White Sand but No Beach
In The Detour we mentioned we had some of the greatest experiences so far in Season 2. We also mentioned how we saw unexpected colors in a desert landscape, but I have to admit, I think the most beautiful color we saw can arguably be considered to not be a color at all – white.
As we were driving to Las Cruces, we knew White Sands National Park was somewhere in the area but it wasn’t until we started to see miles of white sand in the distance that we realized we would be driving right past it! It was so cool to be driving through the desert and suddenly come upon hills of white sand.
Renowned to be like no place on earth, White Sands National Park has an interesting geological history. Many years ago the shifting of tectonic plates formed the San Andres and Sacramento Mountains. In between those mountains a low area called the Tularosa Basin, was formed. Flowing downstream, through the southern edge of the basin, the Rio Grande River deposited sediments and minerals in the basin which built up and eventually blocked an outlet for the water to flow through. This body of water would become known as Lake Otero. Of the minerals flowing into the lake was gypsum. Warm temperatures and desert winds, dried the lake up and selenite crystals formed from the gypsum. Over time, winds blew these crystals around, breaking the them into small polished grains, forming white, sandy dunes. Those dunes are known today as White Sands National Park. Cool fact, there are fossilized footprints that were found when Lake Otero dried up. Animal and human prints are said to be from 23,000 years ago. We did not get to see that area but hope to see it during another visit.
Given the park was only 45 minutes from Las Cruces we planned to go back for a visit while in the area. The next day, we learned there were full moon events happening that very week. We expected to go on a guided nighttime hike with a ranger and see the moon rise over the sandy hills. That was until we realized we missed the date. Fortunately there was a second event which, in our opinion, was the absolute best way to experience White Sands National Park for the first time.
Deep within the dunes we would have the pleasure of hearing the famous Randy Granger, of Mayan and Apache heritage, tell stories, sing and play the Native American flute on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The event celebrating not only the Native people, but also the parks first public event since COVID and the establishment of White Sands becoming a National Park. Before the concert, we decided to pack our gear for a day hike through the dunes. It was one of the most amazing things we have ever seen!
As I write this, I cannot adequately describe the view. The extreme brightness of the sun on the sand, the warmth on a cool day, and sand feeling soft to the touch but making a hike all the more difficult. Photos help, but to experience it in person was such a blessing!
We timed our hike to ensure we could be back to the truck in time to drive deep into the dunes and be one of the first to line up for the concert. The drive was oddly familiar, looking much like a drive in our home state of New York on a January day, albeit in sand rather than snow. As we waited in line, we could hear members of the car behind us play the beautiful sounds of a Native American flute as we watched excited children grab their sleds and slide down the dunes – again, similar to a winter day of sledding in New York,
We made it to our spot within the sandy amphitheater just in time to enjoy an amazing sunset. At one point a ranger shared that there was a storm in the distance, hoping it would stay far from our location. It did, but not before giving us another beautiful view. The setting only enhanced the atmosphere as Randy shared his gift of music and story-telling.
Before our evening ended, Randy turned our attention toward the rising moon. Behind us a sand dune slowly revealed a glimpse of the top of the moon beginning to show its grandeur. The moon appeared to be so big it almost seemed as if one could touch it. Unfortunately, I was so excited, and a bit of a novice photographer to catch what it looked like with the naked eye but I will share my best attempts to give you a view of the beauty.
Jim and I continue to be blessed with unexpected experiences and the beauty of God’s creation. Our time at White Sands National Park was another one of those moments where it seemed as if God unwrapped a gift for us. A gift that we would have missed if not for The Detour.
Click here to view more photos from White Sands National Park
