As I walked across the dunes and made test images, I saw deer tracks, butterflies, and a jackrabbit.
It was particularly cloudy when I arrived, but by late afternoon, the sky had opened up.
The dunes showed evidence of recent rains, and wild bindweeds and prairie sunflowers were in bloom.
I had also wanted to see the Texas & Pacific section house that’s preserved near the Windmill Picnic Area, where I spotted quail.
Later, as a rattlesnake crossed the road, I stopped and rolled down my window to take a picture. It looked back and flicked its tail, letting me know I was too close, before turning to continue across the warm Monahans asphalt.
