Bombs and dunes

On our way to Roswell, New Mexico, we were driving along the highway and saw this:


The longest military convoy EVER. I wonder where they were going?

We soon found out where they were coming from:


They were coming from a gigantic missile testing range and accompanying military base nestled in the flatlands of New Mexico. White Sands Missile Range is the largest military installation in the United States, and is three times the size of Rhode Island. The first atomic weapons tests in the world happened here. It's a kind of intimidating place to drive through! The highway we were on goes straight through the middle of the base and is apparently sometimes closed when missile testing (including nuclear!) is taking place. Eek!

And yet, on the very edge of this military compound, lies an area of great natural beauty. We stopped in at the White Sands National Monument, which is full of (duh) white sand that's made of gypsum. Let me tell you, this sand is REALLY WHITE. I know it's a stupid thing to say, but it's striking. At one point the paved road ends and you're driving on packed down sand and sand drifts have been plowed away from the road, and it all looks like snow, only your windows are down and your feet are bare and still you're hot.


Off in the distance you can see normal sand:


We went hiking around in the dunes and although it was a hot day we took off our sandals for the entire hike. The sand was very soft and cool to the touch even with the sun beating down on it. It was such a pretty place to be in. The world is full of neat things.