Haul Truck Climbs Dust Road to Ocean Doorway

Honeyed amber light floods the low angle view of a massive quarry haul truck ascending a switchback road carved from white dust. Early autumn air hangs heavy with a fine drizzle that beads on the vehicle's black tires and metallic body. The causeway near Baqubah stretches into the distance, its white surface glowing under the sunset. Directly ahead, where a solid retaining wall should rise, a rectangular doorway opens into the open ocean. Deep blue waves crash through the frame of the door, defying the dry, dusty landscape. Raindrops glitter on the glass-like surface of the water visible inside the impossible opening. The truck's shadow falls across the white dust, leading toward the water-filled void.