White Sand (s) in the desert

Imagine white sand dunes in the middle of the desert? We had no idea just how white, how blinding white the dunes would be in the noon day sun. No ordinary sand either...the dunes are gypsum...soft not gritty like the beach sand I know on the Oregon coast.

Welcome to the White Sands National Monument - outside Alamogordo, New Mexico - gorgeous day, beautiful setting. I found the geology fascinating...all created by water and wind.

Visitor Center

 

Desert meets dunes - who knew there would be 275 sq miles of sand and no ocean in sight.

Very deceptive - looks like snow.

Wind creates ridges....apparently the winds blow here and the dunes are ever moving...

 Picnic areas are protected from the winds with wind breaks that match the dune lines....

We were thrilled to be here on a non-wind day...can not imagine the sand storm that would create.

 ~ Ciao

Big Horn Sheep, birds and lizards

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

While talking with our Canadian neighbors at a small neighborhood gathering last night we were directed to go in search of Martinez Lake and the surrounding Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.
With hats and sun block on hand, out we went in search of nature. Mike is and has been in search for a Big Horn Sheep or Mountain Goat sightings since we arrived in the desert.

To get there, one has to cross the US Army property and today we were privileged to see the US Army SkyKNIGHTS Team jump from a C130 over the desert.



C130



US Army Skyknights


<< C130 just after take off






 Parachuter nearing landing target >>

A series of vista points overlook the Colorado River that runs through the INWR bordering the BLM and Yuma Proving Grounds about 20 miles north of Yuma, AZ.  We started out at the visitor's center and a short video about the refuge and what we might expect to see. Just outside the front door is a small enclosed area for their "Digger Tortoise" that lives near the foundation - he wasn't receiving visitors today, but we did see birds and lizards nearby.




Humming bird feeder and rogue bird










@ crossroad to
Red Cloud Mine Road and the viewing points.

One of the many lizards we did see today. 

The short video provides you with the view we had at Mesquite Point where we got out to view the marshes, birds and enjoy our lunch. (30 sec)

After a jaw jarring ride to our next stop - Painted Desert Foot Trail...a 1.3 mile loop through the Painted Desert - breathtaking!

Photos of our walk on the trail.

 

 Burro droppings mark the

        

                                                                                                                   beginnings or end of a trail...

We didn't see a Big Horn sheep today, however we have not given up on that search nor should you. Visit http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/Imperial/index.html to learn more about the refuge and desert and what it has to offer.
 
Hope to see you here soon.