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 21240

Sheereesmecy on

viagra online no prescription [url=https://viagrmypill.com/ ]where can i buy viagra pills [/url] viagra pills generic brand over counter viagra

affiplokfounk on

https://viagrmypill.com/ cheap generic viagra online cheap generic viagra online buy viagra generics buy viagra canada

BrianMab on

games[/url] – компании разработчики компьютерных игр, как создать игру

Leroyhon on

отрадный вебсайт https://vipcomix.net/

DarrellDeect on

i was reading this [url=https://strongtools.ga/]Hacked Accounts[/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.
Free resume wrighting pdfam.

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

]

Help me write english as second language creative writing
Pay to write popular analysis essay on usa
Art institute of new york college essay

Dynamic verbs for resume
Essays on the art of cooking
Cover letter template filetype doc

Esl bibliography writer sites au
Cover letter lab assistant
Office support cover letter

genealogy of morals first essay analysis ndmmp[/url] water research papers wnvmu[/url] for freshers in hospitality industry cjbyq[/url] best essay ghostwriter website us emgql[/url] 1d5e4ab

Affection essay friendship
Jewelry designer business plan bundle
Popular biography editor site for university

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=https://essaypro.me/

resume wrighting pdfam[/b] pro[/url]

Cheap school essay ghostwriter sites for mba
Resume objective yahoo
Communications officer resume

qsnsm[/url] styles microsoft word zsgva[/url] biology thesis topics psftn[/url] book review proofreading sites us ghrwi[/url] essay ghostwriters sites gb cvavk[/url]

academic online editapaper.com

resume wrighting pdfam[/b] dissertation conclusion editing service gb vgvik[/url] to write a safety plan vfaxv[/url] cv ghostwriting websites au puwmt[/url] cover letter via email pmvsw[/url]

]
https://images.google.com.kh/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
https://setiweb.ssl.berkeley.edu/beta/team_display.php?teamid=1161887
https://images.google.com.bo/url?q=https://essaypro.me

Help with top blog post online
Coastal management in cronulla essay
How to write string to a file

[url=http://aviabileti-deshevo.ru]поиск дешевых авиабилетов по всем авиакомпаниям[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]Автор 24[/url]

https://thememergize.com/profile.php?id=90863
http://www.sellytnow.com/user/profile/49662

Starbucks organizational structure essay
Mechanical engineering technology resume
Cheap article editor service us

https://emojiisland.com/blogs/emoji-blog/article-1?comment=86886383698#comments
https://chicletzipline.com/blogs/news/manuel-antonio-costa-rica?comment=81149034569#comments
https://thelawyerbae.com/blogs/news/travelbae-travel-hacks-just-for-you?comment=99775348849#comments

Free resume wrighting pdfam
http://www.frkstudio.net/comic/centella-azul/?unapproved=128036&moderation-hash=33b4057981940dbf8a91b50c4eabd746#comment-128036
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/458219-top-cheap-essay-editing-websites-ca-gvtnx/page__st__20__gopid__1074838&#entry1074838
http://oneticket24.ru/?submitted_type_slug=customer_messages&submitted_entry_slug=studybayws-530

letter sample in word documents byppi[/url] of an editorial essay vcgem[/url] scholarship essay writer website for masters dinlo[/url] builder v4 8 key ijnvl[/url] resume wrighting pdfam[/b] to write an economics essay university bsgvm[/url] to write script in flash cfuoq[/url] problem with diversity thesis umjsi[/url] university admission paper examples hfqmk[/url] bay[/url]

How to write native american myths
Persuasive essay topics about college
Custom personal statement writers website for masters

resume wrighting pdfam[/b] of environment in hindi language phrnw[/url] letter for staff auditor position tsxdc[/url] english world 7 homework zwuxh[/url] airlines resume bvxod[/url] on mid term break fkvlo[/url] analysis essay ghostwriter service for university zxeiq[/url]

vantar som håller värmen on

Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a little comment to support you. vantar som håller värmen

Haroldfrone on

] – Полицейская академия смотреть, Эммануэль смотреть онлайн

pioleheld on

cost of cialis tadalafil buy cheap cialis https://cialbuyonlinewmw.com/

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.
Current jobs in nigeria resume dzods.

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

]

Regents english essays examples
Top masters essay writing services gb
Sample chicago research paper footnotes

Examples of objectives for college students on resume
Cheap blog post writer website online
How to write a bid proposal for painting

Thesis means what in a essay
Cheap dissertation proposal editing for hire online
Best annotated bibliography writing services ca

to get psychology biography uxqfc[/url] roy phd thesis rrrtk[/url] have great communication skills resume csaro[/url] dissertation results writer service for college wloxz[/url] c868574

How to write a cover letter for a non
Custom masters rhetorical analysis essay topics
Professional application letter writing services gb

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
http://www.422400.com/link.php?url=https://essaypro.me/

jobs in nigeria resume dzods[/b]

]
Free resume template downloads pdf
Physchologists say on homework
Assistan manager resume

points in resume examples iybyt[/url] review on compensation cazma[/url] sample sales executive resume dqbou[/url] to write a quatrain pwhob[/url] paper topic proposal example fbctd[/url]

WriteMyEssayz.com Review

jobs in nigeria resume dzods[/b] in malaysia essay gwkvo[/url] a reflective essay djxoe[/url] thesis embedded systems gxyap[/url] management master thesis mdodc[/url] pro[/url]

https://www.unab.edu.ar/index.php/foros/profile/essaytyper/
https://vistaweb.isi.edu/essaypro-com8
https://google.com.ec/url?q=https://studybays.com

Order geography article review
Sample of winning maintenance cover letter
How to write good lessons learned

[url=http://mykrozaimy.ru/]микрозаймы онлайн без справок[/url]
[url=https://loansolo-com.business.site]loansolo[/url]

http://www.geati.ifc-camboriu.edu.br/wiki/index.php/Usu%C3%A1rio:Studybayscom
https://sportztrip.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=84848

Apa paper format example pdf
Help with writing dissertations
Black history month essay contest 2013

http://forums.dangerousrays.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=129320&p=213533#p213533
http://elite-climate.ru/blog/chto_novogo_v_etoj_versii_simply/#comment_24806
https://pdk-stage.ru/forum/messages/forum1/topic1/message93832/?result=reply#message93832

Current jobs in nigeria resume dzods
https://tribolt.tech/showthread.php?tid=54137&pid=196329#pid196329
https://www.trianoncoffee.com/blogs/news/spring-2018-events?comment=104278884534#comments
https://forksonly.com/blogs/food-blog/hidding?comment=92362571905#comments

of transmittal for business plan nhule[/url] qualifications for resume xszxq[/url] dvd cover letter size paper emoka[/url] my environmental studies blog bakcn[/url] jobs in nigeria resume dzods[/b] essay on life qixbi[/url] proposal on solar energy ongjs[/url] crm sample resume ohylj[/url] club sample business plan gxjne[/url]

]
Popular cheap essay editor website uk
Cover letter billing manager
How to make a resume for a cna

jobs in nigeria resume dzods[/b] to make a cover page mla rncdx[/url] business plan editing site usa bewia[/url] literature review tfldw[/url] me write popular term paper nhymj[/url] essay writer site for mba putor[/url] contest for black history month violence nyc aynpl[/url]

fertuyeda on

http://infosysteme24.de/where-to-buy-combivent-no-perscription-no-fees
https://e-d-vau.de/cheap-risperdal-australia-generic-online
http://www.centrumwapro.pl/purchase-milnacipran-price-south-africa
http://www.dasgrondwerken.nl/purchase-desyrel-usa-where-to-buy
http://retraites-ca-cmds.fr/cheap-nexium-generic-best-price
http://www.stagemyevent.ca/images1/get-propranolol-canada-discount
http://sache.pt/discount-patanol-generic-efficacy
http://dedo.com.pl/buying-aldara-cheap-pharmacy
http://www.dpkmorava.cz/purchase-rhinocort-uk-online
https://www.doorklanten.nl/ordering-voltaren-cheap-online-in-the-uk
http://www.tela.com.pl/cheap-voltaren-gel-generic-how-effective
http://bardfrance.fr/how-to-buy-butenafine-generic-low-price
http://www.web-quests.de/buy-cheap-sporanox-uk-how-to-get
http://expertsport.pl/order-actonel-generic-vs-brand-name
https://e-d-vau.de/buy-cheap-mebeverine-buy-adelaide
http://www.conscius.nl/discount-phoslo-generic-lowest-price
http://gamar.com.pl/cheapest-buy-xarelto-generic-no-prescription
https://www.traczyk.pl/cellcept-canada-no-prescription

http://frommer.cz/buying-geodon-usa-discount
http://valmolin.it/cheap-glucovance-generic-online-pharmacy
http://zigeunerin-fatma.de/buy-cheap-zoloft-generic-uk-next-day-delivery
http://forumwentylacja.com.pl/cheapest-buy-cefzil-canada-discount
http://www.pozarniauta.cz/cheapest-buy-avanafil-dapoxetine-usa-buying
http://www.pozarniauta.cz/cheap-gyne-lotrimin-generic-mexico
http://vagabondcosmetictoiletbags.co.uk/online-order-super-p-force-jelly-cheap-uk
http://tcvaria.de/purchase-hydroxyzine-without-prescriptions-canada
http://pancava.cz/discount-velpatasvir-sofosbuvir-canada-online-order
http://ex-calibra.pl/parafon-without-a-dr
http://budropol.de/online-prescription-for-adcirca
http://melgo.pl/synthroid-without-a-prescription-canadian
http://tierbedarfshandel.de/get-combivent-price-in-us
http://meble-gala.pl/how-to-order-fosamax-uk-delivery
http://perkinsproperty.co.uk/ordering-procyclidine-generic-online-pharmacy
http://zockexperten.de/buy-cheap-roflumilast-generic-vs-brand-name

http://konekt.net.pl/mupirocin-pay-by-cod
http://www.neweuropecapital.pl/does-cialis-strips-really-work
http://www.sp6pcb.pl/buy-cheap-apcalis-oral-jelly-generic-apcalis-oral-jelly
http://ralfschwabe.de/cheap-monster-pack-generic-is-it-legal
http://www.centrumwapro.pl/discount-pramipexole-uk-delivery
http://www.noasenna.nl/xifaxan-online-pharmacy
http://www.jadrovevrtani-olomouc.cz/buy-ventolin-buy-in-london
http://www.harmony-lazienka.pl/cheap-voltaren-generic-alternative
http://autobosse.cz/buying-keppra-cheap-uk
http://ozvise.cz/cheapest-buy-buspar-australia-over-the-counter
http://theodriessen.nl/how-to-buy-vermox-generic-from-india
http://roing.nl/triamcinolone-over-the-internet
http://magicmovies.se/prescription-trazodone-without
http://pancava.cz/purchase-viagra-super-force-generic-free-shipping
http://meble-gala.pl/get-medroxyprogesterone-cheap-trusted
http://mandarintours.com.es/how-to-order-tadora-generic-in-usa
http://mandarintours.com.es/purchase-hyzaar-purchase-singapore

http://www.dasgrondwerken.nl/how-to-order-tetracycline-australia-cheap
http://shebeen-news.de/buying-oseltamivir-cheap-canadian-pharmacy
http://www.elektroinstalace-hlucin.cz/ceftin-without-a-prescription
http://powersolutions.at/buying-caverta-cheap-where
http://www.jadrovevrtani-olomouc.cz/order-natdac-generic-online-mastercard
http://www.canadaprofile.ca/discount-mucopain-canadian-pharmacy-no-prescription
http://aufwind-wuppertal.de/cheapest-buy-albuterol-salbutamol-cheap-from-india
http://www.bezoekbussum.nl/buying-nimodipine-buy-sydney
http://www.adaptermonlogement.fr/online-order-carbidopa-levodopa-price-from-cvs
http://alusta.com.pl/how-to-order-valporic-acid-price-in-canada
http://www.sp6pcb.pl/order-pyridium-lowest-price-viagra
http://www.genesis.katowice.pl/buy-combivent-new-zealand-buy-online
http://www.jadrovevrtani-olomouc.cz/how-to-order-dramamine-usa-suppliers
http://www.clublasencinas.es/buying-viagra-soft-uk-online

http://gerardmulder.nl/cheap-moxifloxacin-cheap-australia
http://signika.pl/online-order-alesse-usa-suppliers
http://medizinfashion.de/get-pentasa-cheap-next-day-delivery
https://www.traczyk.pl/purchase-livalo-generic-switzerland
http://elektro-woehrl.de/purchase-ranitidine-purchase-to-canada
http://haly-sklady.cz/buying-probenecid-australia-discount
http://66harleyst.co.uk/how-to-buy-iressa-canada-online-order
http://ex-calibra.pl/buy-cheap-novelon-low-price
http://pasmex.com.pl/order-hydrocortisone-generic-overnight-shipping
http://amig-jura.pl/get-lopressor-cost-australia
http://inspec.olsztyn.pl/ordering-lurasidone-generic-uk-buy

KevinWeema on

Выбирай [url=https://russex.pro/]порно сайт молоденькие девочки[/url] перед свое самочувствие и скорей дрочить, покуда ебля девок не закончилась. Уверяю тебя, который [url=https://russex.pro/categories/HD+%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE/]порно хд с челкой[/url] тогда столько порнухи для всякий стиль, что дозволено стереть ладони, только не успеть посмотреть онлайн все бесплатные ролики с красивыми молодыми и зрелыми давалками. Выше порно сайт ввек в топе новинок и тут будут самые новые видео от лучших студий и https://russex.pro/categories/%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B5/ простой доманее порно ролики.

BeverlyTooke on

Качественный и надежнаый аналоги зитига abirapro-абиратерон ацетат

[url=https://anticancer24.ru/shop/69/desc/abirapro]абиратерон торговое название[/url]

PeterHef on

[url=https://midnight.im/store/chity-cs-1-6/]скачать кс 1.6 с вх[/url] – legit cheat for csgo, скачать читы кс 1.6

affiplokfounk on

benefits of cbd cbd oil amazon cbd near me cbd store

Leave a comment