This trip started with a drive to Houston to visit my sister and her family.
This is the 4 J’s after a day at the beach: Jessica, Jennifer, Julie, JamieSkittle break on the trail in Big BendWe did the Grapevine Trail and Leann liked this rock formationWe did a return trip with friends and did some backpackingWe camped in the mountains the first night, this is near Emery PeakAnita getting to the top of Emery PeakWe camped in the desert and were amazed our sleeping pads did not get punctured by all of the cactus needlesHike back to the cars, going past Mule EarsThe girls at a Guadalupe National Park overlook, this was a drive by visitGot the sign on a return trip, maybe we have to visit all of the parks twice.Not the weather we were hoping forLooks like a black and white picture but it’s not.Yes this is the trailRanger told us they were going to do something special. They said they were going to turn out the lights and for everyone to be quiet so you could understand total silence and dark. Off went the lights, Jamie asked: what happened to the lights Daddy? Turn the lights on Daddy, sorry everyone total silence will have to wait. Everybody was really good about it.We got the sign on a return tripThe park has you walk down and take the elevator back up (yes an elevator). Fortunately the elevator was not working so we got to hike both ways.Imagine exploring the cave using this ladder and a lantern? No thanksPicnic lunch on our first visit to White SandsGirls playing in the sand and Julie staring at he left foot, wonder what she was thinking?We returned to White Sands on a blitz trip through NW Texas and New MexicoNo trails, just hike across the sand, there are posts in the ground so you don’t get lost.Not many people and very quite until a military jet flies over
