White Sands NP

We started our day a little early to try to get a head start on school work.  We headed over to White Sands around 11 and stopped by the visitor's center for Junior Ranger booklets and a park map.  

Did you know that every fourth grader is eligible for a free year's admission into the National Parks?  We redeemed Jude's 4th grade pass at the entrance gate (you have to register online in advance) and asked the ranger for advice on the best sledding areas.  We brought our own sleds (although you can rent them at the visitor's center) and headed back to Mile 8 per his recommendation.  

Parking was a breeze at that time of the day -- and I think heading to the back of the park first was a great tip - everyone else got stalled with the hikes near the entrance.  

The kids loved sledding and jumping down the dunes.  After an hour or so, we wandered back to the car
and drove to the closest picnic stop.  They have great little space-age looking picnic shelters.  We found the sunniest spot and enjoyed our picnic lunch.  It was sunny and 50 degrees -- which was perfect -- but the sand was COLD on your feet, so the sunshine helped thaw us a bit.

After lunch, we enjoyed more sledding and hanging out on the dunes.  Buster loved digging in the sand.  It is really fine and easy to brush off - which was a bonus!  

Back at the campsite, Stu spent quite some time getting sand out of the truck - but it was worth the mess.  We relaxed in the sun for a bit and then cooked chicken fried rice inside the camper for dinner.  The sunset was gorgeous against the mountains and a quick stroll at sunset was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.