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G has a "swell" time kayaking

G has a "swell" time kayaking
G has a "swell" time on Lake Michigan in an inflatable canoe

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico
Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Warren Dunes Sunset

Warren Dunes Sunset
Warren Dunes Sunset

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Part 2


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Continuing the post on our Great Sand Dunes visit (part 1 was posted January 3)
After crossing Medano Creek we continued our walk to the dunes. It's important to carry water and to keep hydrated on these walks. On the windy dunes it may also be necessary to hold that hat onto one's head. During the summer, the sand temperature may reach 150F and there are thunderstorms. The National Park Service recommends morning walks. We arrived on June 17 at about noon and temperatures were mild with nary a thunderstorm in site.

I've included a link to a brief video at the conclusion of this post.




G assumed a stance "well, Norm, keep up, will you"! We were enjoying the dunes, taking photos and interacting with people.


One of the activities on the dunes is sandboarding or sandsledding. The park recommends that visitors use the boards available at the visitors center. "Sandboards and sand sleds are specifically made for sand, featuring a special design and slick bases; these work best for sliding in most conditions."

I joined a small group who were snowsledding.
Sometimes a push to start is helpful.

Some onlookers bring their favorite lawn chairs so as to get a better seat.

G remained at the base of the dunes with another onlooker and his dog; They come frequently and the dog loves to cavort in the creek.

I marveled at the dancing sand which was constantly moving. It can be relatively coarse. I'll post a brief video at the conclusion which will include this frame.

It was time to return to the creek, cross it and after a brief lunch, hit the road.


Here's the video. As usual, I left the steady cam in Hollywood:





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