Moonset

Moonset on the sand at Monahans Sandhills State Park.

I arrived in the park early one morning to see the moonset right before the sunrose. I was only able to make a couple of frames before it was gone.

Dune Sunrise

Sunrise on the dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park.

The Sandhills are found in the Permian Basin west of Odessa near the town of Monahans. From the Interstate one can see some sand but most of the highway roadside area has been stabilized by vegetation. It is not until you take the exit and get into the state park you see the open sand and the larger dunes. There you will find that some of the dunes are 60+ ft tall.

Monahans Sand Hills at Twilight

I made it back from a week in the Big Bend country. I spent a day and a half in Big Bend Ranch State Park and the rest of the week in Big Bend National Park. No matter how many times I visit I just cannot get enough of the place.

I also finally happened past Monahans right near twilight so I was able to photograph sunrise on the dunes. In the past I always seemed to be there about 2pm, but after spending the night in Big Spring I got there right about 7:30am and went in to catch sunrise.

Here is one of the dunes at twilight.