Looking back from the top of a small dune

We spotted a small pond and headed down to its shores. From there we crossed the muddy riverbed back over to the sandy, grassy hills.

The riverbed

The last shards of light cling to the sculpted sand.

Looking back towards the pond

The hilly landscape was filled with tracks and other interesting things...

Wind blows the grass in all directions, creating patterns in the sand.

Beetles are scavengers in this sandy habitat.

Not much is known about this particular noctuid moth. It is slightly more colorful than its grey-brown cousin, the miller moth.

The pockets of black sand are deposits of magnetite, a crystalline black oxide of iron.

Evening arrives at the dunes.

The final rays of the sun illuminate the hills.

A pair of mule deer keep their eyes on us....

... and other hikers.

Moving on, out across the sand

The deer made odd, loud, snorting-sneezing sounds as they passed.

Returning to camp