Dunes

Dunes remind me of finger prints. As if some giant entity gently put its thumb on this enormous patch of sand.

I know its the wind. But, this place inspires a fertile imagination.

I bumped into a coyote today - a feat that I'll attribute to circumstance and luck. The wind was strong and blowing along the ridge. It trotted by me just on the other side of the ridge, and didn't notice me, nor smell me.

I guess Im pale as a sand dune, and I had just swam in the ocean, so maybe I smelled of the sea.

I froze and watched from a distance of 50 to 100 ft before it finally noticed me, and took off.

I think watching a wild animal run as fast as it can is about as cool as it gets. I once saw a red fox sprint across a field -  such speed and grace. Ill never forget it. It was the same with this coyote disappearing into the dunes.

The dunes were the highlight today. Every rise and hollow offered a new and dynamic view, that I couldn't help but try and photograph.

It was quite an enjoyable afternoon.

I used to say about my old job as a land surveyor that, “Some days they could pay me in sand, and I'd still go to work.” It was that enjoyable.

Look at me now… getting paid in sand!