2007/03/09
White Sands National Monument
It took me a while to figure it out but National Parks, National Monuments, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges are all US national parks but the words after “national” change the rules under which the park operates (and probably who operates it). Only National Parks do not allow dogs on the trail so Zaph got to go with us to the White Sands National Monument and play in the sand. From White Sands web site: “Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world's largest gypsum dune field.” Currently, part of the park is closed due to flooding ---- yup that’s right flooding in a desert area filled with sand dunes. “Record-breaking rainfall in August of 2006 flooded much of the white sands dune field and subsequent rain and snow continue to keep much of the dune field under water.” Zaph, of course, had a great time as he got to splash in the water and run up and down the dunes.
Interdune area --- the tree continued to keep leaves and branches above the sand.
Looks like a fresh plowed road after a snow storm but it's not .... it's a plowed road in a dune field.
This is part of the flooded area --- small lakes formed at the base of the dunes.
It really is sand and again that's waters on the left.
Having some fun.
The dunes
The skunk-bush sumac's root holds the sand even after the dune moves on.
Sunset over the dunes
Interdune area --- the tree continued to keep leaves and branches above the sand.
Looks like a fresh plowed road after a snow storm but it's not .... it's a plowed road in a dune field.
This is part of the flooded area --- small lakes formed at the base of the dunes.
It really is sand and again that's waters on the left.
Having some fun.
The dunes
The skunk-bush sumac's root holds the sand even after the dune moves on.
Sunset over the dunes
