The name “White Sands” really tells what the park is all about. The park is a unique, large patch of white gypsum sand that collected all in one place due to the geography, winds, and mineral content of the area. It is quite beautiful and we found ourselves walking though the dunes like we were in the Sahara. It also reminded us of the snow-scapes we experienced in upstate New York for most of our lives.
It is the only National Park we’ve been to where you could walk wherever you want. This is possible because footprints are regularly erased by strong winds (also one of the cautions against using your own footprints to find your way back to your starting point). The White Sand is different than what you find on a beach due to the gypsum makeup of the sand. It retains moisture and consequently is quite firm and easy to walk on. One of the must-dos is to sled down the dunes. Accordingly, Suzanne bought a plastic saucer sled and we both gave it a try. It was just like when we were kids except for the snow, coats, and gloves.
Our campground was right across the road from several pistachio farms. With a coupon in hand we went to McGinn’s Pistachio Farm which weighed in with about 12,000 trees. After sampling a dozen or so varieties we ended up buying more than we could/should eat.
How do you not get lost in the sands? Really odd but cool looking.
The Park advises you to keep a trail post in sight at all times and if you don’t see the next one to turn around and go back.
Thank goodness you had Suzanne with you: sighted and literate!!!!