The Great Sand Dunes

I've decided that while a major vacation is out of the question this year (I can't afford to do something like last year's jaunt to Italy every year!), I can take advantage of the many things Colorado has to offer that I've neglected to take in during the nearly seven years I've lived here!

So, for Memorial Day weekend, I decided to go visit the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. I invited two friends along for the ride - Leslye and Melanie. (You should really check out the website...it's crazy to think that there really are 800+ ft high sand dunes in the middle of Colorado...but they're awesome.)

Although we were only able to be gone for a total of 36 hours, it was a great mini-getaway. And, it has definitely whet my appetite to stay down there longer and really get to explore the dunes.

I look a bit like the unibomber or someone from StarWars or ET...but it was just that windy! We were getting pelted with sand....so, this was my best attempt to keep the sand out of my contacts! :)

Also part of the sand dunes system was Zapata Falls so we went to explore them. It was FAR less windy up there and while they weren't that spectacular, they were pretty and really reminded me of where I grew up in northeast PA. I was like a little kid, hopping through the rocks, creek and trail! I loved it! (This is a picture of me and Melanie)

I even went and explored the cave at the top of the falls (that tiny little white dot in the background is me) ..and below are some pictures of what I found. Spectacular! :)

Me and Leslye with the Mts and Dunes behind us.

Taking it all in....