Death Valley National Park

OK, let me tell you, for starters you need a couple days to do Death Valley right.  Lori P, Buddy and I only did one day, so we were only able to do the lower half of the Valley.  Still breathtaking though, I promise, and desolate, very very desolate.  The high point to Death Valley is Telescope Peak at 11,049 ft, the low point is the Badwater Basin at -282 ft.  So that is an 11,331 foot difference.  It is AWESOME.

Snow Covered mountain is Telescope Peak

Buddy on the Basin sign

Up the side of the mountain, the sea level sign

Ok so to start.  We were driving back to Vegas, after the party the night before, stopped in Baker to fuel up (this is highly recommended, there is no cell service in the park).  We drove in from the south off California 127, and the park took our breath away. 

I will post more pictures than comments, and the photos don't do the park justice.  There are several places to stop for touristy things, including the ruins of a gold mining camp.

Remember, though, that you are in nature and sometimes nature can be found standing in the middle of the road.  We stayed in the car, with the windows rolled up, just in case.  But these three were beautiful, absolutely beautiful.  There were two dogs and a bitch.  She stayed off the road and away from the cars.

After our close encounter, we continued to drive toward the basin.  The white stuff on the ground is a mixture of boron and salt.

The Badwater Basin area is wicked cool.  You can actually walk out into the lowest point on the Continental United States, there is also bathrooms and water there if you need.  From the Basin you can see the top of Telescope Peak, and there is a sign on the side of the mountain behind you that shows were sea level is located.  The Basin is about halfway between the Southern Entrance and Furnace Creek (where the Visitor Center is located). 

After stopping at the Basin, we headed toward Furnace Creek for lunch and to get our Passports stamped.  There are several side roads, off the main, that take you to hiking trails, trail heads, and little driving experiences.  We stopped at one, just south of CA 190, which travels through the upper part of the park.

We stopped at the visitor center, watched the movie, and hit the canteen in the campground next door.  Lunch was inexpensive but awesome outside.  After the visitor center, we headed to Dante's View.

After leaving the park, we headed back to Las Vegas, for our night in Trump Towers.  I have now been officially spoiled in hotel accommodations.

Our weekend in Vegas over, we both took off bright (not really) and early in the Morning.  what a great weekend.  Next time we hit Cali, we are going to do the northern end of Death Valley.  I can not wait. 

For more information on Death Valley:  http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Trump Towers:  www.trumphotelcollection.com/las-vegas/

Next time I will tell you a little story about a fishing club, a river and a flood.  Johnstown it is.  Until next time though, have safe travels, enjoy life and get you bucket list checked off.