March 15 Carlsbad to Hobbs NM

Carlsbad is a hub for potash mining, petroleum production, and tourism.In 1925, potash was discovered near Carlsbad, and for many years Carlsbad dominated the American potash market. Currently, Carlsbad has experienced a "boom". The city is leading in the production of oil and natural gases across the entire area. 42% of the population is Hispanic or Latinos.

Many ot the people do not speak english. I asked a worker in the Walmart where I could get my 1 gallon water jug filled and she didn't understand until I took the cap off and showed her it was empty.  She immediatelt solved the problem along with a big smile.

I was standing in line at the gas station and I asked the guy infront of me about the high winds, just to make conversation. His response was " no mucho english" my response was " no mucho spanish" . We had a big laugh and he gave me a high five. 

There were lots of these housing units build by the oil companies. 6 units per building and 5 or 6 buildings end to end and about 10 rows.

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Typical example of the terrain , virtually no vegitation.

Lots of oil wells   and they also two potash mines here.
A significant amount of the US potash comes from this area, but 
the US does not produce a lot of potash

We saw a number of signs along the road for "fresh water " stations.
98 % of the fresh water for this part of the country comes from 300 foot
deep wells in the Sheep Draw Well field.

Population 40,000, 60 percent Spanish or Latino
They have Cigar parlors, in the down town. 16 US states still allow smoking
 in both bars and restauants.It appears the in Hobbs it is only in certain
 areas of a bar or restaurant

I am always comparing prices to the prices at home. a 2x4 x96 
 select is 3.74 here at Lowes and 3.98 at Home depot in Ottawa today

A dairy Queen smoothie 16 oz is $3.39 in the US and $ 3.00 in Ottawa today.

Generally I find the prices for food and other products are pretty much
the same here as at home , except that they are in American dollars which
makes them almost 50% more expensive in the US.