Continuing on, we follow the blue striped wings of magpies to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Peaks of sand shimmer like satin in the April sun, creating a magnificent contrast to the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Armed with plenty of water, we begin our ascent up the dunes. There is no rhyme or reason to our climb. We just hike up a ridge and tumble down the other side. The air is brisk, but the golden sand scorches our naked feet as we take on the tallest sand dunes in North America. We walk along the blowing peak of a six-hundred and fifty foot dune. Amongst this mass of shifting earth, we all appear so insignificant. I turn to look back and where I have been and watch my footsteps disappear with the wind, there is no record that I was there. I question whether in my life, will my work make an impression that lasts any longer, or simply vanishes behind me in the breeze.

When we visit the Rocky Mountain National Park, there is so much nature that it is actually unnatural. Overpopulating elk own the land. The animals were reintroduced to the park years ago, but no one made the decision to reintroduce any of their natural predators like wolves. Now, protected under the National Park system, wild elk have extended the borders of open land and are found walking amongst businesses, intersections and nearby homes. As these animals meander into roads and destroy vast amounts of shrubbery, there is a huge controversy over whether or not a controlled hunting season is the next step. It is proof once again that in our desire for control, we actually lose all control. In the park, we also notice that it isn’t uncommon to see deer wearing tracking collars. It’s not like seeing deer anywhere else in the wild because the animals are completely unimpressed by nearing humans and seem more like pets or a completely indifferent herd of cattle.

However, one of my favorite spots in Colorado is Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs and I fall in love with the city to the north. Denver parks are uniquely designed and we visit the new art museum for free, since it is under construction. The gallery interested in displaying my work is also in Denver. At Habitat Gallery, we meet Jack Pappalardo with a story of his own. His wife is an inspiring artist herself, but she’s been battling serious illness for years. Despite demanding struggles, their devotion to each other and partnership in her craft is something we aspire to achieve. Jack takes us up to the roof of the gallery to show us the city at night. We end the journey of the land with a respect for man. Even with the illuminated buildings, we are able to see stars in the black sky. There is a place where balance exists between man and earth. That place may be here.