Our journey took us to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. A virtual Sahara Desert created at the base of the mountains. Since the sand can reach temperatures of 140 degrees in the summer, hiking to the top of the dunes is usually done in the early morning or evening. The great thing about this hike is you can do it 24 hours a day. With that in mind we decided to try a full moon attempt to the summit; but first, we thought it wise to pick a path in the daylight so we would know where we were going later that night. Our simple re-con turned into a full hike to the peak without water or proper attire. The last 50 yards up a 45 degree slope. It worked out for the best because by 9pm it was pouring rain and lightening. By 3am the rain stopped and we heard other campers heading out but we lacked the momentum and pulled pillows over our heads.
The dunes are a photographer's dream. As the sun changes on the landscape beautiful shapes are created. Check our photo archive to the side for pictures of the park, as well as an encounter with bighorn sheep. (When our internet speed allows uploads of course).
4 comments:
Amazing shots, I had no idea Colorado had a landscape like this.
I loved the look on Todd's face. Donna looked a tad stressed BUT very brave !!
Love, Lynn
Very cool photos. Did you eat the sand which is there?
Great photos of the rafting trip as well. It looked like Donna might have had one eye partially open on one of the shots.
I'll send you a photo of where I am now. I have shifted my chair slighty to the right of my desk compared to my last photo.
"Grandma & Grandpa, I love you and I like the part where you got splashed and I want you to come over and go camping!" Love, Lydie
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