The Top Ten Most Memorable Dunes Moments, Part I
8.22.7
Now that I'm officially done with the annual Dunes trip, I've decided to count down the top ten most memorable Dunes moments. Keep in mind that these are not necessarily the best moments...in fact, a few of them were downright crappy. These are only the events that stick out in my mind the most. Good or bad, though...they've all contributed to the Dunes experience in some way or another.
10. Sand-Boarding
On the way up the dunes in 2004, our friend Q officially announced that he was changing his nickname to "Bangarang the Space Pimp."
He also did something good that day, though...he brought a snowboard.
It wasn't his snowboard, and I'm pretty sure the owner wasn't too happy with the scuffing on the bottom, but it was all worth it to see our friends rocketing down the dunes all morning. O'Malley's wipeout through the blowout grass was particularly awesome.
9. Meth Tent
The Dunes trips have always been more than just parties to those that attend. It's almost a spiritual event of sorts. We go out there, have fun, enjoy each other's company, and come back feeling refreshed...like better people. In 2003, however, one of our friends brought a truck full of douchebags along.
First, they refused to stay with the group during the drive (a tradition in itself) because we weren't going fast enough for them. Once we finally arrived, and headed up the dunes, they set up their own tent and didn't leave it all night. Eventually we realized they were in there doing meth. I can't fathom why anyone would come to The Dunes for that. Those assholes should have just stayed home.
The Dunes trips have had their share of crappy guests, of course (The smelly kid and a few high-maintenance prissy divas come to mind). These idiots had to have been the worst, though.
In the morning, we awoke to find them already packed up and walking away...in the wrong direction. We didn't try to stop them.
8. 4-Wheel Drive
Technically, the dune valley we've always preferred to camp on is classified as a "day use only" area. I have no moral qualms with camping there, however, as we've always respected and taken care of the dunes. In fact, "don't fuck up the dunes," is actually Rule #2 of each trip.
At the first official Dunes, however, we arrived to find that our friend Dave had already purchased backcountry camping permits. "Look what I did," he proclaimed proudly (much like a child might after being found finger-painting on the walls). See...while I'm sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, his having done that meant that the park rangers were now watching for us. As we strapped our backpacks on, and proceeded to walk towards the dunes, we were stopped. They informed us that if we were going to camp in the backcountry, we needed to head over to the northern end of the dunes.
We did as we were told, of course, but when we reached the overnight camping lot, we realized that it was a much longer hike than we had expected. Suddenly, we saw what seemed like a glimmer of hope: A road that ventured closer to the dunes. There was a sign that read 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles Only Beyond This Point...but we figured, "Fuck it! We can do it!"
We very much couldn't do it.
As we drove down the road, it became ever more apparent that all three cars were about to become completely stuck in sand. As we tried to turn around, it became obvious that we were screwed.
After much pushing, rocking, and bitching, the park rangers finally showed up to check on us. They helped us get off of the sandy road, but not before issuing a ticket to each of the drivers. We were in high spirits, though, and made the best of the situation.
7. The First Climb
I took my very first road-trip on August, 30th, 1998. I took two friends of mine down to these "Great Sand Dunes" that I had been hearing so much about. The trip itself ended up going very badly, with them having a horrible time. By the time we actually got to the park, they didn't even want to climb the dunes with me. It may have been rude of me, but there was no way I was going to leave that day without first hiking to the top.
I climbed up those dunes alone, and for the first time in ages was able to feel complete seclusion from the world. All I could hear was a gentle wind, and the sound of my own breath. Everywhere I looked was beauty. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I reached the top was only matched by the amazing view of the dune field ahead of me.
I knew right that moment how special the dunes were.
That feeling was what led me to start organizing the annual Dunes trip three years later. The experience I had, however, was not necessarily a unique one. The dunes have the ability to affect all who visit them.
Everyone remembers their first climb.
6. Panatelas
One moment from the first official Dunes would only be remembered by four people: Newguy, Ace, O'Malley and myself.
I had brought a package of Garcia Y Vega Panatelas along just for me and my three best friends. In the morning, we informed everyone that we were going up the dune for a while, and that we didn't want to be bothered. As we smoked our cigars, we just stared off into the dune field, talking about whatever came to mind.
I'll always remember that as a defining moment in our friendships. These days, we barely see each other. Newguy moved away a long time ago, and has been working hard towards his goal of becoming a famous astrologer. O'Malley has been living downtown for the past year or two, and recently had a baby. The last time I spoke to him, he seemed to be pretty heavy into mushrooms. Ace is also having a baby, and while I actually do see him every now and then, it's not that often.
In one way or another, though, I miss these old friends of mine and the way things used to be. That moment was a turning point for us, I think. I can't recall a time since then when all four of us have bonded like that.
Sometimes it seems like those were our last few moments of clarity before life took over...
To be continued...
In three days, come back for the top five most memorable dunes moments, including stranded pregnant girls, marriage proposals, and signs from God...or aliens...
