sand – My Side of the Adventure

White Sands National Park

Next was White Sands National Park. There is a small but good visitor’s center that includes a film about the Park. I always see the Park film if there is one. It’s usually a good way to get an overall picture of the Park and/or to learn about its history. They are always free. The staff was also nice about answering several questions I had.

I enjoy seeing and photographing sand dunes because of the different patterns the wind makes in the sand and the way the light plays off the dunes. Sand is also challenging for me, though, because it is the absolute worst for camera equipment–even more so than water. If the sand is blowing, it can actually ruin equipment, so if that starts, I usually retreat to my vehicle or at least put away my camera(s).

There was not a great deal of wind, however, and I was somewhat able to take advantage of late afternoon light before leaving. I enjoyed this Park but, on this occasion, one afternoon was a long enough visit for me.

Before my arrival, I had scoped out a dry camping spot which was quite close by. It was by an evaporation pond and signs said not to use the water in any fashion. The birds used it, however, and it made for some nice reflection photographs. There were no amenities here, but it was a great, easy-to-access location with space for several rigs next to the water.

[Thanks to the Facebook bird group “What’s this Bird? – American Birding Association (ABA)” for help with identifications.]

NEW MEXICO. MAY.

Guadalupe Mountains NP

I headed toward the Guadalupe Mountains next. This national park is in a very remote area where fuel–along with everything else–is hard to find. I ended up staying in an almost-empty, privately-owned campground that I found by literally driving by. No one was there but I peeked in at a brand-new bathroom with showers as well as a small but also brand-new laundromat. In the middle of nowhere, those were a very welcome sight, so I decided to stay. It took a little work to find out how to pay. I came to find out the owner (whose house was a few hundred yards off the highway behind the campground) was on vacation in Alaska(!) but I called & was able to pay him over the phone. He was extremely nice and he told me his uncle was keeping an eye on the place while they were gone. I later met Dave, the uncle, who was also very nice. It’s so comforting to find good folks when one is in the middle of nowhere! Their place was some distance from the Park but still served well as a base while I explored the area. I ended up staying an extra day because, of all things, a sandstorm which dangerously affected visibility on the highway leading to the Park.

At the campground, I met a young German man named Philip who was/is exploring the U.S. He was very nice also and we found we had photography in common. His work is very good.

This area counted among the top three or so of the “most remote”, especially when it came to fuel. The tiny town of Dell, several miles away (opposite direction from the Park), had one or two mom-and-pop stations with either limited hours or limited paying options. It was definitely different but doable with help/info from local folks.

The Park was different, too, as it doesn’t have any roads *through* the Park. It is accessed only through formidable hikes. After visiting the visitor center (which was good), I took a short hike on the outskirts and explored an interesting historic ranch. The other hikes were too long for me, and Sadie wasn’t allowed on any of them, anyway. Maybe return at a cooler time of year & when I’m in better hiking shape…?

Also, the wind was absolutely crazy here. I don’t know if it’s always like this, but no matter how tight my ballcap was “fastened” on, it still kept blowing off. Had to go around with hat hair. An example of the wind is included in the video after the gallery, below.

(more info in captions)

TEXAS. MAY.

First, an interesting mountain ridge on the route, Second, tremendous wind at a rest stop looking back at the Guadalupes, Third, Sand!

The Texas Coast & Texas Sandfest (Pt 2)

After our first day at the three-day Sandfest, we went back to Padre Island to go to the Visitor Center and walk on the beach. Then we returned to the Sandfest the next day to see the progress of the sculptures and find out who won the various categories of the contest.

After the Sandfest, we moved to the Mustang Island State Park campground. Hookups and bathrooms with showers were a nice change from Bird Island Basin.

TEXAS. APRIL.

Sculptors at Texas Sandfest 2025

The Texas Coast & Texas Sandfest (Pt 1)

Before I started traveling fulltime, I had heard about “Texas Sandfest”, the largest sand sculpture competition in the U.S.

Even though I was all the way up in Utah, when I heard some friends were attending, I made some marathon drives to reach the Texas coast in time for the event. It was everything I thought it would be. The sculptors were just amazing, and it was interesting to see the techniques and tools they used.

At our first campground, my campmates and I were also treated to watching wingfoilers and windsurfers each day. This Bird Island Basin area on Padre Island NS is a mecca for those learning these amazing sports. Below the gallery is a video of these athletes.

Of course, just spending time on the beach was enjoyable and quite a change of pace for me. The setting and sea/bird life and the local seafood was great!

(see captions for more info)
(also, a reminder to click the first image for a slideshow & captions)

TEXAS. APRIL.