Monday and Tuesday, November 19 and 20, 2018 (Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona)

After our usual start to the day, we showered and wandered across to Dave and Leslie's. Dave had ridden his bike to the Visitor Center to see if they could get tickets for a cave tour today. They were good to go for the Rotunda/Throne Room tour at 11:30.

We walked with them over to the Visitors Center and looked around at the exhibits. Like Steve last year, both Leslie and Dave tested out the "bat ears"...

When it was time for them to assemble for the tour, we said goodbye to Dave and Leslie and went to watch a 15 minute video about the discovery of the caverns...quite amazing!

After that, we headed back to the campground, retrieving Margaret and taking her with us to our trailer. But poor Margaret was a little anxious, constantly looking for her Mom and Dad, so after taking her for a couple of walks, I took her back to her home.

Steve settled in with the laptop to edit pictures...that's his plan for the rest of the day. I did a little crocheting until Dave and Leslie were home from the tour. Dave enjoyed the tour but unfortunately Leslie's claustrophobia got the better of her and she wasn't ale to do the tour. At the start of the tour, you go through a couple of "chambers" that protect the environment inside the caverns. This may have triggered the claustrophobia....she was fine at Carlsbad, I think, because you take an elevator down to the cavern, to a huge, open space as you get out.

Dave and Leslie were going into Benson to pick up a few groceries at Walmart, so I tagged along...leaving Steve working.

Dinner tonight was at our place...I decided to pull out the Instant Pot and try a new pork tenderloin recipe...it, along with Leslie's roasted veggies made for a fabulous dinner! 

After a quiet start to the day Tuesday, we all got ready for a hike. We're going to hike one of the trails here in the park...the Foothills Loop Trail...This trail is approximately 2.5 miles, rated moderate to difficult.

There are 4 access points to the trail...we found the one in the campground and were off...

More trails below...

 The trail climbs the limestone hill north of the cave and descends into the wash that follows the fault between the Whetstone Block and the San Pedro Block. 

 A nice little rest break along the way...

We had passed a "Y" in the trail with no signage awhile back and were starting to wonder if we were still on the correct trail...

We waited here while Dave continued on to check out the trail ahead...looking back the "Y" in the trail is on top of that ridge...

Dave up ahead waving us on...

Dave found a rest stop with signage confirming we were still on the Foothills Loop Trail...Yah!

 And, of course, a group selfie...with Margaret giving mom a kiss! (thanks for the picture Dave/Les)

That's the hill with the caverns below...

Indian grinding hole called a Mortar...

 Almost back home now...just going past the Discovery Center with beautiful gardens...

After that great hike, we decided to treat ourselves to a beer and a late lunch...and after a little research, we found the Mescal Bar and Grill. It sounded interesting, so after cleaning up a bit, we were off...

 Good food, good beer...and of course, good company!  A cool little spot...

And the end to a great day...a beautiful Arizona sunset!