We packed up camp the next morning, the girls became Jr. Rangers at Death Valley (#40 something), and we drove out a different way then we came into the park. We went to the sand dunes and played in that a little, and then headed to Mosaic Canyon to do a hike. This was a 4 mile round trip with 1200ft of elevation gain. It was a hard hike, but it was pretty. The weather was also very nice. Speaking of weather it was great the entire time we were in Death Valley. Spring Break was the prefect time to go. The nights were in 50’s and the days were in the 70’s. The hike required some rock scrambling and it was a challenge at times, especially since I was carrying my big camera backpack. “G” had a blast climbing up and over rocks, and we made it to the end. Nothing worth taking a picture of for me, but it was still a nice hike. Once back at the car we headed toward Yucca Valley for a night in a hotel (showers) before we headed to Joshua Tree NP. That was a 4+ hour drive, and when we got to the Sure Stay (Best Western) in Yucca Valley we were hungry and tired. Then the hotel issues started.
When I went to check in the person at the desk, Daniel, informed me they didn’t have the King room I booked, but he upgraded me to a King Suite. I thought, “Great, an upgrade sounds good.” But at the same time I thought, “Wait, we need 2 beds.” I asked about this and he said that the room had a King bed and a King sofa sleeper. So we went up, and the bed was a king, but the sofa was not. So I wandered back down and informed him of this. I also checked my reservations and I had booked a 2 king room. I asked about this and he informed me that those rooms hadn’t been cleaned that day so they didn’t have any of those (What??? We had booked that room so why didn’t it get cleaned?) He offered me a room with 3 double beds in it, but “B” and I don’t like double beds (she spreads out too much). So, that was a no. Then we asked about a rollaway bed for our room so the girls could each have a bed. He said sure. So, he worked on that and we went to dinner. A nice place that Daniel suggested called Joe’s Place. We got back and I opened the rollaway and it was TERRIBLE. I mean it was nothing but spring. I am not even sure there was ever padding above the springs when it was originally made. So, back down to the front desk to complain. I hate complaining. I finally asked for a second room at no charge, and Daniel agreed right away after I told him about the rollaway. So, the girls got one room and “B” and I got our own room (woohoo privacy for one night on vacation!). Daniel was a champ through it all. I don’t think I would stay there again, but Daniel was very accommodating. I have no idea what would have happened if the hotel was busier.