After few hours of southbound driving we opted for a back road into White Sands National Park. The desert prevailed but periodically there'd be a lava field or a variation in vegetation or lack thereof. Overhead the clouds ranged from scattered fluffy cumulus to dark rain clouds with hanging virgo which also sometimes reached our windshield. Notable throughout the desert southwest these days has been the wind. The roads are smooth and often straight but correcting for wind gusts keeps me glued to the road and steering wheel.
Our vision of the white sands was that it was just off the main Interstate but in fact it was an hour or so off. Yet, the side trip was well worth it. Kids had sleds and were sliding down the banks. In places there were small drifts of sand across the road, much like snow. The sand is the result of gypsum from the mountains getting trapped in the valley and eventually breaking down into very fine crystal. While some of the sand was soft and difficult to walk in, like Oregon beaches, the dunes were firm and easy walking. Apparently there is moisture not far below the surface which keeps the dunes firm.
After reheating leftovers from last evening's restaurant meal, we just sat back and rested. Our niece in El Paso wouldn't be home until later in the evening so we had time to pause between driving and visiting, and visiting and driving.
Kathleen arrived home as scheduled. We shared stories of the past and some ice cream on a bit of chocolate cake from the day before. Then it's back to the evening routine for a night in the covered wagon, this time is cherished electricity from the house. Good night.
No comments:
Post a Comment