exactly what I was thinking! The first time we were there was many years ago. It was a blur! We had kids in tow and, I remember, it wasn’t as well-lit as it is now. There wasn’t much to appreciate except a cold, dark cave with lots of rocks around. Now, totally different!