Have you ever looked back on a decision you made and deeply regretted it? Cause I am feeling that regret at this very moment. Upon arriving at NMT, we were all told to sign up for two blog days. I foolishly chose to pick two days in a row. As a result, I am currently writing my second post after exhausting most of the events that have unfolded in recent days. That being said, SSP is never a dull place so there are always new things unfolding.
This morning we started off with a M/P lecture from Dr. Anderson about orbital elements before heading to lunch a full hour early in anticipation for our field trip to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and White Sands National Park.
At the Petroglyph site we embarked on an intense hike through the Petroglyph. Admittedly the hike wasn’t overwhelmingly long and didn’t contain excessive elevation gain. It was, however, excessively sunny and surprisingly hot (especially coming from Virginia where all the hiking paths are covered in foliage).
It’s a person!!!
While playing contact (a word game involving complicated descriptions and general confusion) we were afforded a stellar view of the surrounding landscape (including white sands almost an hour away).
After refilling our water and recharging via rice crispy treats we began heading to White Sands. After stopping at the gift shop for memorabilia and Wendy’s for dinner, we finally made our way into the park. While the beginning of the park was similar to other sand dunes (think the dunes at the Outer Banks in North Carolina for anyone who has been), the landscape became increasingly fantastical as we continued in. As the shrubs began to disappear and the dunes rose in their place, it became apparent as to why the park is called “White Sands”. Quite literally, the sand glistens a vibrant white.
The dunes at sunset.
After taking in the view, we began to explore the surrounding dunes. While sledding down the silky smooth sand was thrilling, burying people in sand as others rolled down the dunes was equally enjoyable. (When we weren’t swarmed by flies of course).
Coming back, we got to see three separate FIFTH of July fireworks shows. These are in addition to the multiple that could be seen from Driscoll last evening.
A blurry photo of one of the firework shows.
As I write this on the bus (sorry for the numerous grammar mistakes that are bound to result from typing on a phone), I can’t help but feel in awe at the wide range of opportunities afforded to us in the past few weeks. Either that or sleep deprivation has resulted in an awakening of my philosophical self (who knows)
Signing off to get some sleep before the late observing shift tonight,
Alice
Hi! My name is Alice and I am from Virginia. I enjoy history in addition to math and physics. Outside of academics I enjoy calligraphy and playing the flute.
