2019 couldn’t close out with at least one more trip. I’ve been bereaved on a budget lately, so this one took some serious brainstorming. As a disclaimer, this was the first year that I didn’t go home for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, flights were just too expensive. I’d already secured the time off from work – and I wasn’t about to sit at home for a week. So, I looked into what was on my list that could be within driving distance and my dog would be able to tag along for all adventures.
My quest to visit all 50 states and being based out of Texas, I knew my options were limited to visit somewhere new. It would be between Arkansas and New Mexico. I’d read about the White Sand Dunes in New Mexico beforehand and knew that was where I wanted to go. It was impromptu planning and jump in the car and go kind of trip.
Living in central Texas, I’ve ventured to the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the state (could all be their own states), but I’d never traveled to the western part of the state – mainly because I’ve always heard there is nothing there.
I’d known since moving here, I eventually wanted to make my way to Marfa, Texas. Marfa is a small desert city in west Texas, known as an arts hub. In addition to displays and exhibitions, Prada Marfa, a permanent sculptural art installation is located just north of Marfa in Valentine, TX. This would be a pit stop.
I packed our bags Saturday night and quickly booked a room for Sunday night at the Magnuson Hotel & Suites in Alamogordo, NM – about 15 minutes from the dunes. *I also want to note my excitement for the new Little Women film. I love Director Greta Gerwig and thought the cast was amazing choices. I’d never read the book or seen any of the prior films. I bought the book on audio and realized how perfect this would be. It takes about 19 hours to listen to and in total that would be about how much time I’d be in the car.
Sunday morning, we packed the car and set out for Marfa. I’ll note that I’m very lucky that I have a dog that loves riding in the car. I hit play on Little Women, immersing myself into the lives of the March sisters, while we drove the seven hours to see this Prada art installation.
Stopping in Fort Stockton to grab a bite to eat and refill on gas, we reached Prada Marfa by about 3pm. Naturally it was pretty busy with other tourists there for the same reason. We admired and had a quick photo shoot ourselves, then headed further west.
I will say that it is true, there is nothing along the roads of west Texas, but it is a beautiful drive – very calming and phenomenal scenery. My own ignorance, I had no idea there were so many mountains in west Texas, or maybe they’re canyons… We had about three and a half hours left in our drive until we arrived in Alamogordo. Our last two hours were in the dark, which was a strange feeling being somewhere brand new with no lighting. I went through my first Border Patrol. I’m still a little stumped, simply because I always thought those were only on the border and I’d crossed a state line. Alas, we made it through and arrived in Alamogordo around 7pm. (I’d forgotten there would be a time change to Mountain Time).
We checked in, unloaded the car and set off to grab a bite to eat. I picked up something to go so I could take it back to the room and plan the following day’s itinerary. After some preparation, I decided to finish where I was in Little Women and go to bed. *The book is split into two parts, however the audio is split into eight. I finished part four and drifted asleep.
My phone died in the night so we got a bit of a late start on Monday. I grabbed a quick bite from the continental breakfast, and we drove the 15 minutes to the White Sands National Monument. We were about two miles from the dunes when they came into view.
The website for the dunes is very concise and thorough, so after paying our $10 and receiving our park maps, we were ready. I’ll mention that I dressed in plenty of layers and packed ample water and snacks for us. From outside the park to into the dunes, it dropped over 20 degrees. It was about 33 degrees while we hiked, however with the sun and appropriate clothing, I was never cold.
There are four laid out trail options within the dunes, each one more challenging than the last. We started on number two, the Dune Life Nature Trail – in hopes of catching some sights on the wildlife. Although, we didn’t see much wildlife, that was quickly forgotten. These dunes were easily one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve ever been. This trail took about 45 minutes to complete and we then went to trail three, the Backcountry Camping Trail (this is the trail you can camp overnight on, we intended to do this, but it fills up fast and didn’t want to chance it).
This trail was extraordinary – we may have taken a wrong turn or two, but we didn’t care. The beauty and serenity offered, quickly had us hiking to the top of a dune and taking some time to appreciate where we were and being together. Disclaimer, my dog is this awesome chill free spirit who is down for whatever I drag him to.
I lay in the sand, completing a few sand angels, gazed for miles and miles without seeing a single person and just admired Mother Nature.
We completed the trail, spent our last moments in the park and decided it was time to get back on the road. Yes, this was a short trip and I spent more time in the car than anywhere – however, any amount of time spent at the dunes would have been worth any drive. Simply put, it was amazing.
Hitting play on Little Women, we set back out for Austin. Two quick pit stops to use the restroom and having to go through another Border Patrol (this time in Texas), we stopped back in Fort Stockton to fill up on gas and stretch our legs.
We arrived back in Austin at about 10:30pm, minutes after completing Little Women and reeling on how we spent our morning and afternoon.
This trip holds a special place in my heart for multiple reasons. This was my first holiday season not surrounded by loved ones, New Mexico marked my 25th state (half way there), the dunes were also named the 62nd National Park the same week, and because I didn’t think I’d be able to make another trip happen in 2019.
I will most definitely return to the dunes, for any amount of time – to relish in the splendor and tranquility that surrounds one there.
“I love road trips, I love driving, I love finding little towns. I just think it’s the best way to travel.” – Scarlett Johansson
The Narrative of a Merman 