Tuesday, 19 November 2013
* Alamogordo, New Mexico – Riodoso, New Mexico *
Early to rise, the clan of travelers met together at the Motel 6 where Sir Rob Wildwood, Sir Thomas Leaf, Lady Etain, and Prince Cian had stayed the night. (Docteur Mangor, Lady Angela, and prince Winter stayed elsewhere) They grouped together and set off on their expedition to the majestic White Sands National Monument for a day of sun, sand, and wind. Driving through the desert of white sand manifested itself as an omen of snow fields to come, driving through the wind blowing sand across the road, and once the pavement ended, the plow marks for the road clearing appeared as if done by a snow plow. They chose the wilderness camping trail head, parking, and putting the young prince babies on their backs attempting to climb the banks of sand. Finally making it up on top, all they could see was miles upon miles of white sand, lava fields off in the distance, and the mountain ranges in the backdrop. The cousins – princes Cian and Winter played in the white sand, obsessed by the texture, feel, and taste of the white sparkling gypsum powder. A small hike above a couple of dunes, they realized it would not be an easy hike with the heavy kids so hung out a bit in the sand playing. Sir Rob Wildwood of course trekked the trail exploring the sea of white gypsum. After lots of photos and play, they got back into the vardos and headed onwards to Three Rivers Petroglyphs Site.
A half-hour round trip excursion from their path, the adventurers met up with Docteur Mangor, Lady Angela, and the Prince of Winter at the Three Rivers Petroglyphs site. Sir Thomas Leaf’s National Parks pass allowed his vardo free entrance into the park. They hiked up the hills to explore the various petroglyphs and rock art, weaving in and out of the basalt boulders. Atop the ridge, Sir Rob Wildwood spied a faerie-hill looking hilltop and went to investigate while the others explored the carved trail. After hiking, the team made up some tempeh, vegetarian chicken free soy salads, and chocolate chai. A bit windy, they fought with the stove to keep lit. Onwards from there they went to meet Sir Thomas Leaf and Docteur Mangor’s nephew, Sir Billy at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Checking into their childhood resort that their parents used to take them too in the young days, the clan indulged in the dinner buffet together wrapping up with a swim in the pool and hot tubs. The kids all enjoyed playing together. An early night was had by all as they prepped for tomorrow’s journey of spreading their mom and dad’s ashes atop Sierra Blanca.