In the Valley of Death

The rain in Vegas dropped the temp from 102 to 58 degrees overnight and we’re thinking it’s the perfect day to head to Death Valley where temps can exceed 134 degrees on a summer day.  It was a beautiful cool ride into the desert from the heat and bustle of Vegas.  A surprise call from Joe (my fatherly friend from Oak Flats) was a particular treat.

We entered the park before noon and found our way to the first overlook of the valley.  The panorama is again mystifying with rock that contrasts in shape and color – swirling golds, green, pink like a pastel neapolitan ice cream in all directions. 

We enjoyed the spectacular weather on a 3 plus mile hike from Zabriskie Point through the “badlands” of Death Valley.  Wandering through lunar-like washed out canyons paths, we worked up an appetite and headed back to the RV for lunch.  In the parking lot we ran into Jack who we shared beer with at Petrified Forest and met his wife Marcia.  Small world, this life on the move.  Offering another cerveza at days end, we headed on to find a campsite for the night.

Can you find the Sea Level sign?

With our site secured, we took advantage of the 77 degree high and went out to explore the valley for which the park is named.  At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley park and the valley itself is HUGE.  Wandering out onto the salt flats (with a cold beer in our pack – provisions!), we turned around and looked up to see the SEA LEVEL sign posted high up in the surrounding mountains.  At 282 feet below sea level, it boasts the lowest elevation on our continent!  When we were a good mile out, we did a little Holy City Brewing photo shoot and subsequent refreshment break.  (grin)

I have to be careful not to bore all you readers with our day to day details but each day is so full, it’s just hard to leave anything out!  That night we connected with Jack and Marcia and a beer turned into apps into dinner under the stars.  We parted ways with a plan for an early morning hike before the temps began to rise again to a promised 95.

The hike was a great time!  We did a combo of 3 different trails from canyon to bouldering to washout.  With great vistas, challenging climbs and fun pauses, the 3 hours passed quickly.  Along the way we made numerous stops to explore the crazy colors in the rock – a white patch of what behaved like chalk, beautiful lime green that lost its color upon closer appraisal, pastel pink that washed out when not in its place among the other rock.  We found a natural “amphitheater” and had a little talent show with tongue twisters, impersonations and joke telling.  All in all, an invigorating hike.

The hot afternoon was spent in the shade.  Odd housekeeping needs, the visitor center stop with the park movie, a stop at the park post office where Marcia did some geocaching.  And the night brought a cool breeze and another wonderful meal and a rousing game of cards.

Having moved beyond acquaintances to friends yet again, the next morning meant goodbyes and hopes for a connection in the years to come.  Rob filled the water tank, dumped the “other” tanks and got the windshield ready for the next onslaught of bugs and we’re back on the road.