Weather Extremes and Unique Natural Wonders in Roswell, NM

The change in weather has been so drastic since arriving in Roswell it feels like we arrived in Winter and now it's Summer - what happened to Spring?

At least the skies look like Spring :-)

From lows in the 20's to highs in the 90's, it's a crazy 10 days!

We complete several projects at Mom's house, including upgrading the front ramp to make it safer for her. No longer having a S&B of our own, it is enjoyable to do the improvements, to see our efforts make things nicer for her.

One morning we take a break to see Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, just a few miles east of Roswell.

Like the rest of southeastern New Mexico, winter is not an attractive time of year for this refuge. Still, this is an amazing place in the midst of the dry desert. 

In the middle of dry and desolate 

ponds and inlets cover the area

Bitter Lake is a strange eco-system where the Chihuahuan Desert meets short grass prairie, the Pecos River, and the Roswell artesian basin. It is rare for wetland-dependent species to be interacting with desert creatures - but that's what happens here.

We drive the eight mile gravel road around the water, with short trails to coves, bird blinds, and small man-made dikes along the way. Not much to see this time of year, but we do encounter several Northern Shovelers - beautiful ducks, a small Egret, and a large gaggle of Snow Geese in the distance.

Lots of room for the few ducks to spread out

Northern Shoveler - beautiful colors

The Snow Geese prefer to crowd together

We stop and watch, and listen to, the geese in the water when suddenly they all take flight! They make a short loop and settle back down where they started. 

So graceful in flight

A single high-stepping Egret

Bill sees a small turtle on a branch but before we can back up to see it close up, it slides into the water. Further around the water we see a small deer running along a line of tall brush. Later at the visitors' center woman at the desk says she has yet to see either a turtle or a deer - so we feel pretty lucky!

Visitor Center photo 

The Visitor Center is small, but one of the most complete and appealing I've seen. I learn that the refuge is home to one of the largest variety of dragonflies and damsel flies, and over 20 species of duck.

What I find odd is the seasonal hunting here. Deer, hog, duck, even sandhill crane! It is strictly regulated, but still seems counter to the purpose of a refuge.

Bill's family has a long history in Roswell, including his Great Aunt Martha who lived in a home that is now on the Historic Registry. We do a drive-by one afternoon.

The house where Aunt Martha lived

We've done little cooking while here, and have found a favorite restaurant where we enjoyed a tasty and fun Valentine's Day dinner. Our server, Courtney, is such a delight that we've been back twice to see her and partake of the tasty menu items. Peppers Grill and Bar is also Mom's favorite so we take her for dinner, along with her sister, our Aunt Nancy, on Thursday evening. 

She is recognized by people when we walk in, and the young family seated behind us want to know "Is that Ms G?"  The owner stops by to tell her hello. Courtney takes good care of all of us, and we all have a great time.

Just as wonderful is Aunt Nancy's homemade New Mexico enchiladas - with fresh mango-black bean salsa - that we enjoy at her home. So fun to have two of the three family matriarchs (Aunt Kathy is in Fresno, CA), all to ourselves!

Friday is slightly cooler than the 90+ degrees of the day before, and the clouds roll in around 10 AM. It doesn't change our plans to visit Bottomless Lakes State Park.

The clouds change all day

Lea Lake

Once again, although I've heard of the park, I'm completely unprepared for this unique place. The nine lakes are sink holes surrounded by steep, red cliffs. Only the two largest, Lea Lake and Lazy Lagoon, are visible from the road. They are fed by underground water percolating through the rocks. The water level is low now, but the shade of the surrounding walls make them look very deep. Both of the large lakes are 90 feet deep! 

The nine lakes are actually sink holes

A couple are very small

All of them are beautiful

Bill reads that in Figure Eight Lake, which is really two lakes, one side cannot sustain fish, and the other can. Apparently the walls of the "non-fish" side have a very high saline content. We love learning stuff like that!!

Red rock surrounds each lake

Away from the lakes, the color disappears

We weren't this hot in August!

It is sad to see trash floating in a couple of the small, beautiful pools. Swimming is not allowed, and access is very limited and dangerous so cleaning them is not an option. The campground and day use areas are all very clean.

Large and empty day use area

All sites at the camp ground have electric and water, and are mostly level with good spacing. It is less than 1/3 full. Only one of the $10 dry camping sites near the smaller lakes is occupied.

Our original plan was to stay here, but at 17 miles from town, we're glad we opted for our current park. 

A few days left in Roswell, we plan to take in more sights, hang out with Mom, and maybe we'll get to enjoy some Spring before we leave.

The end.....