I know about sand dunes... here in Colorado.
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/020/cache/great-sand-dunes_2098_600x450.jpg
http://goatshowdoc.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/great_sand_dunes_600x600.jpg
Fun stuff as long as you have the right gear and such.
Sorry to hear bout the panic, the worrying and most importantly, the finger. Looks like it hurts like hell, for sure.