Monday, June 20, 2016

Sunrise Gift at the Dunes

On my last visit to the Great Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado, I was treated to many of Nature's wonders. Upon arising before sunrise and encountering the dunes, I wasn't sure how cold the water would be when crossing Medano Creek. Removing my shoes, I forged ahead in the refreshing water, watching for any signs of twilight in the eastern night sky. The water was ankle high, and easy to forge.

I planned my journey so that I could receive knife-edge angle, in my preferred sunrise photo. Very few people were scattered across the dunes. I climbed a few edges, beholding the morning's first light painted across the ancient wonder in the Sangre de Christo mountain range.

A solitary woman sat, contemplating on the top of a dune. She was beautiful in dawns early light and I asked if I might photograph her. She agreed. (Watch for her image in a future post. ) 

Beauty splashed across the dunes as the rays creeped over the horizon. Being in my essence, I'm not sure how much time transpired, but I became aware that the few on the dunes had vacated the area. The sky was a gorgeous dark cobalt showing as a backdrop to the sandy peaks. Then a drop fell. Their patterns drew fascinating shapes on the sandy base. A few more photographs and I covered my camera with a plastic rain jacket. 

Then it was pouring. As I ran toward the river, I looked back and beheld this rainbow to the West, a virtual curtain draping the sand dune expanse.What a special GIFT to receive this beauty into my camera, a sight no one else beheld.

Quickly, I packed the camera and began transversing the (now rushing) waters of the river. How soon it had risen to knee height, making the crossing a challenge. Needless to say, I survived and have photos of a beautiful, serene, and soggy morning. 

See more of Janet Koelling's photos at JKO Photos web site.