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

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.
Thesis on computer vision syndrome hpgrl.

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

]

Popular blog editing site for masters
Write a letter compassion
Essays friendship loyalty

Top best essay editor service au
My childhood memories essay
How to write fraction on graphing calculator

Writing scientific papers
Write a paragraph lesson plan
Resume format for technical freshers

admission essay editing sites usa hrebp[/url] letter format for job position aesen[/url] prevention resume template usjkt[/url] act 2 scene 2 essay qduuw[/url] 0191d5e

Write 1000 word research paper
Critical essay ghostwriter for hire us
Sample cover letter for banking customer service

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
http://slipknot1.info/go.php?url=https://essaypro.me

on computer vision syndrome hpgrl[/b] login[/url]

Ib world lit essays examples
Pay to get top creative essay on usa
Cheap admission essay ghostwriting sites

to write love in hebrew httyh[/url] to write good annotations for art bgcfc[/url] resume template plugin ifzdt[/url] paper editing website online ozuvi[/url] with professional analysis essay on shakespeare xwcno[/url]

y you editapaper.com

on computer vision syndrome hpgrl[/b] player resume vamir[/url] resume lecturer mechanical italh[/url] with my top papers zirar[/url] to write like thoreau aabkb[/url] pro[/url]

https://images.google.ne/url?q=https://studybays.com
https://cse.google.mv/url?q=https://studybays.com
https://www.reddit.com/r/essayreview/comments/fmbedm/essay_help_pleeeassse/

Professional phd essay editing for hire us
Business plan pro premier edition 2005 by hs
Sample ap exam essays

[url=https://zaimoff.kz]займы в казахстане[/url]
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозайм на карту[/url]

http://events.planmywedding.co.za/members/studybayscom/profile/
http://www.mediationtrainings.org/forum/mediationforum.php?a=member&m=1579323

Best term paper ghostwriters sites
Abstracts on research papers
Best curriculum vitae writing sites usa

https://www.mitresor.com/product/vitamin-e-face-serum-50ml/?unapproved=32681&moderation-hash=8a3f27cc2db7a18e1baad7961efd7dd7#comment-32681
http://2elesyaalanlarankara.com/ikinci-el-mobilya-alimi/?unapproved=47209&moderation-hash=ddfe76513b0795debab602147b62d4b7#comment-47209
http://www.unraveled.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1266539&p=1609389#p1609389

Thesis on computer vision syndrome hpgrl
https://sky-bet.football/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=16824#p16824
https://www.5verdades.org/forum/thread-119516-post-305873.html#pid305873
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/46204-commander-cialis-internet/page__gopid__1080225&#entry1080225

mba definition essay topic czvrp[/url] document class resume jhjsz[/url] based on books essay mmvxk[/url] law cover letter xfpjr[/url] on computer vision syndrome hpgrl[/b] writing if were teacher bhtne[/url] theater studies problem solving zqsub[/url] templates for dance competition resume injoc[/url] formal research paper ipcuy[/url]

]
Professional critical thinking writing site for university
Extended essay business and management sample
Newport news public schools homework policy in middle school

on computer vision syndrome hpgrl[/b] dissertation introduction editor sites uk metrl[/url] school essay writers for hire au boltg[/url] a will online free hbzys[/url] things to compare for a compare and contrast essay upble[/url] analysis practice xwchw[/url] dissertation ghostwriting websites au xqfox[/url]

LouncCouddy on

https://cbdproductswin.com/ cbd for sleep cbd gummies near me cbd distillery buy hemp oil

pioleheld on

https://cbdoilstoretv.com/ cbd pills [url=https://cbdoilstoretv.com/ ]cbd oil amazon [/url] where to buy cbd oil

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.
How to write a matrix equation lgsgm.

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

]

Popular term paper ghostwriters sites ca
How to write harmony
Cake baker business plan examples

Cheap research proposal writer websites for school
Publishing representative resume
How to write a geometric proof

2400 expert complete sat essay manual
Professional problem solving proofreading site us
Komodo dragon research paper

types of writing literature review ldlvo[/url] writing a book software htztv[/url] cover letter address gulzb[/url] on school cafeteria food ygool[/url] b7ef6ff

Eugene linden the winds of change book review essays
Career objectives on resume examples
Introductory statement resume

HGtYUPlKMnGFW
http://www.outdoormania.ro/admedia/adclick.php?bannerid=16&zoneid=3&source=&dest=https://essaypro.me

to write a matrix equation lgsgm[/b]

]
Sample pm cover letter
Romeo and juliet research paper
Ap literature review book

statement definition literature focey[/url] away resume career coaching jpfaj[/url] dissertation questions ymqan[/url] of a narrative analysis essay lqqkn[/url] speech proofreading websites gb[/url]

s essay editapaper.com

to write a matrix equation lgsgm[/b] builders free sample resume server lsxlv[/url] resume cover letter usarp[/url] summer season in urdu rndun[/url] service essay exam lnfaf[/url] pro[/url]

http://en.gravatar.com/1aviasales
https://bit.ly/3jzcnzR
http://sc.devb.gov.hk/TuniS/essaypro.me

Irish sample essays
Purpose statement for research proposal example
Thesis for wordpress download

[url=http://ex-aviasales.ru]авиасейлс официальный сайт[/url]
[url=http://ocenka.bpx.by]Оценка недвижимости[/url]

https://110lode.com/49160/how-to-conduct-review-of-literature
http://koha.uch.edu.pe/cgi-bin/koha/tracklinks.pl?uri=https://essaypro.me/

Business plan editing service online
Sample resume internet marketing manager
Term papers addressing a health problem

https://nipusa.blog.ss-blog.jp/2013-06-17?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1606479059
https://autokontrol.ae/#comment-1455
https://beremennost.net/forum/showthread.php?274757-cognition-influences-emotion-pyschology-essay&p=2212125&posted=1#post2212125

How to write a matrix equation lgsgm
http://www.velotube.com/blog/68928
https://bonablendsbeauty.com/blogs/news/parabens-should-you-be-worried?comment=105075376308#comments
https://lavinashop.com.ua/products/billabong-nomad-stone-boardshorts/#comment_6778

to get custom critical essay on shakespeare cgles[/url] obesity problem solution essay rdtim[/url] for sociology dissertation proposal mfpdw[/url] research proposal editing websites ca rhpfx[/url] to write a matrix equation lgsgm[/b] research proposal writing services au ivqfh[/url] purdue resume example uhyvl[/url] of apa paper title page dgmhn[/url] of florida college essay prompt wlmfa[/url] login[/url]

How to write a good narrative essay in an exam
Custom dissertation introduction proofreading sites uk
Cheap course work writing website for masters

to write a matrix equation lgsgm[/b] on of parumala cjlal[/url] application essay ltuka[/url] for radio jockey fresher nxyue[/url] on wild animals tiger huzjb[/url] masters essay ghostwriters service gb wywlc[/url] assessment cover letter xgtqx[/url]

affiplokfounk on

https://cbdoilstoretv.com/ cbd oil vape [url=https://cbdoilstoretv.com/ ]cbd pure [/url] cbd gummies store

Sheereesmecy on

https://buycbdoilget.com/ hemp oil vs cbd oil [url=https://buycbdoilget.com/ ]premium cbd oil [/url] cbd oil for sale joy organics

affiplokfounk on

cbd todohemp cbdistillery diamond cbd cbd gummies walmart

EugeneJaili on

Привет всем участникам!
Нашел интересные фотоподборки на этом сайте: http://okaybro.ru :
[url=http://okaybro.ru/kreativ/]креатив картинки[/url] больше креатива
Простой и быстрый способ охладить напитки в жару http://okaybro.ru/9341-prostoy-i-bystryy-sposob-ohladit-napitki-v-zharu.html
Замок Мон-Сен-Мишель во Франции [url=http://okaybro.ru/9085-zamok-mon-sen-mishel-vo-francii.html] Замок Мон-Сен-Мишель во Франции [/url]

pioleheld on

viagra pills buy discount viagra pills sildenafil otc best place to buy viagra online [url=https://viagrmypill.com/ ]generic viagra overnight [/url]

Sheereesmecy on

benefits of cbd oil ceremony cbd oil cbd gummies for sale walmart cbd oil vape [url=https://cbdproductswin.com/ ]cbd oil prices [/url]

pioleheld on

cbd oils [url=https://cbdhempamp.com/ ]cbd cream for pain [/url] best cbd oils nuleaf cbd oil

pioleheld on

https://cbdproductswin.com/ cbd cream [url=https://cbdproductswin.com/ ]cbd oil store [/url] cbd tinctures

affiplokfounk on

https://cbdproductswin.com/ cbd gummies for sale walmart what is cbd medterra where can i buy cbd oil

Sheereesmecy on

where to buy cbd oil [url=https://cbdoilstoretv.com/ ]what is cbd [/url] cbd oil effects best cbd

fertuyeda on

http://chinchilla-fischer.de/online-order-terbinafine-generic-alternatives
http://www.skolkahaj.cz/buying-efavirenz-usa-sales
https://www.mountainrunning.ca/vardenafil-no-doctors-prescription
http://4ftbedlinen.co.uk/ordering-chloromycetin-cheap-generic-uk
http://www.hamownia.olsztyn.pl/buy-finasteride-cheap-sale
https://www.gaestehaus-landegger.at/ordering-lamisil-generic-best-price
http://www.twoforfour.de/how-to-order-benzoyl-american-express-canada
http://www.bezoekbussum.nl/generic-lithium-online-best
http://www.lomna.pl/rasagiline-overnight-us-delivery
http://www.virrion.pl/how-to-buy-mirabegron-without-recipe
http://www.ecoperspective.co.uk/purchase-cyproheptadine-purchase-online-safely
http://dawne-zawiercie.pl/buy-cheap-conjugated-estrogens-usp-canada-low-cost
http://roing.nl/cheapest-buy-loxapine-uk-no-prescription
http://simpelside.dk/buy-telmisartan-generic-discount

http://www.ceseminar.org/entresto-australie-sans-ordonnance
http://vastgoedcompier.nl/purchase-phenergan-syrup-purchase-singapore
http://ferienclub.ch/buying-rhinocort-cost-uk
http://www.cheopspersoneelsdiensten.nl/purchase-naltrexone-cheap-prescription
http://geomat.pl/buy-cheap-tenofovir-emtricitabine-canada-cost
http://ogrodzenia-malopolska.pl/purchase-cefadroxil-generic-cheap
http://www.digistrook.nl/socket/buy-geen-recept-nodig-methotrexate
https://www.textilservice-keller.de/buy-imuran-canada-fast-shipping
http://cyim.nl/how-to-buy-chlorpromazine-canada-shipping
http://fermag.com.pl/cheap-micatin-buy-in-london
http://graphicssystemsgermany.de/buy-cheap-ilosone-generic-online-uk
http://ralfschwabe.de/cheapest-buy-glucotrol-generic-glucotrol

http://www.lomna.pl/cheapest-buy-albuterol-salbutamol-generic-available
http://www.neu-mond.at/how-to-order-principen-cheap-canada
http://ferienclub.ch/ordering-promethazine-purchase-in-the-uk
http://www.hpcad.pl/buy-valporic-acid-american-express
http://fizjoprofi.pl/cheap-generic-shield-from-canada
http://atra-ego.com.pl/cheap-onglyza-using-mastercard
http://zockexperten.de/purchase-kamagra-soft-toronto-canada
http://gerardmulder.nl/cheapest-buy-clotrimazole-australia-no-prescription
http://dartcm.de/get-donepezil-generic-europe
http://dartcm.de/ordering-xifaxan-singapore-where-to-buy
http://melgo.pl/buy-cheap-cialis-soft-usa-buy-online
http://www.cheopspersoneelsdiensten.nl/get-female-viagra-cheap-canada
http://labor-priess.de/purchase-fasigyn-online-safe

http://haly-sklady.cz/cheap-residronate-usa-drugstore
http://www.autoskola-serhak.cz/cheap-frumil-non-prescription
http://m-g.com.pl/fildena-strong-online-order-no-prescription
http://www.hornet-czarter.pl/cheap-buspar-without-a-script
http://www.kapoentjekinderkleding.nl/cheapest-buy-sildalis-canadian-pharmacy-no-prescription
http://www.ajsports.cz/buying-dydrogesterone-purchase-usa
http://zockexperten.de/canada-cheap-thioridazine
http://www.vokatol.de/online-order-voltaren-buy-for-cheap
http://daryl.cz/how-to-order-norlutate-price-new-zealand
http://www.gpklasa.pl/cheapest-buy-isosorbide-dinitrate-uk-london
http://www.web-quests.de/tamsulosin-from-canadian-pharmacies
http://www.ajsports.cz/buying-isofair-cost-effectiveness

http://www.centrumwapro.pl/purchase-methoxsalen-american-express
http://www.kuipersadvieskantoren.nl/cheap-bupropion-generic-tablets
http://www.conscius.nl/purchase-intagra-uk-pharmacy
http://medizin-fashion.de/online-order-furacin-cheap-drugs
http://kamenictvitom.cz/online-order-exemestane-purchase-generic
http://www.harmony-lazienka.pl/ordering-alphagan-canada-on-sale
http://www.pfg-poreczenia.pl/best-price-generic-tenofovir-emtricitabine
http://gamar.com.pl/buy-cheap-mupirocin-cost-at-walmart
http://www.saechsischeschweiz-ferien.de/cheap-lopid-cheap-sale
http://www.safetydevices.be/atomoxetine-drug-interactions
http://www.megatinta.es/coreg-and-vytorin-drug-interactions
http://nagrody-darwina.pl/discount-seromycin-buy-virginia
http://advokati-mediatori-praha.cz/buy-cheap-torsemide-canada-with-no-prescription
http://elektrobiologie-radiaesthesie.de/usa-phizer-brand-hame-calcium-carbonate-from-phizer
http://www.fkhostice.cz/online-order-primidone-purchase-toronto
http://advokatkastranska.cz/how-to-order-adalat-cc-canada-medicine
http://forumwentylacja.com.pl/buy-atenolol-chlorthalidone-generic-online-cheapest
http://expertsport.pl/purchase-felodipine-purchase-online-safely
http://www.vokatol.de/cheapest-buy-cellcept-purchase-singapore

Leave a comment