White Sands National Monument/El Paso October 14

Next to the more famous testing grounds is the wondrous White Sands National Monument.  Dave went there with his family when he was a child and he was eager to return with Bennett. We took the Dunes Drive surrounded by the white sand.  This sand is gypsum, a rare sand because it is soluble in flowing water.  With no outlet for water, the gypsum remains creating the dunes.

 The continuously shifting and growing dunes are stunning to view but also fun to climb or sled down.

 The sands are relatively easy to walk on because rainwater dissolves some of the gypsum and cements the sand together somewhat like plaster of Paris.

 Some plants manage to find water and hold their own against the shifting sand.  These soaptree yucca seem to thrive, growing up to a foot a year.

 This was a place not on our trip plan and we are glad Dave had us visit.  We would like to return and see the dunes at sunrise and sunset.

Full of delight and covered in sand, we headed to El Paso, Dave’s home town.  His parents and brothers greeted us.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner, then returned to his parents home to lose at cards.  In the morning Dave made us a farewell pancake breakfast and we bid a teary farewell to all.