White Sands and Pistachios

From Deming we set up camp in Alamogordo, NM.  We spent one day exploring White Sands National Monument.  Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern New Mexico, White Sands National Monument is the world's largest gypsum dune field, covering 275 square miles.  Layers of gypsum buried in the surrounding mountains are eroded by wind, rain, and snow and deposited into a shallow lake bed. Crystals form as the water evaporates; the crystals are broken smaller and smaller by strong south west winds.  The winds blow the crystals into dunes, which are continually shifting. In this stark white environment native lizards and mice have evolved lighter body colors, to protect them from predators.

Touring a pistachio farm was another agenda item.  We learned New Mexico is 2nd largest producer of pistachios in the US.  Our guide showed us both male and female trees, and we observed new nuts just starting to form.  We learned how the nuts are harvested (by shaking the tree), sorted, stored, and roasted. And, we were able to sample and purchase some of the tasty treats before we left for the day.