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Climbed them late in the day when the shadows were great and wanted to share
I've climbed High Dune (650') many times, weather has rarely been this good. Not blazing hot, and and not storming up.
from the lot base of the dunes near the top of High Dune Top of High Dune Looking north, notice the smoke from the fire
Had my camera in two zip lock bags to keep the sand out, there was a lot of sand blowing around!
From High Dune headed out into the dune field (causing some confusion to a guy who obviously though getting up High Dune was some feat). Headed in a general straight direction to Star Dune (750', but slightly lower elevation) trying to stay on ridges and avoid dropping down.
Star Dune in the distance
Made excellent time up to the final pitch, very steep, in loose sand. The elevation gained was maybe a couple hundred feet if that, but it was soo exhausting. The views were well worth it though!
Dune field and Crestones from Star Dune
Headed down to the ridges and followed the creek back. Honestly going back the way I came would have been quicker.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I especially love the sand blowing off the lip of the dune! Question for you...You mention keeping your camera in ziploc bags. Did you just take your pictures, put them back in the bag? Is there any way to keep sand from getting in your camera when you're taking pictures with it? Maybe stupid questions...
I feel like I never get tired of looking at pics from the dunes! I've been up High dune a few times but I've never made it over to Star, but I feel like this is good inspiration!
Those are truly some incredible pics! I love that close up shot of the Crestones.
SuperPolok , I've done the zip-lock bag thing and I think it will work well. Of course, I got sand all in the lens and focus mechanism but that's probably because I was taking it out of the bag to take pictures and doing it too often and in the wrong place (last pitch on High-Dune is like being shot with a sand blaster). An air-can (for computer keyboards and such) cleaned it up nicely off the dunes. Anyway, there was no sand in the bag or in the camera until I took it out right under the summit of High-Dune...bad place.
Thanks :).
Been meaning to get up Herard, the pass was closed this summer because of the fire which killed the plans last time I was down there.
The camera was exposed to the elements while taking pictures. It wasn't too windy though so no sand really got in the bag, sand to the camera was very minimal. Climbing Star Dune there was sand in blowing in my face, so it stayed in the bag for that part(hence no pictures for that part).
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