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This was, without exception the most memorable walk I have ever undertaken, for a number of reasons. Not only the history of the site (home of the first ever nuclear test) but the incredible effort that was needed to walk across pure white gypsum sand (with the consistency of a child's play pit sand) that pulled your legs down into it like an ogre from a childhood nightmare. It may only be a little over 4 miles but it is incredibly draining and rewarding in equal measure and the stark beauty of a sea of white sand cannot be overstated.
As it is desert I arrived early (as usual) casting long shadows along the side of the entrance road.
The road soon turns white with blown sand as dunes rise on either side.
The road takes you 8 miles into the centre of the dunes before it comes to an abrupt end and the trail-head begins, what little life exists wears a strange white cloak and is somehow surreal in appearance
Once you start into the dune field you quickly realise that walking up 15 metre soft sand dunes is more difficult than it may first appear.
Down hill is easier, but not much. The sand seems to eat into your boots and it seems that waterproof does not equal sand proof
On occasion green plants peek out of the dunes leaving you in awe of their determination
Between the dunes are occasional oases where plants remain and the firm ground does not shift on the desert wind
Even in the dunes some grasses survive
As the sun gets higher, the walking gets harder and the gallons of water I'm carrying are suddenly less of a burden
The way is marked by orange topped posts that poke out of the sand at 1/2 mile intervals as can be seen beside the footprints in the top right of this shot
So. I've made it the 2.2. miles across the dunes to the alkali flats....now its just the 2.2 miles back with the sun high in the sky.
Time to empty the boots again I think
Good lord.....how much further......
Just one more peak and we are there
Ahaaaa, shelter......aaaaaarrrrrghhhhh A TIN HUT.....IN THE DESERT....aaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhh
Just a couple of panoramic shots to finish off
I'm sure that the incredible stark beauty of Alamogordo will remain my favourite walk................. though I would never do it again!!