Death Valley Spot Ralley

This was our third gathering with Alpine folks in Death Valley in January. (Links to previous Death Valley posts: 2018; 2017)

The drive into the National Park is always picturesque. This time it was even more so because of the low cloud cover that hung  like a veil, creating a mysterious effect. 

A few of the mountain peaks had snow sprinkled on top. There had been a recent cold and also wet spell that seemed to follow us all the way into California from Arizona.

Even after we entered the park,  the low banks of cloud persisted,  eerily suspended over the valley.








We set up at Stovepipe Wells with the rest of our group. This year it was the Smiths, Johnsons, Collinses, and Vosses.
The clouds moved on and we enjoyed mostly sunny, calm days.  And in the late afternoons we gathered for Happy Hour as we watched the sun setting and the moon growing fuller each evening. This year we timed the gathering to view the Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse of 2019 on January 20th. It turned out to be a memorable spectacle and in tribute to this rare celestial event, we all howled in appreciation once the full eclipse occurred (generating peals of laughter from many of our neighbors who were also watching the eclipse).  It felt like a fitting tribute!

moon watching

Michael has an App on his phone that tracks satellites and the International Space Station. This App cleverly gives him a warning whenever a satellite's appearance is imminent and I have come to know the signature melody well over the months mostly because the sightings always seem to happen as we are about to have dinner or are watching a show. Under Death Valley's dark and vast skies, we were all able to watch a few of these sightings. One ISS sighting was particularly long and exciting to view.




Despite the government 
shutdown that coincided with our stay, and necessitated several road closures to protect the park, we were able to enjoy our time in the park and visit some of our favorite sites. A skeleton staff continued to work at the Visitor Center at Furnace Creek and provided daily updates on current road closures. And since the Hotels and Stovepipe Wells campground are run by private concessions, they remained open for business as usual. We were able to eat at the restaurant, enjoy an ice cream at the gift store, and on Sunday we had brunch at the newly renovated Oasis Hotel then strolled through the palm groves to the natural spring.

One viewpoint that is always stunning at any time of day is Zabriskie Point. 

Zabriskie Point with its stunning eroded badlands
and snow on Telescope Peak (11,049 ft) in the distance

This visit we drove the 2.8 mile one-way Twenty-Mule-Team Canyon Loop for the first time. The sandy formations and various colors all converging in one area were amazing to see. 






Dante's View Point was breathtaking. 

the views across the valley were spectacular

A couple of exhibits at the recently updated viewpoint provided a good overview of what lies 5,500 feet below in the valley.  

the Amargosa River lies hidden beneath the valley floor

There was snow clinging to the peaks of Panamint Range across the valley. 

On the return trip from Dante's View we had a good view of a mine. Ryan Camp, formerly known as Devar, is a former mining community and company town now maintained by the Death Valley Conservancy Organization. 
Prior to Death Valley becoming a National Park, mining did exist: Mining in Death Valley


The two of us hiked from the campground to the Mesquite Dunes about a mile away. Tromping across the cracked clay formations to reach the dunes is always fun. They make a hollow sound yet are quite hard and sturdy. They remind me of slate.




The dunes in this area of the park are mostly surrounded by mountains. They are not very tall, the largest dune reaching a height of approximately 130 feet. And it's not difficult to climb to the top of the dunes. 
Apparently several movies have been filmed here including Star Wars (which I suspect my SIL would love to know). 

the dunes shift daily just a little

Last year we drove the one-way juddering off-road trail through Titus Canyon. This time we drove up the exit point and hiked into the canyon. Walking among the towering smooth rocks was a different experience.  

entering the canyon

fascinating rock formations

the rocks feel surprisingly smooth

We enjoyed and survived yet another Death Valley stay. The camaraderie, the environment, the feeling of being in the midst of natural grandeur, is always rejuvenating. 
On Thursday morning the Johnsons and we left, stopping at Shoshone for brunch at the Crowbar Cafe. We continued on to Jurupa County RV Park in Riverside where we stayed the next three nights. The reason: Debi and I were going to the Road To California Quilt Show! It would be my first ever judged, large quilt show and I was excited.

Shoshone for brunch is a tradition