This last week has been my spring break from school. It happens to also one up with one of my girls weeks of spring break. This is the first time this has happened in I think 5 years.
So, we decided, months ago, to travel as a family for the week. And we decided to head to Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks. None of us had ever been to either of these parks and we were excited.
Back in September we booked campsites at both parks. We were going to do 2 nights of camping at Death Valley and 1 night in Joshua Tree. We got a site at Furnace Creek in DV. And it appeared to have a tree on the site so that was a plus. And in Joshua Tree we decided to take a chance at a site called Jumbo Rock. That site had no running water, but it looked pretty cool. We found a site there that looked out of the way from the rest of the sites. We also booked a couple hotel stays as well. One in Pahrump, NV on our way to Death Valley and then one in Yucca Valley on our way between DV and Joshua Tree.
Last Saturday we loaded up the 4Runner and headed out. We stay the night in Pahrump. Nothing really special here at all. And the next day got up and headed the final hour and a bit into Death Valley.
On this first day we hit a hike on our way in called Zabriskie Point and Badwater Loop. It was a nice hike and while the signage could have been better, but it cool to see all the colors in the hills and mountains. Then it was down into the actual valley.
We went to our campsite at Furnace Creek Campground (64) and also the ranger station to get some advice and Jr. Ranger books for the girls. Our campsite did have a tree on it and that was nice considering we were about 190 ft below sea level.
Then we headed over to Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), and there was a lake there. Yes, Hawley Lake was still there. This is a rare thing and was a result of abnormal rain and snow that started back last August. The lake is only a foot or so deep, but it was big. We wandered out to explore. We started on the shore, but when I decided to stop and take a large format picture the girls took their shoes off and ended up in the lake and the mud. By the time I was done my wife also had her shoes off and they convinced me to take mine off as well. I must say it was not that comfortable. The ground was pokey and the walk back to the car was not something I would want to do again. While taking my picture a gentleman walked up and asked about it. He apparently shot film for the army a long time ago and was interested in seeing a large format camera. We talked a little and then he headed off.
Once we wiped our feet off we got back in the car and headed around what is called the Artist Loop. It was a nice drive and you got to see a lot of interesting colorful mountains. We walked around a little too in these areas.
Then it was getting late and we headed back to our campsite and “B” made up dinner – a Pad Thai Chicken pouch we had for camping. She added more chicken and mixed veggies and it was quite good. Then it got dark and the stars came out. It was really cool. It was very dark and we could see so many stars. We could even see the milky way galaxy. It was nice. The ladies also made nutella s’mores. Then time for bed.