Some bits of the sand are shaded now, as the sun starts to set behind the rocks. The wind rustles rigid aloe vera leaves. The day is coming to an end. It had its stages. We were excited as the day began. We packed the cars, made the drive out, walked the trail, climbed the rocks. We were ecstatic at high noon. Observing the desert desert terrain off into the distance. Feeling the texture of the rock under our palms. And now we are quiet, almost mournful, as the sun starts to set behind the rocks.