We entered New Mexico on Sunday morning (4/11) and drove to Las Cruces. You can see from the rest stop photos that the landscape has changed to more desert.

Having arrived in Las Cruces, NM by early afternoon, we ventured out on our visit to White Sands National Park a day earlier than planned. It was not a difficult drive and it was sort of like a fun roller coaster as the RV sped down the hills going east to the park.  

When we arrived at White Sands, we drove along Dune Rd and arrived at a parking area for a 1 mile Nature Trail. We opted to take this hike. I brought water for us and, while we’re used to walking in the 90+ degree heat in Florida, the dry 85 degree heat of the desert was very different. 

There is an area where you can sled down the white sand dunes on a plastic disk. I attempted to drive out that far but halfway the road turns to washboard and it was very uncomfortable to drive on so we turned around.

I did purchase my National Parks annual pass and passport so I can start to get my visits stamped.

After checking in at the campground, which was quite nice, we stayed on until Tuesday before heading to Scottsdale to spend time with our friends Steve and Lisa. Fred made a little friend at the dog park area while we were there.