Day 3 Mono Lake - Death Valley

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Day 3:
I woke up very early this morning planning to see the sunrise over Mono Lake because everything I read said it was a "must see." I woke up to overcast skies and relatively cool weather and left the hotel room before 7 am. Ouch. I don't even get to work that early!! I should have slept in.

Mono Lake has no outlet so through evaporation, the lake has become 2.5x more saline than the ocean and 1000 x more alkaline. They call this the "sister lake" to Salt Lake in Utah and I think this is even more saline.. These pictures are not so bright because of the clouds. The first one shows Buzzy in front of volcanic lslands that became visible as the lake decreased in volume.

Fresh-water springs bubble up from below and cause mineral build-up and form "tufa's" - described on one info board as a "petrified spring." Very cool looking. I have a picture of Buzzy on a tufa (sounds like I'm referring to some illegal activity doesn't it?).

I stopped at another location and walked along an interpretive trail and was attacked by bugs the whole time. I became part of the ecosystem - ick! Notice the black along the water... that is all FLIES!! I'm not joking. Alkali flies - adapted to the location, they walk in to the water and hatch their eggs submerged. The birds along the water feed on them in all of their life forms. They said the larva taste like buttery rice... I did not try it. It was amazing and disgusting at the swarming flies along the water. I don't think it was these guys that attacked me. The ones after me liked blood.

I headed down scenic 395 - it was quite a pretty drive. At one point, I drove by Mount Whitney, the tallest point in the States. (sorry, the pic did not turn out well!). I drove straight in to Death Valley and it was just gorgeous along the way (Ok, I guess you have to like the desert). I passed a tumble weed in the road! Pass through the mountains and then the road starts to drop... it was 81 degrees F at the top of the pass and increased up to 105 degrees on the valley floor. They advise turning off the A/C so as not to overheat the car and I actually rather enjoyed the heat. I started scoffing at those wimpy tourists who had to have their A/C on while I let the wind whip my hair all around. Although I admit that on occasion I rolled up the windows and put on the A/C - mostly when the wind was whipping around sand and dirt.

I have to add in a shameless plug for a product here - I bought an insulated Camelbak water bottle and I have to say this thing is amazing. As I mentioned it was 105 degrees and the outside of the bottle was warm to the touch but the inside still had unmelted ice - in fact still does now and it has been all day! I love this thing and may need to find an REI to get another - the drawback is that it only holds 500 mL.

The day was completely overcast/cloudy and it actually was raining a bit. Yes, during my visit to Death Valley it rained. Admittedly just some sprinkles but I was surprised. I think it kept the temperature down not having a bright blazing sun - can you imagine if the sun was out?

The picture of the sand dunes was as I was driving by - not bad for a drive-by shot!

I took a trip up Artist's Loop - the colors of the cliffs/rocks were really beautiful. Once again, my overcast day did not allow my pictures to do it justice. Buzzy is hanging out in front of Artist's pallette.

I also drove down a rutted dirt road to check out the "Devil's Golf Course" on the salt flats - the salt from the ground that forms up in these big lumps. It was super windy out there. I don't get the reference to a golf course...
I REALLY wanted to see "the racetrack" but it was down a LONG dirt road that was noted as "sometimes need 4WD" so I decided against it. Look it up if you get bored. The tracks made by the rocks is considered a mystery.

And on to the lowest point in the U.S. at Badwater. The cliffs show the sign (way up there) which measures Sea Level! It was super windy here too since it was still the salt flats. I didn't stick around that long.

I drove out of Death Valley and over the mountains - it was really stunning. I was the only one on the road for such long stretches, it was GREAT!

That's all for today. I need to plot my trip for tomorrow and maybe not wait until the last minute to find a hotel this time... maybe. I kind of like winging it 😊.

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Photos

tufa and flies
The black line along and in the water is all flies!

Sand Dunes
105 degrees F!!

Artist Palette
With Buzzy in the foreground

Devil's Golf Course
On the salt flats

Sea level sign
yes that little sign WAY up there indicates Sea level. Notice how far down the parking lot is.

BadWater
The lowest point in the U.S.

Badwater
this is actually the Bad Water..

Comments

[Pat]

Death Valley
Lance and I visited Death Valley a few years ago in the Spring. The wildflowers were astounding. It is a neat (I was going to say cool) place to visit. Safe travels.

[Brenda]

jealous
Looks like you're having a great trip, I"m jealous, it's beautiful. Please keep us posted!!!