Day 2...Arrival at Great Sand Dunes National Park

After a lengthy, level and warm ride from Topeka, Kansas we finally arrived at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The Park is actually 16 miles off the main highway, so when you turn onto the access road you assume you will be there momentarily, but no. You will be there in twenty minutes or so.
The drive seems to take forever, and while you go along at 65 mph you never seem to get any closer to the dunes. Finally, we get the entry sign so it can't be far now.
The dunes are about 8,200 feet above sea level. Unless you have experienced being this high, you can't appreciate how difficult the simple things become. Breathing, for example, can be a main focus. Just can't seem to get enough oxygen. Slowly, I acclimate and am able to do things.
We took a walk around the flatter sections and enjoyed the plant life, the dunes from afar and how light plays in the area.
See how you can take a picture of your own shadow and how quickly sand finds it way into your shoes?