On a recent trip to New Mexico, we stopped at the White Sands National Monument.
It was mainly a “drive through” visit on what is called the Dunes Drive although we did stop a couple of times and take pictures along with walking on the boardwalk. It’s about an eight mile drive from the visitor center to the heart of the dunes.
I’ve been to the Indiana Sand Dunes before but this didn’t compare in the least. Â It felt massive yet there was a serenity about this place.
We first stopped at the Visitor Center and walked around.
The visitor center is very nice and has unique items that can be purchased.
Walking around the corner, I came across a barn swallow sitting on a branch turning this way and that as if it were posing for me.
And this barn swallow just made my day. I felt a connection with nature and just absorbed this “moment” that we were sharing.
I was glad that my friend was the driver and that I was able to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Occasionally I would say “stop here” and he would pull over and I would get out and take pictures and walk around. Both he and his wife are hoping we will enjoy New Mexico enough that we will move there.
So, let me share this beautiful area with you.
The day couldn’t have been more clearer.
The picture below, one of my favorites, shows the San Andres Mountain in the distance. You can see footprints in the sand as people are allowed to walk on it.
The clouds were fluffy white and seemed to hang low in the sky.
There is “life” in this desert and the “green” color on different plants are a stark contrast to the color of the sand.
Below is another one of my favorite pictures. The clouds were simply beautiful.
Wildlife here consists of rodents, rabbits, coyotes, porcupines and other nocturnal animals. I came across a lizard making its way to shade.
My friend pointed out some tracks in the sand.
Come to find out, these tracks were made by the darkling beetle that was following my friend’s shadow ~ perhaps to get respite from the sun.
I’m glad this beetle wasn’t following me around!
People were able to bring sleds and slide down the dunes. I found it comical and thought it would be quite hot. I mean, I’ve seen snow sledding, but sand sledding?
We took a walk on the Interdune Boardwalk. Even though I forgot to bring a hat, it didn’t feel too hot although sunglasses would have been nice to have as it was quite bright (well, bright is an understatement).
Here are a couple visitors walking on the top of the dunes. Hey! That’s my husband up there! (laughing)
It was a very very nice trip to the White Sands National Park. If you’re in the area, you should definitely stop and visit.
