27 June, 2010 - Sand Dunes Trip

We started our day of sightseeing with a trip to Zapata Falls. The mosquitoes were determined to eat us alive and the large quantity of people made photography difficult, but we enjoyed the brief period of time we spent up there.




We then dropped by a Sand Dunes gift shop (not the visitor's center - an independent company) before hitting the Dunes again. This time, the picnic area was open, so we drove down there. Again, my grandparents opted out of getting out of the car (I guess they were enjoying the Sand Dunes from the air conditioned comfort of their vehicle).

The parking lot lead right out to Medano Creek, which was almost dry. I thought the contrast in scenery positively gorgeous.



We hiked all the way out to the "foothills" of the Dunes this time before turning back. Despite the heavy winds (and flying sand), we enjoyed it. Walking through the soft sand turned out to be excellent exercise. I cannot imagine hiking to the top of the dunes.