Days Two and Three
Day Two consisted of a lot more driving. We left the Batorfs and headed through the rest of Missouri and all the way through Kansas and into Colorado. We stayed at Hasty Campground right below the John Martin Dam in John Martin Reservoir State Park.
Day Three started at 6:30 MST (8:30 EST, which our bodies were still adjusted to). We drove for a couple hours through areas ravaged by wildfires and through beautiful mountain roads on our way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is an amazing feat of nature. The way the streams deposit mountain sediment, the winds blowing in opposite directions, and the layout of the valley floor all work together to create a beautiful natural landscape.
We first went to the Visitors Center to learn more about the area. We then rented sand sleds and got to sled down the dunes. It was really fun, and not at all like sledding in snow. It was hotter, and harder to control because it doesn't pack down like snow does. The hardest part of sledding (other than keeping your balance) was the walk back up. As you stepped in the sand, all you did was push it back down the hill. Every step took a lot of effort, especially in Colorado's high altitude. Jeff and Rhonda hiked up to one of the peaks, while Maria and Heidi continued sledding. Soon, a big wind storm kicked up, causing us to head back to the car. The rain started just after we left.
We then drove for another couple hours to our campground right outside the town of Durango, Colorado.
Day Three started at 6:30 MST (8:30 EST, which our bodies were still adjusted to). We drove for a couple hours through areas ravaged by wildfires and through beautiful mountain roads on our way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is an amazing feat of nature. The way the streams deposit mountain sediment, the winds blowing in opposite directions, and the layout of the valley floor all work together to create a beautiful natural landscape.
We first went to the Visitors Center to learn more about the area. We then rented sand sleds and got to sled down the dunes. It was really fun, and not at all like sledding in snow. It was hotter, and harder to control because it doesn't pack down like snow does. The hardest part of sledding (other than keeping your balance) was the walk back up. As you stepped in the sand, all you did was push it back down the hill. Every step took a lot of effort, especially in Colorado's high altitude. Jeff and Rhonda hiked up to one of the peaks, while Maria and Heidi continued sledding. Soon, a big wind storm kicked up, causing us to head back to the car. The rain started just after we left.
We then drove for another couple hours to our campground right outside the town of Durango, Colorado.
Okay - so you were at the sand dunes on Tuesday then? Trying to figure out "first night" and "day two and three."
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed snow sledding!! :) Wow, a wind storm. I wonder if you saw the rain coming across the valley like we did when we were there. It's an amazing sight.
We did it Monday, but we have just been behind on posting. Yeah, we saw it coming over the mountains!
DeleteOops I meant sand sledding!!
ReplyDelete