Bodie SP in CA to Caliente, NV via the Extraterrestrial Hwy

We left Bishop, CA early yesterday and headed to Bodie SP (also in CA) upon the suggestion of Sarah Broomel. Along the way we happened upon Mono Lake. It has something called Tufa that grows in and around it- they are fascinating! They are calcium carbonate formations resulting from the variety of rivers that run into the lake.You'll notice we are dressed from head to toe. There were high wind warnings all day- it felt like we were in in hurricane!!

Bodie is a mining ghost town that was left with clothing, curtains in the windows, furniture and even kitchen supplies in the cabinets. It was still very cold and windy when we were touring the town so any pictures of us we are still covered head-foot.

Next, we  headed east through Nevada. Our route takes us through the Extraterrestrial Hwy where there some crazy references to Area 51 and aliens.

 It is a good idea to often check your gas gauge!

We almost made it to Utah, staying in Caliente, NV. We found a a cheap motel and diner and called it a night. There was no internet service so I could not post a blog update- no surprise!Monday- on to Zion NP!

Touring Death Valley NP

We left Beatty, NV and headed to Scotty's Castle in Death Valley NP. One the way we passed a huge dried lake bed and had to check it out- wow! It was flat, smooth and no obstacles and went for what seemed like miles.

Next we went to Scotty's Castle, a beautiful spanish style house built in the middle of the desert.

We then headed for Mosaic Canyon near Stovepipe Wells Village. We passed Ubehebe Crater, a huge 600 foot deep crater left by a volcano 2 thousand years ago.Once we reached the Mosaic Canyon, we hiked about 4 miles round trip through narrow passes and then wide open dry river beds.

Our last stop in the park was Darwin Falls just outside of Panamint Springs. It is about a mile into a canyon and all of a sudden there is lush vegetation that grew as a result of the waterfall. It is surrounded by desert terrain. We were able to watch a group of women repel down the falls into the very cold pool of water at the bottom!

Tonight we are in Bishop, CA- very nice town and it has a brewery that opened last fall. They had black IPA!! What a way to end the day.

Madison to Las Vegas to Death Valley NP

We are on to our next journey and left yesterday afternoon to catch a 9:30 flight to Las Vegas. It was a smooth 5 hour flight that put us in LV around 2:30 a.m. From there to luggage collection and then to the rental car agent. That's when we hit our first snag- all of the mid-size cars were gone and only compacts were left. It was also a very long line. After 1 1/2 hours of waiting in line we were off in a Ford Fiesta. we hit the strip, found our hotel and fell into bed around 3:30 (6:30 Madison time!).  By 7:00 we were up and getting ready- first back to the car rental to exchange the Fiesta (it sounded like the transmission was falling out) for a Kia Soul. Now we were ready to make our way to Death Valley NP.

The temperatures began in the low 60's but warmed up to the upper 80's by mid-day. We toured, walked and hiked various in the park. Below are a few pictures of the barren but colorful landscape.

Las Vegas in the morning

 Heading out to the desert

 Spooky references to aliens!!

 Anything goes out here!

 A cemetery- very stark and dry

 Getting closer to Death Valley

 We saw lots of landscapes like this.

 Spring is a good time of year to see blooms!

 This is Badwater Basin in Death Valley NP

 More short hikes to check out new sights!