ruidoso trip part two

Sunday, August 16
We had a full day planned for Sunday. We got up early and got on the road for Alamogordo to see the White Sands National Monument. Along the way, we stopped at the Eagle Ranch Pistachio Grove to pick up some delicious nuts and some toffee with pistachios (which ended up melting in the car). The weather in Ruidoso was so nice…in the 80s and sunny during the day, and down to low 60s in the evening. But once we came down out of the mountains and into New Mexico desert, we were back up in the upper 90s…almost as hot as home. We headed to White Sands and had the absolute best time there. It is such an amazing sight. On the way there, you see this flat little white strip off in the distance…and then once you are in the park, it’s nothing but white sands as far as the eye can see. Miles and miles and miles. The pictures we took just didn’t do it justice. It was simply incredibly. We were able to stop wherever we wanted and climb wherever we wanted, and the best part was we were able to buy plastic saucers (like you use in the snow) and slide down wherever we wanted. Oh, it was like we were two kids again, we had so much fun! I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time! We took endless photos of the sledding, to our absolute delight. Toward the end, we found a pretty steep area, and it even had a little bump in it, which made us get some hang time. Such a blast. I think the pictures will show all…my faces are priceless!!! It was stinking HOT out there though. We were sweaty and covered in sunscreen (we learned our lesson from the day before) and throw sand into the mix and we were grimy and gross. But oh so worth it! We spent a few hours there and I think we were both just over the moon with the experience. Loved it.

From there, we went the scenic route home, through Cloudcroft. Very small little town where we stopped for BBQ, and rode up and down through some amazing scenery. Dry and rocky and then through a tunnel and into the Lincoln National Forrest and surrounded by evergreens as far as the eye can see. Again, the pictures can not do it justice. What a sight to behold.

We stopped at the Inn of the Mountain Gods just to look around on our way back. It’s a huge resort with a golf course, lake, and very large lodge with $200+/night rooms. Very pretty but definitely out of our league!! By the time we made it back to our little cabin, we were pooped!! The altitude is draining there, and we walked so much. Just pooped. We relaxed for awhile, and then went for a relaxing dinner at Lucy’s Mexican Cantina, where they were sporting caroke. Oh boy! No, we didn’t sing. Ain’t no way that will ever ever happen! Chris tried their Hot sauce and was sweating the whole dinner. Super hot, probably the hottest thing he’s ever eaten. The Mexican waiter got a kick out of him, and kept asking him if he needed some milk! A very great day, every minute of it.

We had no idea that pistachios grew on trees, or that they looked like this...so pretty!

There were endless pistachio trees all lined up in pretty rows, for as far as the eye could see...

On the road to Alamogordo, you catch a glimpse of this crazy white stretch...it looks so flat and little, but as you get closer you realize it's the White Sands...

Chris climbing up the sand dune for a go at the sledding...in the blazing heat and the altitude, the climbs were not easy!

Getting some air time!

Being brave and trying it backwards...maybe by accident!

And then more bravery and flying down on his stomach...

Whoops! A bit tipsy!

I love this one...you can really see how vast it is out there...at one point, we had wandered so far out, we weren't sure which way the car was!

Me on top of the dunes...taking a breather because that sun really wears me down...

Me, climbing up for a go at it...

Before another ride, taking another rest...

Weeeeee! What a rush!!

On the really steep dune, I really flew!!!

There you go! A pretty basic rundown of our time in Ruidoso...Monday, we woke up and checked out of our cabin. Stopped at a few stores, had breakfast at the Lincoln County Grill, and got on the road...after a long drive/ride, we finally arrived home around 7:30 or so...a long day. We were happy to be home, but a little sad for our getaway to be over...I enjoyed it so!