Alamagordo, New Mexico

The haze is caused by the gypsum blowing off the mountains to the west and into White Sands NP.

I arrived in Alamagordo, New Mexico in early December after driving from Carlsbad Caverns through Lincoln National Forest (video). My route brought me over the mountains and down into the Tularosa Basin, which was still the Chihuahuan Desert from back at the Sunset Reef Campground, but looked super different because this was a city.

Ready to camp after making repairs to the tent, I pulled into my first - and only - KOA of the trip. Staying in an established campground had super advantages like access to indoor plumbing, kind hosts, and access to a sled for my visit to the national park. It also had some distinct disadvantages that greatly changed the way I would camp for the rest of the trip, namely, lots of RVs. 

Staying in a tent when it is 17 degrees Fahrenheit was surprisingly cozy (because of proper gear), but listening to generators all night is loud. Slamming doors instead of zippers is LOUD. Leaving lights on outside all night took the majesty out of the night sky. Despite the comforts and community, it just wasn't my camping jam.

However, the town was great. Super dog-friendly, Piper got to come with me to three different restaurants. She also got to spend an afternoon running around at a doggy daycare while I visited the local space museum.

Alamagordo was the first place on the trip that where I felt like I could come back and settle down someday. I made friends waiting in line for ice cream. There were mountains and deserts and so many things to explore. I would 100% recommend it for families looking for a place to use as a road trip destination.

The feeling I carry with me more than a year later is one of serenity and joy. Alamagordo was fun. I loved teaching my students those lessons. I loved finally being in Mountain Time. I loved knowing that the decision to turn west after Thanksgiving was absolutely one of the most inspired ideas in my life. I loved learning about new types of desert willow trees.

There were so many other wonderful adventures I am excited to share, so keep coming back!