Death Valley

While Aranne, Maile, Ellie and I were enjoying time together, the Mikes set off for "lovely" Death Valley. They met Mike's friends from school there. Here's Mike A's description:

My weeks-long cough was still very much of a bother, but I figured if I was to die, it might as well be in 'Death' Valley. A long drive to Wildrose campground to meet up with his group of 3 friends. We checked out the charcoal kilns further up the road, and there was actually snow under the trees! (Not what I expected for Death Valley.) Another long drive (things are far apart in this big National Park) to Badwater, the lowest point at -282 feet below sea level, which is the lowest point not only in the U.S., but the entire western hemisphere! On the cliff right next to this point was a sign about 300 ft up that said "Sea Level".

The plan was to camp that night at the sand dunes at the north end of the park. But the washboard dirt road caused one of the cars to have a tire blow out, and another the front strut fluid to leak. Mike's car was the only one spared. Being dark already, we made camp by the side of the road. The stars were BEAUTIFUL, and Mike even had his small telescope to see more.

Next morning Ubehebe (u-bee hee-bee) Crater, an ash crater 500ft deep about a 1/2 mile wide, created only 2000 years ago. Mike B walked down to the bottom; Dad was content to enjoy from the top. Then Scotty's Castle: quite the home built in the late 1800's. Mike & Mike did the tours; very nice. Mesquite Springs campground nearby for another beautiful night.

Last day: a quick stop at the visitors center for a passport stamp, then Zabrieski Point, before heading back to Dan & Aranne's. A very nice trip, cough drops and syrup aside.