GREAT Sand Dunes

I journeyed south from Denver today, and passed the Huerfano County courthouse in Walsenburg.

The Spanish Peaks from central Walsenburg.  Colorado is pretty much the virga capital of the nation, and it results in good photo ops.

The Great Sand Dunes, in the San Luis Valley, backed by the Sangre de Cristos.

Medano Creek fronts the dunes.  During my last visit here, in mid or late summer about 30 years ago, the creek was fitful, and dried up about a mile upstream from this point.  Today it was flowing robustly.

Abstract dunes.  It appears tranquil in this pic, but a chilly southwest wind was howling 25-35 mph.  You couldn't sit down on the dune...you'd get sand in your face!

I've enjoyed great light for photography for over a week now.  It continued today.

Dune drama late in the day.