Pining for the Fjords

But, what about Part 2 ?  Don't miss that! Getting ready to take a hike In the last blog, we'd started our day in White Sands National Park , and Chris and I were about to head off on our hike on the Backcountry Camping Loop (referred to as the "Loop" from this point on).  White Sands NP is pretty small, overall - nowhere the size of Yellowstone , for example (although not much really is) - and if you're ready for a proper hike, you have only a few options.  Since my ankle still isn't back to 100% after the debacle leading up to the Long Beach races, we eschewed the longer, five-mile Alkali Flat Trail option and instead went with the two-mile Loop.   Starting the Loop We figured that would get us working out for a decent period of time and let us see some cool sights without absolutely destroying us for the rest of the trip.  Like Alkali Flat, the Loop path marches right over the top of some of the bigger dunes in the park; there's not really a trail per ...

Did you read Part 1 ?  You probably should! When last we blogged (because this a group effort, dearest readers), the Olsen and Spencer contingents had traveled all the way from Arizona to New Mexico, settling down in Oliver Lee Memorial State Park for a few nights. Chris and I at White Sands National Park Although I slept better on Friday night than Thursday (it is QUIET in Oliver Lee, and there was zero light pollution), I still woke up early, so again I read in bed while Chris continued to slumber.  Eventually, the sun started to peek over the horizon, and I decided to go adventuring around the park, to let him rest. We were in spot 28 and Jen, Bryan, and the boys were in 30. Both worked out great -  right against the mountains and super spacious. While I was out wandering, I ran into Bryan and the doggos, and together, we checked out the comfort station at the park. Bronx, Bogey, and I waiting for Bryan to scope out the men's side Sunrise at the Spencer camp Before t...