We began the trek at 8 am in the still cool morning air. The temperature of the sand can reach 140 degrees in the afternoon. Since the night winds "erase" all footprints, being the first up a route displays the footprints of all the night critters living in the dunes. Yes -- animals (mostly bugs, including 7 species found nowhere else on earth) live amid this desolate habitat, as do 20 varieties of plant life, thanks to remarkable adaptations over the eons. This photo shows Ellen following alongside my footprints.
From the top, you get remarkable views into the dunes field and of the towering peaks beyond. All 36 square miles of the dunes are open to foot traffic and you can even stay overnight if you are truly hearty. (No there is no water out there!) We also saw many teens with snow boards, plastic frisbees, and even pieces of cardboard, sliding down the sand slopes.
We began only expecting to go up part way due to the extreme strenuousness of struggling up loose sand at high altitude. I've been to the top three times on prior visits, but I was younger and in better shape then. But here I am at the top -- another successful adventure!
And yes, Ellen made it, too. (Who did you think took my photo up there?)
The trip down went much faster and long leaps into the sand made it a fun descent.
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