Day 2, Part B - Mountains, a Depot, & Sand Dunes

After our adventure at the lava tube, we headed south through the rest of the preserve with the goal of reaching the Kelso Dunes before sunset.  It seemed like an easy goal as the sun was still overhead but slowly sinking toward the mountains.  On our way, we had more breathtaking views of the mountains and beautiful blue skies.  After driving for about a half-hour, we reached the Kelso Depot.  This is the visitor center for the preserve and a huge piece of railroad history (learn more here).  It's beautiful architecture was just begging to be photographed so Mr. Shutterbug (aka, Alan) got out of the car and adventured around for the best shots.

Kelso Depot & Visitor Center

Looking west down the Union Pacific Railroad line.

What was once a bustling rail yard in Kelso.

Check out those awesome palm trees!

However, while the shutterbug was in action, Mr. Sun was busy setting below the tops of the mountains and it was starting to get dark pretty quickly.  That's something that you don't think about when you're surrounded by such glorious giants.  So I summoned him back to the car and we headed off for the dunes in hopes of catching even a small glimpse of this auditory mystery of nature.  Apparently, the "Kelso Dunes produce a 'booming' or 'singing' sound when sand with the right moisture content slides down the steep slopes", according to the preserve's website.  They encourage you to "try it for yourself—run down a dune slope (but don't trample vegetation!) to initiate the sound." Sadly, it was getting too dark to do so and the hike was rather daunting, after having hiked up to the lava tube earlier in the day, so we sat in the car enjoying each other's company, God's beauty, and the setting of the sun.

Kelso Dunes in the fading sunlight.

A close-up of the dunes - check out the "tiny"
people in the foreground!

A parting shot of the dunes.

We vowed to return to check out the dunes sometime up close and in person but that would have to wait for another trip as tomorrow's schedule was already set - the Arizona, California, Nevada tri-point; railfanning on the way to the preserve; inside Kelso Depot; and more adventure-filled drives through the preserve.  Check back soon for more stories from our latest adventure.