Day #6 - Chillin' (but only in the AC) in New Mexico

Day #6.  Almost half-way through.  Today was a day full of driving and some rest time at the motel.  Our original plan had us stopping at Three Rivers Petroglyph site, but after driving through the middle of nowhere desert and running over a 6+ ft snake (I learned I can levitate from my seat and still drive!), we learned that no pets were allowed on the trail.  It was too hot to leave Addie in the car, so we moved directly onto the next planned stop.  To see the world's biggest pistachio!

Stop #1 - Pistachioland - Home to the world's largest pistachio - Alamogordo, NM

A bit more impressive than the world's biggest peanut, that's for sure!

Did you know pistachios grew on trees, in an orchard??? Not that I ever really thought about it, but I honestly had no idea.  Who knew?

So many flavors!  Our favorite was the garlic and the habanero lemon. So good.  I might have to order some online for gifts...

A trip here wouldn't be complete without a pistachio cookie sandwich made with pistachio ice cream and two fresh-baked pistachio and white chocolate chip cookies.  Addie approves.

Seriously.  Delicious.

Stop #2 - White Sands National Park - Alamogordo, NM.  

This is one of the stops that added an entire day onto our trip.  Not exactly part of Route 66, but it was close enough and a must-see.  It was hot, it was bright, but it was most definitely worth the stop and the added day. Coming from the Pensacola area, the white sand wasn't the most impressive part to me, but the fact that there was no water! No beach! And the sand itself was so soft and didn't feel hot on our feet at all.  Had it been a bit cooler, we could have spent way more than the hour that we were there.  Next time, we'll buy some sleds and sled down the dunes.  

The above picture just doesn't do it justice.  The sand dunes were HUGE and looked like giant, snow-covered mountains in the distance. 

Kailynn, the lizard lover (and future herpetologist) got the opportunity to see a few new species of lizards.  This one was an incredibly bright blue.

As hot as it was, the sand was damp.  So soft, too.

Even Addie had fun!

Finally to the hotel (or Motel as we realized) for some time for the must-dos. 

A 13-day trip, when trying to pack lightly, requires laundry duty.  This hotel actually had a pool, but the clothes needed to be washed first. I'm obviously super thrilled. 

However, laundry eventually gets done and time for some sun. :)  How is it I came from Florida and my legs are almost as white as the sand at the sand dunes we just visited???

Tomorrow brings another long drive.  Moving on through and getting back onto Route 66.