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

fertuyeda on

http://www.tela.com.pl/cheap-trihexyphenidyl-generic-drug
http://geomat.pl/order-pilagan-generic-does-it-work
http://signika.pl/cheap-clindamycin-tretinoin-buy-online-canada
http://www.drevoobrabecistroje.cz/canada-acetazolamide-nongnaric
http://chinchilla-fischer.de/discount-cyklokapron-online-no-rx
http://roosters.de/buy-pregnancy-test-strip-uk-no-prescription
http://alekxs.pl/order-varenicline-generic-online-pharmacy
http://www.kapoentjekinderkleding.nl/how-to-order-buspar-cheap-online-canada
http://bournemouthfalcons.co.uk/buy-procyclidine-australia-pharmacy
http://hydro2power.it/how-to-order-pletal-cheap-to-buy-online
http://knurowska.pl/buying-tadalista-ct-buy-hong-kong
http://mandarintours.com.es/order-scanil-online-canada
http://www.neu-mond.at/indian-generics-ketorolac-tromethamine
http://hartig-busdoprava.cz/get-rifampin-cheap-trusted

http://pro102.pl/order-spironolactone-without-prescription
https://www.doorklanten.nl/how-to-order-pyridoxine-and-doxylamine-generic-overnight-shipping
http://aufwind-wuppertal.de/how-to-buy-fildena-ct-generic-online-uk
http://www.praktijkenergeia.nl/cheap-levitra-super-force-cheap-now
http://www.goodwill.pl/how-to-order-butenafine-mastercard-buy
http://as-ton.pl/buy-cheap-tretinoin-purchase-in-canada
http://andrologiaoggi.it/order-cycloserine-generic-extended-release
http://zigeunerin-fatma.de/buying-ovulation-test-no-prescription-usa
http://www.kapoentjekinderkleding.nl/how-to-order-emla-cheap-canadian-pharmacy
http://www.wastenet.dk/cheapest-buy-tiotropium-bromide-lowest-price
http://www.fkhostice.cz/how-to-buy-triamcinolone-cheap-with-prescription
http://magicmovies.se/buy-cheap-keppra-where-to-purchase
http://www.papierserwis.pl/buy-wellbutrin-sr-united-kingdom
http://www.trucktraining.nl/canadian-myrbetriq-for-purchase
http://dartcm.de/ordering-dorzolamide-cheap-sale
http://jindrakova.cz/cheap-selegiline-generic-usa
http://pretejk.cz/discount-repaglinide-spain-over-the-counter
http://www.virrion.pl/how-to-buy-ibuprofen-price-at-walmart

http://expodor.pl/ordering-lithium-generic-is-it-safe
https://www.maschinenqualifizierung.de/canadian-pharmacies-without-prescriptions-ranexa
http://chinchilla-fischer.de/ordering-isordil-purchase-line
https://www.frwcarobronze.fr/how-to-order-celexa-generic-best-price
http://shebeen-news.de/cheapest-buy-questran-buy-japan
http://www.renova-opava.cz/get-inspra-purchase-online-from-canada
http://heizbandtechnik.ch/how-to-order-metformin-canada-medicine
http://www.midis-minimes.be/sildenafil-or-tadalafil-comprar-sildenafil-or-tadalafil-generico
http://bau-dienstleistungszentrum.de/buy-cheap-spiriva-generic-best-price
http://medmat.co.uk/zydena-compare-price-walgreens
http://ogrodzenia-malopolska.pl/buy-xifaxan-san-francisco
http://www.bart-music.pl/buy-cheap-bimatoprost-generic-drug-india
http://www.chronowatches.nl/online-order-latanoprost-uk-in-store
http://www.kokeninfrankrijk.nl/online-order-cialis-super-active-generic-is-good

http://cityinfo.pl/cheap-varenicline-generic-equivalent
http://bau-dienstleistungszentrum.de/buy-cheap-shield-generic-drug
http://heirhunters-association.co.uk/cheapest-buy-cialis-daily-purchase-in-the-uk
http://sander-malermeister.de/get-free-xalatan-samples-online
http://kingsproperties.co.uk/order-bromocriptine-generic-mastercard
http://oltrade.cz/how-to-order-simvastatin-ezetimibe-price-by-pharmacy
http://fabianova.cz/canadian-celol-online
http://www.7hrconsultancy.uk/cheap-alesse-buy-uk-no-prescription
http://heizbandtechnik.ch/online-order-cyklokapron-purchase-usa
http://www.bart-music.pl/order-acular-cost-usa
http://www.noasenna.nl/get-citalopram-hydrobromide-buy-online-uk
http://signika.pl/buying-diclofenac-sodium-cost-without-insurance
http://ryszardpiasek.pl/buy-cheap-brand-viagra-purchase-from-uk
http://inspec.olsztyn.pl/discount-brimonidine-tartrate-generic-overnight-delivery
http://signika.pl/order-saxagliptin-purchase-prescription
http://physique-chimie.fr/how-to-buy-classic-pack-price-canada
http://www.kiffen.nl/cheap-brand-viagra-generic-name
http://bournemouthfalcons.co.uk/cheapest-buy-hydrochlorothiazide-buy-japan

http://www.conscius.nl/cheapest-buy-misoprostol-generic-ireland
http://www.bart-music.pl/how-to-order-sucralfate-buy-online-canada
http://signika.pl/ordering-isotroin-price-prescription
http://skygres.it/purchase-yasmin-cod-cash-delivery
http://gamar.com.pl/online-order-cialis-pack-price-netherlands
http://www.mrcbaernbach.at/how-to-order-pilocarpine-price-singapore
http://www.dartclubmoehrendorf.de/online-order-lincomycin-canada-on-sale
http://czone.cz/online-order-alfuzosin-cheap-from-india
http://www.filtr-filtry.cz/buy-desonide-generic-a-canada
http://www.radlinks.de/how-to-buy-prelone-cheap-trusted
http://oltrade.cz/buy-vesicare-buy-generic
http://forumwentylacja.com.pl/buy-syphilis-test-where-to-purchase

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.
How to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk.

Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

]

The role sport in gym in our life essay
Flight essay literature auth4 filmbay yiii new html
Toyota production system resume

Protect animals essay
Essay on vehicle pollution in india
Qualitative research paper critique example

Special events coordinator resume sample
Doctoral thesis in science education
Order engineering business plan

me write esl argumentative essay on founding fathers afnsu[/url] in essays referencing xynrq[/url] to write a letter to someone you love pdbcg[/url] to write a good introduction for a technical report hgnqs[/url] f4c8685

Esl dissertation hypothesis writer website us
How to write psycho social evaluation
Essay on dowry problem in india

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
https://essayonlinehfg.com
[b]How to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Best definition essay on presidential elections
Critical essay proofreading services online
How to write a filter driver

of ma dissertations zjmui[/url] essay samples irfgd[/url] on homework excuses otofs[/url] postman amusing ourselves to death essays gmrvn[/url] letter format for marriage biodata mnwpz[/url]

algebra 2 help editapaper.com

to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk[/b] phd analysis essay assistance rtmxv[/url] critical analysis essay ghostwriters service usa ynney[/url] development essay odraq[/url] school blog post help shoiy[/url] pro[/url]

http://websites.milonic.com/essaypro.co/
https://ar.pinterest.com//pin/784470828838196109
https://google.com.pr/url?q=https://studybay.ws

Write a literature review phd
Top annotated bibliography writing services ca
Writing journal articles for publication

essay[/url] ру официальный сайт[/url]

http://www.xiuwusd.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=117373&do=profile
http://lawacademy.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=https://studybay.ws

How to write mobile phone number in international format
Scholarship essay writing samples
English reformation essay

https://robsimmons.net/blogs/blog/4103342-my-first-blog-post?comment=77920337975#comments
https://bbs.btcd.io/forums/topic/1452709/
https://www.buffher.com/blogs/blog/apples-to-lighten-skin-acne-scars?comment=104871755963#comments

How to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk
http://appdev.163.ca/dz163/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1148327&pid=5425343&page=457&extra=#pid5425343
https://baillaigedekualalumpur.page.tl/Upcoming-Events.htm
http://gurzuf-sanatoriy.ru/gallerys/?cf_er=_cf_process_5fce73d28719e

report ghostwriters site for school qxnma[/url] studies homework help online chat jpztt[/url] letter samples charity iirmt[/url] my homework clipart hytqh[/url] to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk[/b] application letter ghostwriting website cfktb[/url] solving proofreading for hire usa qyqkg[/url] curriculum vitae editing services for university ljenj[/url] ghostwriter website au wlnny[/url] login[/url]

How to write a proposal plan in health care
How to overcome mental depression
Essays on science in our daily life

to write an analysis paper on a speech wmfmk[/b] new zealand example gukzm[/url] descriptive essay writers for hire au xxuym[/url] work experience summary examples sjowc[/url] for others in college kszgi[/url] thesis proposal editing sites eiwnj[/url] to write an event recap qwhuv[/url]

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.
Essay persuasive prompt writing qjtmq.

Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

]

How to send a resume to employers online
Resume example for nursing
Essay on natural law

How to write a good article review
Professional case study writing website us
Thesis of cruel angel tab lonlonjp

Quality testing resume
How to write research hypothesis
Esl persuasive essay ghostwriter sites for phd

for enrollment system thesis nfrnd[/url] conclusion editing website gb qduku[/url] business plan for a landscaping business zmnna[/url] thesis proposal ghostwriter for hire us dhgbh[/url] ff4c868

How to write quality blog content
Resume for a high schooler
Best thesis statement editing service online

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
https://essayonlinehfg.com
[b]Essay persuasive prompt writing qjtmq[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essay pro[/url]
Short story term papers
Help writing popular essay
Resume template modern macintosh word

report on call of the wild rtrai[/url] ghostwriting site usa qhzxv[/url] essays refund qpiai[/url] alexanders reign loznz[/url] levin resume prison religion 1997 uchfj[/url]

EssayJaguar.com Review

persuasive prompt writing qjtmq[/b] writing nyc cmyyr[/url] resume job bnlqs[/url] on roberto clemente rdung[/url] admission essay writers services for college ebjez[/url]

]
https://google.is/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
http://doithoaidoanhnghiep.vinhphuc.gov.vn/en/ct/cms/thongtinphanhoi/Lists/ThongTinPhanHoi/DispForm.aspx?ID=25235&ContentTypeID=0×01000DBB3CA6892B214CB02EDA37E3E3E468
https://google.com.tr/url?q=https://edubirdie.company

Resume cover letter for summer internship
Calgary public library t cover letter
Baisakhi essay in hindi

[url=http://ex-aviasales.ru]авиасейлс сайт купить билеты[/url]
[url=https://loansolo.co]loansolo[/url]

https://www.google.com.gt/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
https://hoiantrip.com/site/profile.php?id=45819

Guided book report
Best creative writing writers services
Best movie review writing website for school

http://scitechfitness.com/dir/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=490973&p=570235#p570235
https://forum.nerdcom.host/index.php?/topic/13760-lasix-furosemida-comprar-sin-receta-en-internet/#comment-115101
https://cevapveriyorum.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=3&t=1925

Essay persuasive prompt writing qjtmq
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/457915-free-resume-search-in-california-bjscm/page__gopid__1070589&#entry1070589
https://puzzle-welt.at/good/detail/213155?_fid=202c
http://www.bartarforum.ir/showthread.php?89020-rpsdmi&p=287604&posted=1#post287604

cover letter xhadk[/url] to write a garage sale advertisement wnvxj[/url] to write academic book proposal ztxpo[/url] essay tips in spanish uzsih[/url] persuasive prompt writing qjtmq[/b] blog writer service online[/url] exam essays nswtf[/url] plan pharmaceutical company ppt dxzna[/url] resume for security position zvzpj[/url] bay[/url]

Sample business plan contest winner
Professional business plan proofreading service for phd
Good vocabulary to use in essays

persuasive prompt writing qjtmq[/b] hibbeler homework bvjno[/url] article proofreading site gb orbzo[/url] to write presentation analysis and interpretation of data ermdp[/url] my esl annotated bibliography albrt[/url] speech proofreading website for mba snbse[/url] book review editing for hire au dtdwu[/url]

Henryhex on

The success formula is found. Learn more about it.
Link – http://15282.click.critsend-link.com/c.r?v=4+paaslc6rblbsadaah5ucqjgw2tsg6nentoqo3mh5p7llfr534mqgequrn6ztttmnuyp6x7u5i7e5g6tpej3owq5t25ryrpbqggfzzntpg2otv4b23p26bp2daqhbzf2et3uh4rz35p2lwxjcwawscyczmps4erueub4utodsfwe6ab4ng4uyo===+1123886@critsend.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fprofit-strategy.life%2F%3Fu%3Dbdlkd0x%26o%3Dx7t8nng

Henryhex on

No need to work anymore. Just launch the robot.
Link – http://1c-met.ru/bitrix/rk.php?id=2&event1=banner&event2=click&goto=https%3A%2F%2Fprofit-strategy.life%2F%3Fu%3Dbdlkd0x%26o%3Dx7t8nng

Williamchund on

pills online[/url]

ed pills online
buy ed pills online

Henryhex on

The additional income is available for everyone using this robot.
Link – http://16gimn.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=https%3A%2F%2Fprofit-strategy.life%2F%3Fu%3Dbdlkd0x%26o%3Dx7t8nng

VincentVer on

important link [url=https://hydraruzxpnew4af-online.com]Hydra online[/url]

anniely11 on

Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
http://porncessation.porntpgs.miaxxx.com/?kasandra

porn hub milking sexy amateur porn melissa lauren porn facials gonzo vixen porn megan fox free porn vid

corinneci11 on

Girls of Desire: All babes in one place, crazy, art
http://forcedporndump.gigixo.com/?allyson

tarzan and jane porn naomi porn videos free porn best celeb gallery porn vids hotdick free porn

affiplokfounk on

equifax free credit score find out credit score karma credit score free credit karma

kalorisnål mat som mättar on

Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice! mens efter graviditet

InisreltPlutsit on

credit scoring [url=https://creditscoresbureau.com/ ]free credit report government [/url] annual free credit report discover credit score

Sheereesmecy on

myfreecreditreport https://creditscoresrw.com/ credit score simulator credit online credit score

pioleheld on

check credit scores annual free credit report official site check credit report free credit ck [url=https://creditreportadvanced.com/ ]check credit score free [/url]

Leave a comment