Wednesday, September 22, 2010

gila cliff dwellings & white sands

What do you do when you want to get a picture of yourself on a fabulous adventure & there is no one there to take it???
You take it yourself...say cheese! lol
This trip is getting better every day! I had no idea I would be going to some of our country's most amazing National Parks, but I'll do just about anything to get another stamp in my passport book!

White Sands National Park is a phenomenon, 275 miles of of gypsum sand dunes, the largest fields in the world.

The most amazing thing about this remarkable sand is it's soooooo soft & soooooo cool. It's like stepping into a pool of moon dust...magic.

These picnic areas are ingenious, made of cool aluminium they look space age against the backdrop of ancient sands.

The one thing I've fallen in love with on this journey...
CLOUDS.



How cool is this?

My bestest friend {as long as she keeps up the good work} on this trip, my Dodge Durango.

This is the Gila Cliff Dwellings in the mountains high above Silver City, NM.

You climb a mile up into the cliffs to get your first glimpse of these ancient dwellings.

They're magnificent!!!
And talk about a room with a view...

The ceilings of these dwellings are still black from the smoke of ancients fires.

They can date these dwellings back to 100AD...

standing there feeling the natural breeze, looking at the breath taking views, walking where native families lived & worked & laughed & played with their children...


was a kind of a spiritual experience for me. Words can't express the grandeur of this magical place.



I am LOVING this adventure & going it alone has definitely had it's benefits. I go where I want, when I want, listen to what I want, stop when I want to stop. Dianne of Piece's of D had that one sooo right! On to another adventure today...I'm in Carlsbad, NM & I'm headed to the Caverns! The journey continues.
Wish You Were Here Sweet Hearts...
XOXO

16 comments:

Suz said...

Susie,
You look wonderful. You must be about twenty-five, right?

Your photo's are just breathtaking. I am so glad you get this wonderful adventure and that you chose to drive by yourself. You look like a very happy and free bird!

Have fun, lady!

Hugs,
Suz

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Hey lady, I love it that you are "into" the beauty of NM. I have lived here all my life and am never tired of being surprised by what I see every time we go on an adventure. Around every bend in the road is something beautiful, in it's own way. Way to go for you. I'd love to adventure alone sometime. It all sounds too wonderful. The Olde Bagg

Debby said...

Such beautiful pictures. Be safe and enjoy your trip.

Alice said...

Oh how beautiful! Those picnic spots at White Sands are just the sweetest! I'm soooooo wanting to be where you are, where you have been. We never took our annual vacation because of my mom's cancer diagnosis, and I've had a severe case of 'wanderlust' all summer long.

I'll be waiting for more amazing photos of the next leg of your trip. By the way, the Caverns are just amazing. If you can stay through the evening you can watch the bats exit the cave--an awesome experience.

Safe travels my friend.

Susan deGeneres said...

Wow, I almost wish I had flown from Michigan to California just so I could go with you. And I don't even like hot weather! LOL

Your photos are fabulous, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

Susan

Lucy - By the Hill said...

Wow! You are really getting up close and personal with the beautiful scenery and parks along the way!
Love your pictures! Aren't you happy you have your new Fuji?
Looking forward to more! Thanks so much Susie!

Cameron said...

Oh, Susie... I've been lucky enough to travel across the US twice...once via the South and once via the North (1st and 2nd year Honeymoon Camping trips with my Beloved)...

I found New Mexico to be just as miraculous as your experience....White Sands was a sight to see with the contrast of Blue, blue sky and white, white sand!!! It makes me want to go back...those clouds are beckoning :)

Sounds like you're having a blast!!! Happy traveling...be safe....Have Fun!!!

Unknown said...

Wow, I need to go there!

Diane said...

OMG....so do I! You rock girlfriend! What is your ETA in Weimar? LOL =)

A Treasured Past said...

Wow! What a magical place, and those picnic areas are way cool! Tamara x

A Treasured Past said...

By the way , you look Fab-u-lous in the photo!

julie miller said...

Hi Susie, I am so glad that you're having such a wonderful time!! The pics are just amazing-love all the puffy, white clouds!! Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Julie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Wow, this looks like a GREAT trip! The scenery is amazing and you look so healthy and happy!!

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

What amazing scenery. Thank you for sharing enjoy the rest of your trip. Safe journeying

Sanna - My Blueberry House said...

Wow fantastic! Beautiful photos!

Take care,
Sanna

Unknown said...

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW...these photos are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing!
Alicia xx