Driving into New Mexico we had to make a decision,
would we go North on highway 25 to Albuquerque or take back roads. Well, if you know anything about us by now you would know, we took the back road. It really wasn't a back road by our definition but not a major highway.
would we go North on highway 25 to Albuquerque or take back roads. Well, if you know anything about us by now you would know, we took the back road. It really wasn't a back road by our definition but not a major highway.
One of our first stops in New Mexico was White Sands
National Monument.
I learned the difference between a National Monument and a National Park. The National Monument is established by the government because they contain objects of
prehistoric, or scientific interest; they are usually established by a presidential proclamation. The National Parks are set aside by Congress to preserve an area for the enjoyment of the people.
We were greeted at the beautiful adobe style welcome center. I was amazed to see that they rented or sold snow disks for the sand! How fun would that be?
There are roads throughout the park that are plowed just like you would snow because of the wind blowing and changing the dunes.
The sands were founded in 1936. It is in the Tularosa Basin, surrounded by a mountain range. The sand dunes were created by gypsum being washed down from the mountains.
I couldn't help myself I HAD to roll up the pant legs and take off the shoes. I have never felt such soft sand in my life.
Back on the road again
We stopped at a Pistachio grove and purchased some pistachio's.
Who knew there were so many types of pistachio's
from to
from to
I know it's silly but I loved the burlap bags and have it hanging in my kitchen.
Along the way we passed some beautiful churches in the desert.
We decided to spend the night in Roswell, New Mexico.
Have I told you how we choose a room? We get on the internet and use priceline.com. As long as we know the basic area we want to stay in we usually save quite a bit. You can choose the level of hotel from 1 to 4 star we usually go 2-3 star and have a nice place.
After checking into the hotel we went to dinner then out for a drive. We saw on the map a place called
Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Wow what beautiful colors!
My Shadow Shot for Shadow Shot Sunday
These lakes were created by the eroded hangovers around the Pecos River collapsing then leaving circular lakes.
A museum we visited of Indian artifacts.
Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the name.
Just another day in the Great Retirement Adventure, thanks for coming along for the trip.
Blessings, Debbie
Linking today with..make sure you go by and visit others
Oh the places I've been, Friday (a new party!)
34 comments:
WOW Stunning photos
Superb photography – great post!
I was taken to White Sands by friends years ago - so impressive!
Visiting from Monday Mellow Yellows
always loved taking the "back roads" you find some delightful things doing so - that bottomless lake looks very interesting.
Wonderful place! Wonderful photos are gorgeous!
Oh MY MY everything is so beautiful there. We went to the White Sands when we lived there and it is majestic. The churches are gorgeous too. Makes me homesick for years ago.
Ann
Few get to enjoy retirement as much as you two do.
I'd love that burlap bag in my kitchen. Thanks for playing Blue Monday.
Happy Blue Monday, Debbie.
Wonderful pics. Have a fabulous week!
Liz (mlc)
Liz (yacb)
I enjoyed traveling along with you. I used to travel a lot before I lost my husband, and now do not have anyone to go with me. Enjoy every minute of your time.
Thanks for having us along on this beautiful adventure. Have you painted the evening light on those cliffs yet?
I am still and always amazed by the variety of landscapes this world presents us with. Though there are similarities between your and my continents, there are a lot of subtle differences as well.
A most beautiful post.
Some outstanding sites along your way!
I've always wanted to go to White Sands, myself.
The white sand dunes look like a pile of feathers you are standing in and just as soft. Looks like it was a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing your world. :)
thanks for the tour.
Thanks for taking me along. Beautiful scenery, I love the colors around the lakes and the churches are pretty. The White Sands looks like a neat place. Great photos, have a happy day!
Interesting post!! Boom &Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
New Mexico is a wonderful state to visit. We have been able to enjoy many vacations is that beautiful state. Even as a little girl, our dad took us on NM trips.
We have taken our kids to White Sands many times and had sooo much fun. I'll dig out the pictures of a trip to blog about someday.
About 4 yrs ago, my daughter and I took 6 of our grands to have fun in the sand. It was so hot that day, and wind blowing, it was like getting sand blasted. Couldn't stay long that trip
Enjoy your retirement...we are !!:)
What fun places to visit. I especially like your shots of the bottomless lake.
What fun places to visit. I especially like your shots of the bottomless lake.
What an adventure. I'm from New Mexico and although I don't live ther e anymore I like reading items by people that enjoy it.
What lovely golden light and great scenery!
Fantastic pics! It's snowing here where I live in Norway and it's good to see sunny pics.
Have a nice day!
I'm your latest follower as we just spent our first winter away from the cold and snow. We were in Arizona, Nevada and Mexico. Then drove home by way of New orleans, OK City, Memphis and Nashville.
Enjoyed your photo's of places I may never get to see in person. Thanks for stopping by and following my post. I am now following yours.
hugs, Sylvia
Just gorgeous! Beautiful colors.
I love that whole area, but especially
White Sands! Thanks for this enjoyable post.
The Desert Southwest is home country to me, and you've captured it well in your photos.
Shadowy Bee
Wow, I just went through your posts on California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and I'm hooked. Those places are stunning. I've dreamed about New Mexico since I watched the show Roswell on TV when I was a teenager... I remember they used the bottomless lake in a scene... Your post made me travel for cheap!
I have wanted to go to New Mexico for years, but with friends and family lining the East Coast, and a willful husband, I have to live vicariously through others. Thanks for this wonderful post, and pass the pistachios, please!
I love driving through New Mexixo. The mountains are so picturesque. I love Albuquerque. My husband used to work for Gallup Indian Hospital so I used to go there a lot....Christine
Beautiful images of New Mexico. We love to drive to Santa Fe. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for coming by my blog. Your shots of New Mexico are stunning. The only time I have been there is when I traveled cross country by bus. I remember it being really beautiful and dry.
Yael from Home Garden Diggers
Good morning, Debbie!
Stopping by for the first time and so enjoyed scrolling through many of your posts and getting to know you. Touring along visiting so many fabulous places has been great. The Hearst Castle was amazing!
Nice to meet you :)
Kindly, Lorraine
They say that New Mexico is a very spiritual state.. and I believe it! I only visited once but I truly felt a spiritual sense. Made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! I love that you and your husband are taking your time discovering just the right spot to have a new beginning! You really are enjoying each stop and are gracious enough to bring us along!! Can't wait to hear what the final decision is!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a thoughtful comment. Do come back again!!
i love pistachios, i didn't know about all those varieties, either. new mexico looks gorgeous, as i always heard it was. so glad you enjoyed your trip!
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
- The Tablescaper
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