Erik and I have been exploring the state parks near El Paso and New Mexico. We found a very cool park called Hueco Tanks. "Hueco" refers to the large basins that are naturally formed in the rocks. These basins fill with water during heavy rains and provide water storage during times of drought. Dating back thousands of years people have cohabited this area because of the water that is available in the huecos. These ancient cultures have left behind tons of rock paintings throughout the park. Cultures ranging from hunters and foragers of thousands of years ago to relatively recent Mescalero Apaches, and Native Americans have drawn strange mythological designs and human and animal figures on the rocks of the area. Not only is this park popular for its prehistoric culture but it also provides excellent rock climbing and hiking opportunities.

We came across some climbers that claimed they come to the park from Arizona every year.

This was on the climb up to see a cave with wall paintings.

As you can see it was a scramble up to the cave.

Finally we reached the cave. To get inside you slither on your belly, but once in there is a little more wiggle room. I was borderline claustrophobic!



This is a view from inside the cave.



And here we have the paintings from over 1800 years ago.



Can you see the guy?

I had to throw one in of the beautiful cactus arrangement.

Everyone loves a lizard!!!