White Sands National Monument

Robert and Laima (and Declan Dog ) took us to White Sands National Monument. We had no idea, had never imagined that such a magical place existed. It is a huge expanse of crystal white sand, a desert in a valley surrounded by mountains. Spectacular...

We drove through the mountains to Alamagorda and past the White Sands Missle Base to the entrance. We now understand what sand blindness is, like snow blindness but with wicked sunburn and dried out lips. The plant life is beautiful and incredibly tough to withstand this environment.

The sunset was something extraordinary as we drove back to Roswell to a Mexican feast just down the block from Robert and Liama's home. They are remarkable people and we are so fortunate to have them as friends. The old addage is "Friends come and friends go..." but it is so nice when old friendships survive and grow despite the passsage of time and the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" as Shakespeare was want to say... Great people. Thanks for the time we spent together.

Outside the White Sands welcome center we met some special people. Janice and Jerry from South Dakota. Jerry is 79, a Vietnam Vet, Harley rider, double knee replacement, cancer survivor, wise old dude. So enjoyed our conversation. It is so all about the people...