A few nights ago we went backcountry camping in White Sands National Monument. We’ll let the pictures do most of the talking, but let’s talk about this first picture a bit. A little over three years ago when Heather and I moved to Denver from Atlanta, we stopped in White Sands for the afternoon one day. We took some pictures of us jumping down the dunes. You know, fun stuff. Fast forward to a couple days ago, and Miles decided he wanted to be just like dad, replicating the same shot. Turns out he has mad ups.

(We interrupt this post to bring you this update. Two bunnies are having a New Mexican standoff just outside my window at our campground. It is hilariously adorable.)

So a little about White Sands National Monument. It’s name is pretty accurate. Its a large area of pure white dunes made of gypsum (the stuff thats probably in your sheetrock), just west of Alamogordo (the fat Alamo), in New Mexico. It’s quite a stunning site. As for camping there, you cannot stay in your vehicle, however, there are 10 non-reservable backcountry spots that are offered on a first-come, first-served every day. We showed up around noon on a Thursday and there were still six spots available. You have to hike in a little less than a mile or a little more than a mile, depending on your particular spot. We were in spot #8, with about a 3/4 mile hike. Once in, you setup your tent and then sit, stand and play as you watch the magic around you. If you’re lucky you come on a clear night and get to see all of the stars. We had a cloudy night, but had a near full moon, providing a mesmerizing all night twilight effect.

If you just want to see all of the photos, click here. Otherwise, here are a few select photos with basic commentary.

These are the dunes.

Here we have Miles hauling tail down the dune behind our camp.

Here we have Miles doing his best hovercraft impression.

Here are Miles and Heather hanging out on top of the dunes.

Here is our campsite in the middle of the night. (We brought in our own lighting effects)

Here is the sunrise at our spot.

Here is some behind the scenes action from the creation of the first photo. (No Miles were harmed in the making of this film)

And here we are hiking out in the morning.

Now, if you want to see all of the photos, here is the link again!

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