Sunset at White Sands National Monument

The next day, I made it to White Sands by 6:30. The ranger-lead stroll was scheduled to start at 7:00. I had a few minutes, so I drove the loop at the end of the road. It didn’t look too promising. The skies were cloudy and a cold wind was whipping the sand into the air. It felt uncomfortable on the skin, and I only had on shorts and a tee shirt. The weather forecast was for a little warmer temperatures than I was experiencing.

You can see the virga, which is precipitation that evaporates before it reaches the earth.

I watched and waited to see if the sun would come out.

A few times, I decided to leave and I headed for the exit. It was too chilly for me to stroll with the ranger. But, I kept catching a glimpse of the sky in my rear-view mirror and it would stop me in my tracks.

I kept turning around and parking. It was getting interesting.

And then I left.

What a splendid show our Sun put on for those of us lucky enough to be there.