Days 160-163: New Friends, Nature's Wonders

The day following the concert at Red Rocks I woke up to a random stranger in my house.  Not a roommate, but I assumed he was associated with one of my many roommates - and sure enough when he introduced himself, I'd heard his name on several occasions.

We talked a bit, ate breakfast, celebrated me paying off my last student loan, and somehow started talking about music. When something is a part of your life, it comes up... so in our talks of music I learned he was a guitarist and has a couple of CD's. After listening to 30 seconds of one song I was convinced I would probably enjoy jamming with him - and he shared the hope.

I moved a weekend adventure departure to the following morning and we went and jammed with another friend of his for the night. I just love making new friends that are both encouraging and understanding of me in various facets. This new friend has proven to be both - and in the last month I've only seen him twice.

The following morning a roommate and I left for the Sand Dunes in Colorado. It's just as bizarre as it sounds... but there is a national park in Colorado where there are wondrous Sand Dunes formed within the mountains of Colorado.

We spent the first night of being there walking through the magnificent little river at the bottom of the dunes - created by melting snow from the winter.  The water was warmed by the sun and cooled as the night when forward. Only a few inches deep the entire length of the river, but there are surges in the water that make it seem like the waves coming ashore at the ocean.  

According to the website:

Medano Creek and Sand Creek are unusual in another way. This is one of the few places in the world where one can experience surge flow, a stream flowing in rhythmic waves on sand. Three elements are needed to produce the phenomenon: a relatively steep gradient to give the stream a high velocity; a smooth, mobile creekbed with little resistance; and sufficient water to create surges. In spring and early summer, these elements combine to make waves at Great Sand Dunes. As water flows across sand, sand dams or antidunes form on the creekbed, gathering water. When the water pressure is too great, the dams break, sending down a wave about every 20 seconds. In wet years, waves can surge up to a foot high!

This is what we experienced, for sure... and it was marvelous. Looking down I felt as though I was on the beach and could not comprehend that I was still in the land locked state of Colorado.

The following days we rode our bikes in the scorching heat, took pictures on the dunes, rolled down the sandy hills, hiked up to waterfalls and just enjoyed nature - all while still camping in a forested area next to green mountains.  Incredible.

On the last day we hiked the dunes - and there are named peaks although it seems the wind likely changes the formation of these dunes on a regular basis.  We hiked to High Dune - taking a rigorous path in the blazing sun, we made it up our endless stair climber where we were told that people must touch the stick in order to officially make it to the top.

It was an unexpected adventure for me, but I'm so thankful for my roommate's desire to visit this anomaly and take me with her. I am still in awe that this place exists and will likely visit again in the future when missing sandy beaches.  What a fantastic creation.