Next stop is back in Texas. That has some major advantages. Within minutes after driving into Texas, I had 5G with full bars. Much handier than the 0 anything I had in New Mexico, especially when looking up things.

My campground is inside the national park and it’s both scenic and quiet.

Below is the view on the park as you approach it.

Today I took a hike, which was too long for my phone battery, that gave up.

Fortunately, I had all trails app on my watch so I could finish the last 4,5 miles. All in all a strenuous hike. Halfway up Bear Canyon ran into two guys who had spent the night on the trail as they were too tired to continue.

This was the goal; hunter’s peak. The first section is one continuous uneven staircase of rocks.

But the view got bigger each turn. I started at the buildings you see just above the V.

Finally made it to the top.

Then this is the view

That peak you see is the highest mountain in Texas, but I could not do that one as I first had to deal with some work emails that delayed me an hour and a half.

A few minutes after the peak I almost met a snake up close. He took the attack position and hissed like there was no tomorrow.

Not knowing how far this one can strike, I kept my distance.

It’s hard to see but it’s in the center of the pic above. AI informs me it’s a Gopher snake, which is known for its loud hiss. He’s non venomous . But I only know that now and prefer not to get bitten by any snake, especially halfway up a 10 mile hike.

After the hike I decided I needed a shower, so drove to White’s city cavern inn, just outside the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. But they close the cave at 2 pm, so I’ll go there first thing tomorrow.