Tell a Tale of Sunset

As the sun began to set, Jeff & I went back to White Sands.  The dunes are very different at evening compared to early morning.  Come for a walk at sunset with us…..

Warm Sand

  One of the interesting things about visiting White Sands at sunset is the light and how it creates different colors on the dunes.  Initially, when we got there, the sun cast a very warm glow on the sand.

Blowing Sand at Sunset

We were watching the sunset on a trail thru the dunes.    Trails on the dunes don’t look like other trails, and it can be very easy to get lost.  The telltale sign that we were on a trail into the back country of the dunes is the red pole off to the left in this image.  Also, check out the footprints in the sand.  Still, with the winds blowing at times, you can’t always count on footprints being there when you need them!

Lonely Footsteps

Looking off in another direction, I noticed a few other footprints in the sand.  Did they belong to Jeff & me?  I don’t think so, but after a while, one can’t be sure!

Setting Sun

It was tough to look in the direction of the sun, but it was a very beautiful sight to see the sun’s rays casting their light on the dunes.

Last Rays

As the sun set, the scene took on an almost magical tone.  I’m not certain if there are fairies in the dunes, like there can be in the forest (per myths!), but I could just about imagine them dancing on the ridges!

Glowing Sky

Another interesting feature of sunset is that the wind picks up just before sunset.  Take a look at the band of blowing sand in this image.  The sky has taken on a lovely glow from the sunset, which was off to the left of this image.

Moonrise on the Dunes

As we made our way back to the Jeep, the sky opposite from the setting sun took on several colors, as the mountains on the other side of White Sands positively glowed!

Enjoy!