June 25, Great Sand Dunes Nat’l Park

We left early and went over 11,000 ft. wolf creek pass on the way to the Dunes. We detached the car and took it slow. The scenery was breathtaking. We arrived at the Dunes around noon and drove off road on BLM land to an area called Zapata Falls. What a treat and experience that was! It is a creek that has powered its way through a rock crevasse, carving the steep stone walls containing a 40 ft. waterfall. But getting to see the falls is another story. First you have to hike up the mountain on a rocky terrain. Once the trail reaches the creek, you have to walk through the rushing stream over some pretty rough rocky areas with water in the 40’s. Oh my gosh was it cold! We then climbed an embankment, holding onto any thing that was near us to steady us. Sometimes it was another person. All this time you are wading in rushing rapid water. Then you wade into a narrow gorge to view the falls. How gorgeous they were! It was well worth the trip. When you view the falls, it is dark and very narrow, only the rushing water coming from above. Then you have to hike back. All this time, your feet are absolutely numb. And when you climb onto land, you can’t even walk because your feet feel like they have fallen off. But we had so much fun! I’m glad we are doing this now. I didn’t see anyone there over l8. So us old folks kept up with all the young’uns. Tomorrow we will see the Dunes and of course, off-roading is waiting for us. Love you