Day 18 - White and Jailed

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Our first stop for the day was just down the road. We stopped at the White Sands National Monument. Amanda went and got the Junior Ranger Program booklet and proceeded to start working on it. We stayed to watch the video about the place. Now it was time to head for the white stuff. The first part of the road into the dunes is the normal paved road. But once you enter into the dunes, the road is a hard packed white sand. About halfway through, my fears about sinking and getting stuck went away. I stopped at one of many areas and we played on the dunes.

Road near the start of the White Sand Dunes
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After lunch, the Smartire sensor was reporting NOTHING for the passenger rear outside duel tire. I don’t like not knowing what my tires status is reporting.

fears about sinking and getting stuck

We were heading for Clifton and Street Atlas said that we should be stopping for the night, but it is only 3:00, so I proceed to Clifton, and then we can decide where to stop. By the time I get to Clifton, the information center is closed, so I continued up the hill to see if I could find some more information about the mining operations.

The White Sands sand road
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After I got to the top and turning around and back to a gas station, I ask about if the mine had any type of a tour. The attendant mumbled something and I asked again, but he pointed that a way. So I started back to the RV, heading in the direction he pointed to, but I noticed under the RV a small puddle of transmission fluid (BIG HILL – HOT DAY (see Day 16)). I just proceeded to ignore the fluid and continue in the direction the attendant pointed. After driving around not finding anything about any mine tours, I started to head down the hill to Clifton. I then spotted a Sheriff that was coming out of a convenience store. I was able to stop him before driving off and asked him. He even offered for me to follow him to the location. As we were about ready to go, he got a call and had to run off, but he gave me better information. So, I proceeded to the location and found out that they only do tours on Friday and Saturday, but today is Monday, well bummers. (Phelps Dodge – Morenci Mine)

View from the top of a Sand Dune
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After finding out about the tour, we headed down to the town of Clifton, I remembered (from the drive up) that there is no close parking, so when I was approaching I did a quick scan and I pulled off and hopefully I would have everything off of the main road. The other cars were able to get around me, but at least I was able to take a few pictures.

Now it was off to our next camping location, so we got the Woodalls and TrailerLife book out and found a spot in Safford. I called and then followed their direction, once arriving; we determined that I would not fit, so off to another suggested campground – Sunrise Village & RV Mobile Home Resort.

The view of the Sand Dune and the RV
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Facts:

• Gas Stops: Two ($77.39, $56.32)
• Tour/Attractions/Gift Shops: Two