5 Minutes in the Dunes

The popular CO saying of "dont like the weather here, wait five minutes..." certainly held true on Monday, as a weak storm moved through. I did a hike up the closed Medano rd and into the northern dune field. On the way back, i encountered snow showers, graupel/snow pellets, and sun, often at the same time! It was especially cool to see the dunes briefly disted with snow, only to be wiped clean 15 min later. Here's the scene minutes after the first heavy shower hit.

Here's looking back at Herard, as the showers moved over the Sangres.

I got back to the dunes lot just before sunset, and as i expected the clouds quickly cleared, revealing the setting crescent moon.

I hung around for an hour or so to take a few long exposures of the dunefield--this one is about 2 min at f/4.
Ill post my fav of the day at ESS!

Stan,

I love the last one! Great color and comp.

Hey Stan, they're all nice, but the last one is really cool! Very unique and it does a great job of expressing the surreal spirit of this place.

Agree with Jack, the last one feels mystical and awesome to me!

Another vote for that last one. Very cool image, Stan.

The first and last ones are doing it for me. Really nice stuff, Stan. Was there any musical accompaniment to the storms (thunder)?

Sounds like a fun outing! I bet you didn't see a soul while you were there. I echo everyone's sentiment...that last one really does stand out.

I'd have to give credit to the last one too. Pretty cool comp.

Mel

Todd, no thunder--that might change with next weeks storm
Guy--according tho the visitor rangers, 30 people came in that day. I was the only one left in the dune lot at sunset though, and i think there were only a couple others camped up the road.
The weirdest thingt was that it was still snowing lightly after sunset, even though there wasnt a cloud in the sky! There must have been just enough moisture in the air, or maybe a cloud i missed somewhere

Looks like a fun day! Really like the last one!

I love the last one too! The jet trail almost looks like a comet.

Jack

Nice series, Stan. I really like the BW and the night shot!

Those are all great images, Stan. I'm partial to the black and white photo though I'd be happy to have any of them in my collection. Excellent work!

Very cool series Stan! That last one is awesome!
John

Stan...looks like you had a great trip!!! I love all of them, I have been in one of those situations there at the dunes.... you have managed to get better results than me, regards, Rajeeb.