Friday, April 18, 2008

Sky Watch Friday: Dunes

Sorry about my lack of posts this week. We have been really busy with the remodel and trying to move. This weekend is the big floor laying weekend and then we have to be moved by the end of the month, so it will be busy around here.

I had a request for a picture of the dunes from last week's post, so here they are. This is my favorite shot of the dunes, although I am disappointed with the blown out corner.



We woke up at 4:30 am to be sure we made it to the top of the dunes by sunrise. There was a chill in the air, and everyone else was huddled in their warm sleeping bags fast asleep. There was no need to brush teeth or comb hair. No one would see us anyways. I threw on some jeans and a t-shirt, pulled my hair back into a ponytail, and stuck a hat on my head. We were ready to go.

We took off our shoes thinking it would be easier to hike the sandy dunes in bare feet. The first part of the hike required a trek across the flat river bed. Sharp stones and the cold ground quickly found shoes back on our feet. The sky was starting to brighten as we made it to the base of the dunes.

Moist, cold sand made the hike easier at first, but as we got higher the dunes became drier. Every step forward made us slip half a step back as sand slid out from under our feet. We could see the top of the dunes. As we made it to the summit we realized it was only an illusion, there was another summit even farther up. This time there was a basin in our way. We had to go down to get back up again. The sky was turning blue and the sun was just behind the mountains. We had to keep going to greet the sunrise.

As we made it to the top we saw a tiny figure walking across the dunes. It was even higher than us, there was even more sand to cross. We had to make it to the top. We couldn't stop now, what would be the point. A chubby little colorless grasshopper was making little tracks in the sand. If he could make it, then we could too. This was it. This was the real summit. As we climbed higher and higher, more and more dunes came into view. The last step opened up a world we had no idea even existed. Mountains surrounding us, and dunes reaching out to them. An amazing view that was worth getting up early to see. The sun slowly rose over the mountains and showered the dunes with light. Shadows danced all around them, joyous for the new day.

For more sky shots head over to Wiggers World

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now that's something ... I can´t even say if I loved most the dune or the sky ... ok, tell no one, but I'll go for the dune!

Daniel J Santos said...

beautiful image, great post.

Tom said...

I thank you... not just for the beautiful picture, but your time as well this week.. busy busy busy and yet you have still done a sky watch... well done.
Tom

Anne said...

Sutch a nice picture, and so great to read about it !!

Mice weekend to you from Norway.

Andrea said...

Nice sky photo and an interesting post to go with it. Wonderful.

CloudStalker said...

Cool picture something i have never seen before!
have a great weekend and dont work to hard!

Pernille said...

The first comment I wright was didnt go to your blog, so I try again:)

This is an absolutlu fantastic and wonderful photo. I love the color in it. I love everything in it:)

Unknown said...

Nice sky shot and an interesting post!

Snap Catch said...

wow! quite amazing!... mine's up too hope you can drop by.

Anne-Berit said...

Great photo,love the colours!

Anne-Berit said...

Great photo,love the colours!

♥ Denise BC ♥ said...

Very good sky shot.

FO - 2 said...

This is a fantastic shot! :)
Amazing! :)
Love it!

Ida

Burgh Baby said...

That is an incredible shot, and a great story that goes with it!

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Anonymous said...

wow, that is spectacular!! Thank you so much. I appreciate you posting this. I can't believe how huge the dunes are!

Neva said...

All these years and I have never been to the dunes.....it is so lovely I should make the trip! Hope the house move is going well!