A few times a month White Sands National Park is closed because of military missile testing, and it just so happened that the one day that we were planning on going was a missile test day!
It wasn't closed for the entire day so waiting was the only option.
We arrived at the visitor center just before 10:00 and they were already opened. As soon as they get word from base that all is clear they let in the masses.
We opted to hike Alkali Flats Trail, a five mile loop.
The white sand dunes are made from weathered and eroded gypsum, deposited here when this area was covered by a sea, 250 million years ago.
It is amazing that plants can grow in this kind of environment.
Bleached earless lizards are incredible, and only found in the White Sands area.
They are not deaf, they just don't have an external ear openening.
I have never seen a white lizard!
They can be found scurrying around anywhere there is green.
These are ant tunnels.
It is amazing the life you can find in the desert if you really look.
There are pluses and minuses to desert hiking, for sure.
Our three hour drive to Carlsbad included a quick stop off the highway to checkout this old trestle.
Built in the 1890s the train that went from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft (6,000 feet change in elevation) became known as the Cloud Climbing Railroad. Before the train the only way to get to Cloudcroft was by mule, but after a highway was built in the 1950's the train didn't seem as convenient.
We made it to Carlsbad and then continued on to the National Park, just in time for the bat flight talk.
Mule deer.
Brazilian free-tailed bats.
Wouldn't it be cool if this is what we saw?
But we didn't...
First of all, there are much less bats during this time of year. Their peak is in summer. So what we saw was a few flying out at a time, maybe a hundred or two over a period of 45 minutes.
Second, I couldn't take any pictures because there are no cameras allowed, and it is strictly enforced. Before you get to the mouth of the cave there is a ranger who tells you there is no photography. Then when you are in the amphitheater, where the mouth of the cave is located, there is a ranger presenting who is watching for cameras, as well as two rangers at the top of the amphitheater doing the same.
I am not sure what they would do exactly (kick you out of the park maybe?) but there was no opportunity to do it incognito so I didn't try. I just followed the rules like everyone else.
First off, that last line made me laugh out loud. You are such a rule follower :o)
ReplyDeleteI haven't made it to White Sands but now I so want to. Loved this post. I, too, have never seen a white lizard. Wow.
What an adventure you took. Thanks for bringing us along.