Death Valley

Monday:
We Headed out on I15 in the morning stopping at Baker at the Mad Greek's Diner for breakfast. We then headed North on Highway 127 toward Death Valley. Weather was great, no wind, no rain.

On the road to Death Valley. Still flowers on our path.



The Natural Bridge South of Badwater was very interesting. We drove the RV out the gravel road and up the hill. When will I learn to use the toad?


We played on the dry lake salt. I like the swirls in the sand that the grass tuft made. Or did some elf go by every plant and draw a circle?

Above, Badwater, the lowest point in the US.
We arrived at Furnace Creek a little after 4pm and got a campsite. Nice views!
About 6pm it started raining a little.
We attended the ranger slide show on "Flooding in Death Valley" 2004 was a record year for rainfall with a severe flood that damaged most roads in the park and closed the park for a while. I didn't know that. It also created the best year for wild flowers in 100 years. I did hear of that but missed the visit. Darn!
Tuesday: The Wind Blew

Today started out well. Yesterday evenings high winds were gone. We went to a ranger talk about the different hikes in the park. Our "campsite" is shown above.
Shortly after that the winds came back and grew stronger into the afternoon and evening. We ended up spending much of the day on indoor activities. We saw a nice rainbow but it didn't coincide with the end of the storm. The wind blew extremely hard until about midnight or later. I erred on the side of caution and lowered the dish. In my opinion, we had gusts of 50-60 mph. So no Internet access all day. I hope I survive.
Wednesday: Exploring.
Today we went to the Furnace Creek Cafe for breakfast. Good breakfast but a`bit pricey. We then went up the highway seeing the sights.

The Borax Works was interesting for a ruins. Hard to believe people were able to do what they did.

We hiked around Salt Creek looking for the elusive pupfish. Didn't see any. They are supposed to be around in the spring. We'll have to return to see them or go to Ash Meadows to see another variety in Devils Hole.


We then went up to Scotty's Castle and took the two tours, Inside the castle and the Underground tour. Both were interesting. Top right is a Pelton water wheel that drives a generator that was used to generate the electricity for the castle. It still works. Scotty's Castle is much like Hearst's Castle, but on a smaller scale. The tour at Scotty's Castle has to be done in costume and character because the funding source requires it?

We saw a bat in one of the entrance ways of the castle. Interesting pest.
It was dark when we finished up and then drove the 54 miles home. We had a quick dinner and then dashed over to the ranger talk about the pupfish. The ranger was from Ash Meadows Preserve and that's how we learned that the fish can be seen there now.
Wednesday: Departure Day.

The coyote above came through camp to see if any snacks were left out. Very interested in a couple of small dogs being walked.

The Furnace Creek Inn has a very nice garden (oasis).