Mr Skeleton’s October Adventures.
Dear Fellow Wanderers,
A few years back, I used to travel the United States, living in different states for 2-5 months at a time just so I could visit the national parks in the state and explore. One of those states was New Mexico. I planned my whole year of travel around my October trip to New Mexico because I wanted to experience the world’s largest international hot air balloon festival. Some of my friends and family asked, why New Mexico? Why Albuquerque? And when I told them it was for White Sands and balloons, I definitely got laughed at and questioned. But enough of the backstory of what led me to this amazing state, and on to the adventures!
I drove down from Albuquerque to White Sands, about three and a half hours of open road, mountains, and big sky. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment, and after driving all over the state, I can see why! It definitely ties with Montana and its nickname, the land of the big sky! Most of the time over the years I was traveling alone, but this time I wasn’t. I had a very spooky travel companion.
Since it was October, spooky season, I brought along a very special travel buddy for the month: Mr. Skeleton. My nieces live in Portugal and they absolutely love Mr. Skeleton. Most Octobers, my mom takes a skeleton and stages him around the house doing dishes, mowing the lawn, taking a nap or a bath, and my nieces love to see what Mr. Skeleton gets up to. Well, this year was going to be something special. He was traveling to White Sands and going on a national park adventure with their aunt!
Mr. Skeleton and I went on a few hikes across the white dunes, and I almost lost him! His bones blended in so well with the sand, I had to make sure I didn’t travel too far. The road trip was so fun and I was very happy to have the extra company. We camped out in the dunes, and let me tell you, it was EERIE. Once the sun goes down, the white sand almost glows. There’s no noise. No cars, no birds, no wind some moments, just you and the dunes and a sky full of stars. It was wild. Sleeping out there with a skeleton made it feel like the perfect October ghost story. I loved every minute of it.
Check out the photos of me and Mr. Skeleton exploring the park! I’ll also include some photos from the rest of the adventures in New Mexico because i am so grateful you you guys and supporting the print club!
If you go, there’s more to do than you’d think for a park that’s “just sand.” Grab a plastic saucer sled from the gift shop and slide down the dunes like it’s snow. It’s so much fun, and yes, grown ups do it too! Drive Dunes Drive, the scenic road that takes you deeper and deeper into the white until the pavement turns to packed sand. Stay for sunset, when the dunes turn pink and gold and then soft blue. If you can, look for one of the ranger-led full moon nights or sunset strolls, or the special tours out to Lake Lucero, where you can see the gypsum crystals that the sand comes from before the wind breaks them down. And if you’re brave like Mr. Skeleton, get a backcountry camping permit and spend the night out there! Just know the campsites are a hike in, so pack light, bring plenty of water, and be ready for it to get cold once the sun goes down.
One tip: the park sits right next to the missile range, so the road sometimes closes for a few hours during tests. Check the park’s website before you head out so you’re not surprised.
Love,
Jessie (and Mr. Skeleton)
