The Quest for Sand by Mike
Today started with a long drive down and through a pass through the Rocky Mountains. As we drove, the questions mounted. What would we find when we got there? Would the drive be worth it? Would we even be able to get there? After a little over two hours, we turned down what looked like an abandoned road to find the Great Sand Dune National Monument (near Alamosa, Colorado).
The dunes there are impressive: hulking piles of hot brown sand which seem to hide between the arms of the nearby mountains. We explored for a little while before lunch, and afterward a few more motivated members of the group decided to ascend the most imposing dune. It was hot (the sand can get up to nearly 140 degrees during the afternoon) and at times felt like we were slipping backwards in the soft ground as we tried to climb. As we neared the top of the gigantic dune, the wind tore at our clothes and faces, blowing gritty sand in our eyes and our mouths. The final view however, was well worth the effort: from the summit of the hill we could see for miles and miles, the high place affording us a view of unparalleled beauty and clarity. The climb seemed to mirror our struggles with our faith: difficult, yet ultimately rewarding.