The White Sands

We finally made it out to the White Sands National Monument and wow, it was a blast!! Despite having been to this area on multiple occasions, I have never ventured to the sands due to the feeling of having been over-exposed to sand over all the years of Florida beach visits. The white gypsum sand here however was as unique as I have read/heard. I believe the pictures speak for themselves...needless to say, the coolest sandbox you can imagine with miles and miles to admire and enjoy. Now, anxiously awaiting to see the Avengers!! Life is good.

 

Caves, Springs, & Canyons!

We have been getting plenty of photo opportunities with all the recent adventures around the mountains of eastern New Mexico.  Here are a few of our favorites...they encompass a trip to Carlsbad Caverns, Bluff Springs, and Fresnal Canyon.  I took a trip to the Caverns back in 2005 with a few friends while near the area for work, so it was great to bring Crystal and the kids back there.  The caves are just massive and it is amazing to see how God formed this rock so beautifully underneath the desert.  While near 100 degrees outside, the cave provided us with a cool 56 degrees to take shelter in.

  Massive entrance into the caverns...also doubles as a bat exit at night.

 The kids looking back up to the daylight before it disappears completely.

Our next trip was to a little spring here in the Lincoln National Forest called Bluff Springs.  We enjoyed meandering alongside the babbling brook through most of the afternoon (while doubling as a clean-up field trip after taking away as much trash as we could find).  Way too peaceful of a place, perfect picnic spot.

Our final destination on yet another day was to finally get back to the valley of Fresnal Canyon.  We had seen it on a earlier trip, but did not have the time (nor strength) to hike all the way down the canyon wall and more importantly, back out.  This time, we dedicated the day to it and what a cool hike!!  There was a stream running through the narrow valley making numerous waterfall jumps and curves.  We were constantly crossing the stream on a rock paths we found and the kids had an absolute blast.

 It took a bit of sliding along crumbling rock to make it down the steep embankment...but eventually Crystal gave me a smile to show me how much she loved it (maybe a bit of sarcasm here).

 Jack and Crystal were just alike in their graceful stream crossing technique!

 One of the several waterfalls created along the rock-filled valley floor.

The last and largest waterfall we discovered before the hike back out and up.  These mountains are proving more interesting to explore than I orginally anticipated.  Obviously, we are all enjoying it with every day here being a perfect 70 degrees without a cloud to spot.  Miss everyone back home though as always!!  Love ya'll.