The First Big Adventure!

Our first adventure together led us to some of New Mexico's most unforgettable landscapes.

The Adventure Begins

A few years ago, July 2023, Spur and I embarked on our first out of state trip together to New Mexico. It was my first time experiencing true desert and I have to admit it was amazing. The wide open spaces, the dark skies, the warmth...it was a dream for a tiny cactus like myself...Spur, being the opposites that we are, of course loved the colder nights.

No matter where we turned, New Mexico reminded us just how vast and beautiful the Southwest can be.

We drove a few hundred miles across a state to get there in a day, many hours on the road but 100% worth it. It was very interesting to see the landscape change by the mile at first and then kinda stabilize and stay the same until we found rock formations. Those were breathtaking and something completely new in my books. The views were amazing every day, in every direction, which did remind me of island life, just not green and lush, but amazing in its own way.

Every journey begins with someone watching from above.

I felt so small in New Mexico...which is nothing new...I know, but it was surreal. We hadn't even gone into the caverns yet, but just even standing at the parking lot of Carlsbad Caverns, it sits on top of a high cliff overlooking semi-untouched land which seemed endless, was otherworldly. It was a place I thought only existed in books or movies, something staged, but it was real...

Exploring Nature's Hidden Wonders

We spent HOURS walking in the caverns and yet we still didn't see it all. It was spectacular and sooo dark in some parts. I was disappointed my camera didn't work well in a low-light environment, but Spur had my back with his phone, which did just fine in that environment. The pictures don't do justice to the space, though. They had people you could ask questions to along the way, but it was mainly a self-paced walking trail underground with many other people wandering with you. Everyone was in their own bubble enjoying the area, but I'm sure we were all having the same thought, "this is amazing."

Photos can hint at the scale of Carlsbad Caverns, but standing beneath these ancient formations is something you'll never forget.

Spur found an actual oasis when he was investigating things to do in the area, so we HAD to go. Who knew an oasis is a real thing! It's called Sitting Bull Falls, and like the name says, it has a real waterfall sitting in a canyon. Crystal clear water, and it was freezing! I was shivering and Spur...of course was saying, "It felt great!"...but we don't trust his judgment with cold temps...it was an amazing site and side adventure out there.

Sometimes the desert surprises you with a waterfall.

Chasing Endless Horizons

Last place we set out to visit was White Sands National Park. It's a place we always recommend to anyone going to New Mexico. It is an ocean of pure sand, and as the name states it's white. I jokingly told Spur that it's the only snow he could have since it wasn't cold. It was, like everything else there, breathtaking.

Standing among endless grains of sand, I realized even the smallest things can be part of something extraordinary.

Surprisingly, I felt even smaller at White Sands standing on top of one of the dunes. Looking out across the landscape I felt like a grain of sand. Quietly standing among unknown beings, yet somehow feeling as one standing in awe watching a once-in-a-lifetime show, a sunset on a sand dune. With colors only painters could imagine, yet, there we were.

Some sunsets don't ask you to take another picture...they simply ask you to stay a little longer.

I have sat at the edge of the ocean and gazed out to nothing but endless sea and have stood at the edge of a cliff staring out to nothing but what seems to be endless land. Both bringing a sense of pure peace and dread at the same time. You can finally breathe alone with your own thoughts. Yet, you're alone...with your own thoughts...guess it's up to you whether it's a good thing or not.

Until the Next Adventure

Needless to say, the trip was amazing. It was sad having to step back into reality again. We saw countless new things and experienced so much together, but the best part was experiencing them with Spur. We can't wait for more adventures and sharing our journeys with you!

"Even the driest places can surprise you with something beautiful; don't let the thorns distract you from the flower." — Sage

Meet Sage & Spur

📸 Sage

The photographer of the duo. Sage is always looking for the next beautiful landscape, interesting wildlife, or quiet moment worth remembering.

🧭 Spur

The explorer. Spur is happiest with a backpack, a map, and a trail leading somewhere new. He's always searching for the next adventure.