White Sands
Sierra Spraker | January 24, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect on my first trip to White Sands. I had no expectations, but held instead a loose regard of other’s enthusiastic claims about this “must-see” destination. What caught my eye first was the striking transformation this landscape took. Just outside the gypsum moonscape is a town which doesn’t suggest you’re about to enter a breathtaking national park—aside from small signs posted along the way. Upon entering the park, the paved road curved around and provided little spots for scenic observation. The disappearance of paved roads allowed the rugged perfection to truly unfold.
We went on a day when the clouds were covering most of the sky, but the blue hues turned into an orange only able to be made by the sun itself. It was truly peaceful, and one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.
The funny little tracks of people attempting to scale the monochromatic dunes were everywhere, but our nearest neighbors were nothing more than small dots scattered in the hills. There were illogical patterns of lonely grass bunches and whispers of people bouncing around the terrain. It felt as though we were entirely alone. I was pleasantly surprised by the whole scene, and there were moments where I caught myself holding my breath and forgetting to blink. That’s beauty right there.
All photos on this page are my own.