From there, having organized our campsite for that night, a 0.7 mile hike along small poles sticking out of the sand here and there we leave to see the selenite crystals (gypsum) in Lake Lucero, origin of all this white sand. We were of course duly warned that intermittence to the National Park is until 10pm but the campsite has to be reached by sunset, which was at 8:10pm that day.

Stupidly enough the tour was supposed to end by 8pm, with a 20-30 min drive back to the National Park. But we figured our flashlight and the remaining daylight till 8:45 should do fine to find the campsite and put up the tent.

Who could have known that the gate of the military compound we had to cross (the lake is on military area and can only be visited once a month in a convoy) is automatically regulated and the server conveniently down at the time of our return – waiting for a police patrol car to open the door manually. Which of course took up a considerable time of the calculated 30 min driving time (not to be exact 28 min). Great !!!! Hiking in the dessert where everything looks…..WHITE. But awesomely so, with a certain glow and this tiny sickle moon low above the dunes. So, pole hunt was the theme of the night. The first two were easy, already checked out during the day. Pole number three was there somewhere too, but pole four was nowhere to be seen and us starring up a wall of sand. Climbing up there???? That couldn’t be right. So why not put up the tent right here, makes no difference anyway as the difference to the campsite would have been the missing pole saying ‘campsite’, that way reducing the risk to get lost in neverland by 99%.

Are stars really that bright or was that owing to forbidden drinks? But how awesome is it to sleep outside and every time you wake up the first thing is ooooohhhhh – the stars. And the sunrise!!!!

My mind is usually set on automatic on the way to work  – walk up to 96^th, cross to Madison Ave and then up north. Today I end up taking a completely different route, guided by the choices of maybe less deep waters straight or to the left.  Further obstacles in the form of non-swept sidewalks call my attention.

Right, why would anyone shovel the snow in front of their door. Must be German habit -obey the law. This might be the opportunity to mention that everyone, literally everyone, whether old with a walking stick or young with kids crosses at red traffic lights. Even with cops standing RIGHT in front of you. I’ve seen a cop guiding kids over a red light saying ‘Well, it not green, but there’s no car so you can walk’!!!!Anyway, back to the snow -

I managed to get to work, it took me only twice as long as usual and my feet where only semi wet. Smart me, I tucked up my pants up to my shin – so much for the good looks…. so at least those were dry.

Oh, and sorry for not putting up any photos recently. There’s a bug on my SD card, hope this problem gets solved soon