Resort Recharge, Sand Dunes, & a Birthday Treat: Days 28 and 29

White Sands National Park, NM

Today was our official rest day and it came at just the right time.

Students had a chance to sleep in, then spent the day enjoying the resort pool, tanning, and playing games like tennis and basketball. It was the kind of low-key, high-fun day that felt like summer at its best.

In the evening, we had dinner at Carrabba’s, where we sang Happy Birthday to Holt and celebrated with good food and great company.

And because no birthday (or GWT day) is complete without dessert, we walked over to Crumbl Cookies for a sweet ending.

And then … hello from New Mexico!

We kicked off Day 29 with McDonald’s breakfast and made the drive eastward, officially leaving Pacific Time behind as we crossed into a new state.

The highlight of the day? A sunset stop at White Sands National Park, where the group climbed, jumped, dove, and even backflipped (go Kemp!) down the shimmering dunes.

With the sky turning golden and soft sand underfoot, it was a stunning and joy-filled close to another big day on the road.