Colorado Beach???

As we planned our Colorado trip there was some debate about whether to stop at the Great Sand Dunes (GSD) National Park. It's on the road less traveled, but definitely worth the stop.  We left Colorado Springs on Friday morning, with a 360 mile long drive to arrive at our lodging in Dolores.  GSD was a good place to get out, explore, stretch and play in the sand!  To get to GSD you have to turn off  US 160 and drive about 20 miles north on state road 150. A visit to GSD shows you what a diverse state Colorado is, and what an amazing Creator we serve. To drive up and see ALL that sand with snow capped mountains in the background was incredible.  

Windy picnic before hitting the dunes

Looks like something out of Star Wars

Did I mention it was CRAZY windy that day.  In fact, we had windy weather for several days in Colorado. But, at the Dunes it was gusting to 60 - 70 mph.  We were pelted with sand and rocks. Let's just say that not every visitor to the Dunes has the same experience that we did, but we loved it...well, except for Randy and Beth.  They got out, looked, and headed back to the safety of the van while the rest of us trudged forward fighting sand and wind.

Kids, or young adult crew as they preferred to be called

Nobles family minus Randy who was avoiding the sand

Brandon & Stephen.
not pictured: Beth  

Many people sled down the hill, but we didn't have the right equipment.
Alyssa tries sliding down the dunes

Stephen ditched his shoes and found it easier to walk without them.

Alyssa, Kate and Stephen rolled down the hill.
A and K are running back up the dunes, no easy feat.

Carrie wasn't a huge fan of the Sand Dunes, but she had to roll down too.  (Yes, that is wind you hear in the video!) Kate and Alyssa thought it was a blast.  Brandon, Aaron and Kathryn DID NOT roll, but did enjoy their time at the Dunes.

Alyssa's face after her roll down the dunes.
The girls found sand in their hair and ears for days, despite multiple washings.

Love Carrie's expression.  

Medano Creek runs through the Sand Dunes, so you have to cross it - going and coming.  It's a nice place to rinse off your feet.

Alyssa washing her hair under the outdoor faucet.

Engineering graduates from UConn. Traveling for 6 weeks before starting real life.
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