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 | Tuesday, Septemeber 11 and Wednesday, September 12, 2001
Deep inside Carlsbad Caverns with a Park Service ranger. Amelia visited the beautiful caverns when she was delayed in New Mexico as well.
Hobbs kids greeting us at the airport upon arrival.
The horror of the past two days has left us all stunned and concerned. Due to the FAA closure of all airports, we have spent the past 48 hours in Hobbs, New Mexico. The stay has definitely been bitter sweet as we have remained glued to television broadcasts whenever possible while still preparing for our departure to Pecos, Texas. The stay in Hobbs necessitated by the airport closures is ironic in that Amelia Earhart also was delayed in Hobbs during her 1928 flight. Obviously, not for the same reasons, but nonetheless similarly delayed.
I spent a very restful afternoon yesterday at the ?Attitudes? beauty salon, where I was caringly pampered with a complimentary manicure by Linda and shampoo and blow-dry by Trish. Then it was on to a relaxing massage and pedicure for the finale. A big thank you to all of those women who took this road weary traveler in and made her feel welcome!
The surprises in this friendly town are many. When I arrived at the airport early this morning, I found that the Avro Avian had been meticulously cleaned of accumulated oil and dirt from the past several days of flying, courtesy of an antique airplane enthusiast and businessman, Jay Patton.
During the preflight inspection of the airplane this morning, I drained fuel from the main gas tank (to check for water accumulation) and was unable to get the valve to quit leaking. This problem necessitated draining the fuel and removing the valve for inspection. We found a small accumulation of debris, which was not allowing the valve to close. After careful cleaning and replacement, the problem was solved. We then received word that the FAA was ordering all airports to remain closed for the remainder of the day.
The decision was made to drive to the Carlsbad Caverns for a visit, just as Amelia Earhart had done during her delay in Hobbs, NM. So, off we went with my long time friend from San Francisco, CA, a former resident of Hobbs and in town caring for his mother, Terry Duncan. The caverns are spectacular! There are no words that can describe the immensity or the intricacy of this natural wonder??I am in awe and so happy I had the chance to view them. Then it was off to Lucy?s Mexican restaurant for refreshments and, possibly the best Mexican food I have had. Lucy kindly signed one of her t-shirts, which was a gift to me, and I signed photographs of myself and the Avro and booklets for her and her staff.
When we returned to our hotel, Bob Love, who presented me with photographs of the landing of the Avro and the reception by the citizens of Hobbs, NM, had left a package of ?Pecos Diamonds.? These are double termination crystal quartz stones (meaning they have a point at both ends). His note tells me they are rare and only found in one area in New Mexico and the state of New York.
We are now back at our hotel and planning a good nights rest, hoping, that we will be able to continue our journey tomorrow. We will keep you posted here, so please check back for the latest updates regarding our departure.
Thank you, Hobbs, NM, from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful stay in your gracious town.
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