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Published: June 23rd 2017
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Geo: 36.5604, -117.025
Today proved to be another day packed full of sightseeing and
exploring. We started off early to try and avoid activities in the extreme
heat. First stop, Mesquite Sand Dunes. Off I went, tromping through the sand headed
towards the tallest dune I could find.
Windswept and appearing smooth from the distance, these large piles of sand are
natures artwork as the shadows of early morning create a painted scene.
Admiring the dune field from atop, it was time to return to the car and move
on. The Death Valley heatup was already starting. Approaching a bit of an Oasis
in the desert, called Furnace Creek, a small area consisting of a hotel, desert
golf course, general store, and gas station we prepared to stop for breakfast.
Just as we approached, a very sporty car turned in front of us from a side
road. Excitement built quickly within Alex's entire being as he quickly and
loudly proclaimed, “That is a Boughoti” a 4 million dollar car. Apparently this
was a new version that was not even in production at this time. As chances
would have it, we ended up having breakfast next to a filmatographer who was
brought in to record the testing of this new vehicle. Turns out, in all, we saw
4
of these very rate cars. Alex was more than delighted. Fueled up ourselves,
we drove down to the valley floor where we walked out onto the salt flats at
Badwater. This spot is so named due to a spring which provided water in the
area, however, due to the high salinity, was undrinkable, or bad. Now with the
temperature steadily climbing, we made sure to take our water with us and limit
the amount of time exposed on the valley floor. We retuned to our handy car and
headed next to a mountainous area called Artists Drive. This is about a 30
minute drive up, into the mountains, were due to different minerals, the rocks
take on different colors. One specific area called Artists Palette was an
incredible mix of pink and green rocks that looked like someone mixed paint and
spread it on the mountain. Many photos and video later and onward we continued
to Zabriskie Point and Dantes View, 2 incredible, but very different scenic
views. Zabriskie was an unusual place, golden in color, that looked like the
ripples of the ocean floor raised up and turned on end. This huge area is a
geological marvel.
Dantes View on the other hand, was just plain really high.
Interestingly, we were not aware until
we were up there looking into the valley
below, we were standing directly above the entrance to Badwater we had walked
earlier. I climbed some rocks and admired the endless view before we headed
out. I will add, the temperature at the highest point was quite pleasant as it
was a dry 95 with a refreshing breeze.
Also, it was here we learned the honeybees get thirsty this time of year with
all the dry weather and they venture out to find water wherever they can.
Buzzing around vehicles to access the condensation the ac's put out, we were
quite entertained watching the people swat at the air and dance around when
they noticed the bees.
Still being on somewhat of a schedule to make sure we see
what we want, we had to head out on the road for a 5 hour drive to Joshua Tree.
Yes, we made it, and thanks to my brother's recommendation, we camped at Jumbo
Rocks campground and were ecstatic with what we saw. With that said, you will
have to read the next blog to see if I can come close to describing this
insanely cool place.
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