White Sands National Monument

BY TAYLOR DUNCAN | POSTED: NOV 30, 2018

I finally got to White Sands National Monument after two full days of driving. There is nothing special about driving across the plains, so I was ready for a break from the endless flat countryside! Even the drive up to the dunes was nothing special, but once I got to the visitors' center, I knew I was in for a treat.

I was supposed to meet @dani_the_explorer, @scottyreichard, and @spencerfochtman for some dune exploration, but there wasn't quite a concrete plan yet. Until they got to the dunes, I decided not to venture too far in and did some shorter, touristy hikes remaining in cell service. These were a nice taste for what we would later find. I was able to get a fuller dune experience reading all of the information signs they had and spotted some of the dune wildlife that has adapted incredibly well to the white sand.

Around noon, I met the three Instagrammers for the first time, and we ventured further into the dunes to the Alkali Flats trail - a five mile loop at the heart of the dunes. There are markers for the trail, but we wandered around aimlessly making jokes, laughing, and taking photos as we went.

Both Spencer and I had both been to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, and we kept trying to compare the two dune fields. It was hard not to. The beauty from the Great Sand Dunes came from their vastness and enormity. The White Sands however are much different. They are not as large and do not cover as much geographical area, but look pure because they are perfectly white.

Our day continued on to a campsite in the backcountry camping area - Campsite 2. This site offered perfect access to the dune field for sunset. After dinner, we hiked through the dunes.

There are markers for the trail, but we wandered around aimlessly making jokes, laughing, and taking photos as we went.


They changed color while the sun started to set. I thought the Great Sand Dunes were beautiful at sunset, but these dunes mirrored the colors of the sky perfectly. They turned a golden yellow at the start of the sunset and then changed to red then purple and lastly blue before the darkness took over. It was an experience that I won't soon forget, and I'm sure none of my companions will either!

As the night came, our shenanigans continued into the campsite, creating memories with lots of inside jokes. We researched the position of the Milky Way for that night and found that it would be visible at 4:30 am, when the moon went away. We set our alarms for four and called it a night.

Spencer, Scotty, and I woke ready to go, but Dani remained in her tent, needing that extra beauty sleep! She definitely missed out! The Milky Way was almost vertical in the southern sky. As our eyes adjusted, we moved a tent for photo purposes. The stars seemed to get brighter and brighter!

We planned some shots and experimented with flashlights for the majority of the time, and got some incredible photos! The light in the clouds in these two photos is light pollution from Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX. I'm usually not a fan of light pollution, but in this case it adds another element to the photos that I think really works!

As dawn and the sunrise approached, the sands started to change their color again, and we were treated to an incredible display in the sky! I've come to find that I've been pretty spoiled when I've been in the Southwest. There haven't been many sunrise or sunset duds!

After sunrise, we packed up camp and headed back to the cars. Spencer had an extra day in New Mexico, and he decided to tag along with me to my next location, Shiprock! We said our goodbyes to Dani and Scotty and went our separate ways.

White Sands National Monument

BY TAYLOR DUNCAN | 12.19.18

I finally got to White Sands National Monument after two full days of driving. There is nothing special about driving across the plains, so I was ready for a break from the endless flat countryside! Even the drive up to the dunes was nothing special, but once I got to the visitors' center, I knew I was in for a treat.

I was supposed to meet @dani_the_explorer, @scottyreichard, and @spencerfochtman for some dune exploration, but there wasn't quite a concrete plan yet. Until they got to the dunes, I decided not to venture too far in and did some shorter, touristy hikes remaining in cell service. These were a nice taste for what we would later find. I was able to get a fuller dune experience reading all of the information signs they had and spotted some of the dune wildlife that has adapted incredibly well to the white sand.

Around noon, I met the three Instagrammers for the first time, and we ventured further into the dunes to the Alkali Flats trail - a five mile loop at the heart of the dunes. There are markers for the trail, but we wandered around aimlessly making jokes, laughing, and taking photos as we went.

Both Spencer and I had both been to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, and we kept trying to compare the two dune fields. It was hard not to. The beauty from the Great Sand Dunes came from their vastness and enormity. The White Sands however are much different. They are not as large and do not cover as much geographical area, but look pure because they are perfectly white.

Our day continued on to a campsite in the backcountry camping area - Campsite 2. This site offered perfect access to the dune field for sunset. After dinner, we hiked through the dunes.

There are markers for the trail, but we wandered around aimlessly making jokes, laughing, and taking photos as we went.


They changed color while the sun started to set. I thought the Great Sand Dunes were beautiful at sunset, but these dunes mirrored the colors of the sky perfectly. They turned a golden yellow at the start of the sunset and then changed to red then purple and lastly blue before the darkness took over. It was an experience that I won't soon forget, and I'm sure none of my companions will either!

As the night came, our shenanigans continued into the campsite, creating memories with lots of inside jokes. We researched the position of the Milky Way for that night and found that it would be visible at 4:30 am, when the moon went away. We set our alarms for four and called it a night.

Spencer, Scotty, and I woke ready to go, but Dani remained in her tent, needing that extra beauty sleep! She definitely missed out! The Milky Way was almost vertical in the southern sky. As our eyes adjusted, we moved a tent for photo purposes. The stars seemed to get brighter and brighter!

We planned some shots and experimented with flashlights for the majority of the time, and got some incredible photos! The light in the clouds in these two photos is light pollution from Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX. I'm usually not a fan of light pollution, but in this case it adds another element to the photos that I think really works!

As dawn and the sunrise approached, the sands started to change their color again, and we were treated to an incredible display in the sky! I've come to find that I've been pretty spoiled when I've been in the Southwest. There haven't been many sunrise or sunset duds!

After sunrise, we packed up camp and headed back to the cars. Spencer had an extra day in New Mexico, and he decided to tag along with me to my next location, Shiprock! We said our goodbyes to Dani and Scotty, and went our separate ways.

Taylor Duncan

Taylor is a landscape and adventure photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His passion has taken him all over the United States, parts of western Canada, and down to South America. Taylor is an ongoing student of the art always looking for new places to travel to and new compositions to try out. His photographic goal is to experience as much of the world as possible and in turn, inspire others to go out and experience it as well.

Taylor Duncan

Taylor is a landscape and adventure photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His passion has taken him all over the United States, parts of western Canada, and down to South America. Taylor is an ongoing student of the art always looking for new places to travel to and new compositions to try out. His photographic goal is to experience as much of the world as possible and in turn, inspire others to go out and experience it as well.

Comments 21239

jeffinumpitte on

free credit report gov [url=https://creditscoresmy.com/ ]good credit score range [/url] free credit scores without paying experian credit score

InisreltPlutsit on

https://creditscoresmy.com/ transunion credit report [url=https://creditscoresmy.com/ ]annual credit report completely free [/url] credit score check free

Sheereesmecy on

free experian credit report free credit karma credit score calculator equifax business credit report

studybayws on

NEED ESSAY WRITING ?

Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Esl article review writing service for masters jzutu.

Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

]

Custom movie review writers for hire
Write a sqlpl block to find the given numbers has already been registered
Custom university admission essay assistance

Cheap article proofreading for hire for mba
Sam houston biography essay
Custom scholarship essay writers websites gb

Road safety essay for students
Intern pharmacist resume
Movie review proofreading site gb

ideas for school psychology olzgr[/url] dissertation hypothesis writing site usa[/url] business plan ghostwriting services for university auqor[/url] article ghostwriters sites au cfykg[/url] ab7ef6f

Free spa business plan example
Custom research paper ghostwriter website gb
Terminator 2 papercraft book

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
https://itelegra-ph.blogspot.com
[b]Esl article review writing service for masters jzutu[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Gift shop business plan line
Write my economics thesis proposal
Essay questions italian renaissance

free resume sample format mtwjv[/url] resume reference page template rsfon[/url] cv editing website for mba iblmg[/url] response essay outline jbgmr[/url] attributes on resume rxiyz[/url]

a writen essay editapaper.com

article review writing service for masters jzutu[/b] papers on green building hquse[/url] admissions essay xjtab[/url] on punk subculture nagcg[/url] thesis th uno gdzxs[/url] pro[/url]

https://maps.google.cat/url?q=https://essaypro.me
https://cse.google.gr/url?q=https://essaypro.me
https://images.google.ht/url?q=https://edubirdie.review

Top curriculum vitae ghostwriter sites for masters
Anti bullying persuasive essay
Essays relating epic of gilgamesh to noah’s arc

[url=http://obsledovanie.www.by]обследование зданий и сооружений[/url]
[url=http://bpx.by/]провести обследование здания[/url]

https://bb.3shgan.net/index.php/36692/contrast-essay
https://petrofieds.com/user/profile/2806

Custom cheap essay writer website for college
Movie review ghostwriter website au
Help me write top creative writing online

http://forum.googleanaliz.com/showthread.php?tid=395850&pid=956207#pid956207
http://intersavegame.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=721350&p=1417662#p1417662
https://moto-otzovik.ru/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5622&p=431407#p431407

Esl article review writing service for masters jzutu
https://shaqdown.com/why-are-mortuary-cabinets-important/#comment-28444
https://buffetanacelia.com.br/forums/topic/qtp-lead-resume-zethq/
https://joytravels.com/city-spotlight-philadelphia/#comment-76927

for writing a reflective essay zazkd[/url] ways to check for plagiarism of a research paper ypeqd[/url] homework help physics for scientists and engineers tipler vhkdh[/url] personal essay proofreading websites ca nbwyc[/url] article review writing service for masters jzutu[/b] james carter resume wokdr[/url] past job employers resume qohcx[/url] with top school essay on pokemon go ofaht[/url] plan of a museum nnjbs[/url]

]
Popular literature review editor site for masters
Oregon health insurance exchange corporation business plan
Best course work ghostwriters for hire usa

article review writing service for masters jzutu[/b] letter nurse sample ssvfg[/url] of college scholarship essay gbuqc[/url] honors thesis grants glxit[/url] on unemployment the biggest problem fcsdm[/url] on stokely carmichael djqxq[/url] rhetorical analysis essay ghostwriter for hire online qxvtl[/url]

Sarkneeksnick on

free credit report equifax check credit credit scores how to get a credit score

pioleheld on

credit check [url=https://creditscoresrw.com/ ]free credit score check online credit report [/url] free credit report gov free credit report annual how to raise your credit score fast

fertuyeda on

http://www.cheopspersoneelsdiensten.nl/get-clofazimine-uk-in-store
http://www.hpcad.pl/buy-cheap-ampicillin-generic-brand
http://www.vfbschoeneck1912.de/buying-allantoin-hydrocortisone-lidocaine-zinc-lowest-price
http://knurowska.pl/cheapest-buy-latuda-canada-discount
http://mandarintours.com.es/online-ordering-keppra
http://www.vokatol.de/purchase-dorzolamide-timolol-cheap-now
http://www.peepshow-italia.it/buy-ovulation-test-generic-from-canadian-pharmacy
http://amig-jura.pl/order-diamox-cash-on-delivery
http://zigeunerin-fatma.de/valsartan-american-express-canada
http://hartig-busdoprava.cz/buy-trusopt-buy-japan
http://cityinfo.pl/ordering-viagra-pack-uk-suppliers
http://www.adaptermonlogement.fr/buy-cheap-keflex-generic-australia
http://www.fvsquash.de/cheapest-prices-for-generic-ethinylestradiol-desogestrel
http://medmat.co.uk/cheap-cialis-black-usa-pharmacy

http://geneva-furniture-rentals.ch/buy-clobetasol-buy-online-usa
http://www.natursteinunikate-schrecker.de/buy-rivaroxaban-in-united-kingdom
http://sache.pt/buy-canadian-arimidex
http://www.genesis.katowice.pl/does-generic-fexofenadine-really-work
http://www.grinbud.pl/buying-flarex-generic-real
http://www.ajsports.cz/online-order-tinidazole-new-zealand-buy-online
http://www.dpkmorava.cz/cyclogyl-usa-discount
http://www.megatinta.es/discount-ticlid-generic-london
http://altenburg-installatie.nl/buy-cheap-rythmol-uk-online-pharmacy
http://www.metapoint.be/order-zytiga-australia-purchase
http://hydro2power.it/how-to-order-furosemide-generic-sale
http://dawne-zawiercie.pl/buy-cheap-imitrex-uk-how-to-get
http://advokatkastranska.cz/cheapest-buy-cialis-pack-usa-price
http://ferienclub.ch/get-red-viagra-purchase-prescription
http://cergyvoile95.fr/purchase-aldactone-cheap-united-states
http://ex-calibra.pl/how-to-order-metoclopramide-generic-equivalent

http://www.dpkmorava.cz/how-to-buy-albenza-uk-pharmacy
http://fabianova.cz/cephalexin-overnight-fed-ex
http://ogrodzenia-malopolska.pl/order-synthroid-price-netherlands
http://www.hornet-czarter.pl/buy-top-avana-buy-sydney
http://svwcartoons.nl/buying-femara-generic-pricing
http://theodriessen.nl/how-to-order-eulexin-uk-online
http://theodriessen.nl/buy-citalopram-hydrobromide-no-rx-needed
http://retraites-ca-cmds.fr/cod-xifaxan-no-prescription
http://dartcm.de/how-to-buy-primidone-buy-virginia
http://www.cdtak.pl/ordering-lotrisone-purchase-online-from-india
http://bournemouthfalcons.co.uk/can-you-buy-tretiva-in-usa-without-a-precpition

http://www.latorrettasulborgo.it/purchase-zetia-generic-equivalent-buy
http://www.canadaprofile.ca/buy-cheap-risperdal-usa-cheap
http://lsklubawa.pl/ordering-pilagan-american-express-canada
http://www.saechsischeschweiz-ferien.de/purchase-phenergan-syrup-australia-online-generic
http://gerardmulder.nl/cheap-dapoxetine-canada-how-to-buy
http://roing.nl/how-to-order-tinidazole-usa-discount
http://ex-calibra.pl/buying-terbinafine-buy-adelaide
http://oltrade.cz/cheapest-buy-mupirocin-usa-price
http://www.elektroinstalace-hlucin.cz/cheap-duricef-online-no-rx
http://www.reduta.cz/canadian-pharmacy-viagra-super-force-scam
http://www.fvsquash.de/discount-felodipine-buy-online-usa
http://kingsproperties.co.uk/what-do-you-tell-your-doctor-to-get-some-ranexa
http://ryszardpiasek.pl/buying-prednisolone-cheap-uk-buy-purchase
http://www.enotecanova.com.pl/online-order-wellbutrin-sr-generic-vs-brand-name
http://www.eis-pieschel.de/buy-cheap-reglan-generic-pharmacy-canada
http://www.radlinks.de/how-to-buy-catapres-buy-japan
http://www.neu-mond.at/cheap-indomethacin-generic-form

http://graphicssystemsgermany.de/buy-robaxin-purchase-online-safely
http://www.filtr-filtry.cz/how-to-buy-buspar-purchase-discount
http://www.studioklia.cz/how-to-order-cialis-sublingual-cost-new-zealand
http://www.bezoekbussum.nl/sinemet-australia-no-prescription
http://www.sp6pcb.pl/purchase-carbidopa-levodopa-purchase-online-safely
http://www.conscius.nl/how-to-buy-levobunolol-generic-from-india
http://proconsulting.edu.pl/purchase-fildena-uk-how-to-get
http://geomat.com.pl/order-bactrim-overnight-cod
http://www.sp6pcb.pl/cheapest-buy-pantoprazole-no-prescription-mastercard
http://aacweb.it/discount-oxybutynin-cheap-alternatives
http://wamaz.com.pl/how-to-order-jalyn-cheap-sale
http://www.safetydevices.be/how-to-get-it-up-without-ovol
http://www.hannah-rabea.de/order-zyprexa-no-prescription-mastercard
https://www.frwcarobronze.fr/cheap-elavil-cheap-pharmacy

InisreltPlutsit on

credit score credit score free free credit score karma business credit score [url=https://creditscoresbureau.com/ ]equifax free credit report [/url]

Acablearerb on

how to dispute credit report https://creditscoresmy.com/ free credit karma official site free credit report canada annual credit report official site

affiplokfounk on

free credit report gov [url=https://creditscoresbureau.com/ ]online credit report [/url] annual credit report request form whats my credit score

InisreltPlutsit on

https://creditscoresrw.com/ credit scores credit check credit scores free what is an excellent credit score

salvadornq3 on

My new hot project|enjoy new website
http://martporndoujin.instasexyblog.com/?alison

x men porn site all grown up nickoloden porn amutuer porn florida kidnapped and fucked porn free dirty asian poirn

pioleheld on

https://creditscoresbureau.com/ how to check credit score for free [url=https://creditscoresbureau.com/ ]credit report for free [/url] minimum credit score for mortgage

jordanxw18 on

Free Porn Pictures and Best HD Sex Photos
http://comic.porn.instakink.com/?parker

hungary gay porn sites drill sergeant porn teen schoolgirl free porn porn 4u cute porn xxx

studybayws on

NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?

Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Thank you cover letter for job interview aomod.

Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

]

Argumentative writing prompts middle school
Business plan pro sample pdf
Pay to write esl reflective essay on hillary clinton

How do you title a resume
Top school expository essay advice
Custom dissertation chapter ghostwriting services uk

Usc school theatre autobiographical essay
Uses and abuses of internet essay 250 words
Pollution plastic essay

speech ghostwriting websites usa yckot[/url] sample essays dfaow[/url] resume ghostwriter site gb hkmsb[/url] dissertation proposal topics dsyie[/url] 3_76412

Cheap thesis ghostwriter services for mba
Custom cheap essay writer website us
Who invented the personal essay

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
https://itelegra-ph.blogspot.com
[b]Thank you cover letter for job interview aomod[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Best speech proofreading websites for school
Site otherwise rusff ru resume superbi squalo
Free research paper diabetes mellitus

report writer service online klpjs[/url] letter first line bzdyj[/url] letter executive director sample opaav[/url] biography writer website for phd wbdqw[/url] a review hotel txajh[/url]

EssayOnTime.com Review

you cover letter for job interview aomod[/b] skills for business analyst resume xpmxk[/url] apa research paper example toyxk[/url] mba essay writer services au nvswa[/url] university essay full tuition ljqlg[/url] pro[/url]

https://www.google.co.za/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://vuf.minagricultura.gov.co/Lists/Informacin%20Servicios%20Web/DispForm.aspx?ID=12558
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/external.html?link=https://essaytyper.cm/

Essays helping people
Dissertation proposal template free
How to write a business book review

dissertation[/url]

] [b]Thank you cover letter for job interview aomod[/b]

https://www.secondhands.co.za/user/profile/81228
http://bookmarketmaven.com/story7101560/essaypro-essaypro-com-essay-writing-service

User experience resume examples
Pay for my nursing dissertation conclusion
Resume summary experience

https://takedown.ch/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=101893&p=195057#p195057
http://goodwin.msk.ru/blog/novogodnie-podarki/#comment_4417
https://qpw-wrestling.com/bellator-preview-show-with-james-gallagher/#comment-5822

Thank you cover letter for job interview aomod
https://digital.avaz.ba/oglasi/placanje/263824
https://kueennews.com/life-story/1506/?unapproved=34412&moderation-hash=bae6fde9d65d1809dbddc80091c97ec7#comment-34412
http://www.bartarforum.ir/showthread.php?98991-I-am-the-new-guy&p=270054&posted=1#post270054

bullet points or paragraph roxkj[/url] for young children edddz[/url] abuse essay outline nkjja[/url] do teachers give students homework xuvyc[/url] you cover letter for job interview aomod[/b] dissertation results writers site for mba jaawh[/url] research paper writer service au icjng[/url] topic for ged essay rwufk[/url] plan prospection xtzfw[/url]

]
Write me management blog post
Persuasive essay on greece
Resume format word 2007

you cover letter for job interview aomod[/b] research paper jhseq[/url] paper ghostwriting site uk jymkx[/url] letter child care specialist qvhrv[/url] how to write ddeig[/url] a cease and desist letter from trademark infringement sbeck[/url] workshop northern va december 2009 lvipe[/url]

Leave a comment