In the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains, we descend 800 feet beneath the Chihuahuan Desert into a spectacular cavernous world. Stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, cave pearls, soda straws, and helictites are among the speleothems that adorn the chambers of Carlsbad Caverns. As we hike back out we anticipate the light of day. A surreal experience to explore this ancient fossil reef.