It was nice to get outside this weekend and go do something we had been talking about... taking a drive to Death Valley... as usual we made our way there stopping to see whatever struck our fancy. We cut across some dirt roads in the desert... Sara was sure I had no idea where we were... which I didn't and after 20 minutes we stop consulting the map and just drove... eventually we came upon the Ash Meadow Wild Life Preserve. There are about thirty natural springs that spill out into the desert... creating a little oasis... it was really a strange site to see spring outta-in-the-middle-of-nowhere with the closest mountain fifty miles away... we also saw the pup fish and other amazing things... but before it got to late we hit the road again and finally made into the official park at about 2ish... but before we could get to the visitor's center and pay our dues... we stop and drove up 20 mule creek... but before we could drive up the canyon.... we had to explore some mines... and then hike to the top of what looked like an ice cream sandwich... I am sure glad Sara packed all that food because I was really hungry... anyway, we finally finished driving mule creek canyon loop... which for my pickup was like driving on windy a James-Bond road... very exciting... of course, Sara kept reminding me to slow down. We made it to the visitors center before close and picked up a map and a book about Charlie Manson's activities in Death Valley... not exactly thinking about the fact that we eventually be sleeping out the open... well, it is a real page turner... especially if your in the park boundaries... which Sara read out loud as we made our way down to Badwater Basin. Eventually the sun started to set and we drove up past Dante's Peak and past all other kinds of spooky formations until we found our own little place in the desert without a single person insight... beside us and the book... which we quickly put away when we got to the more disturbing chapters... well, besides the sleeping part... the trip was a success. Maybe next time we go we will invite you.
at one of the holes in the desert
another spring with an official boardwalk
this hole is amazing... the water in the bottomless pit has been know to splash whenever their are seismic activities on the other side of the planet.
20 mule creek canyon (that small black rectangle down by the wash is my truck)
Sara thinking about how she is going to climb down
Sara as a sundial
Our camping spot before sunset
at one of the holes in the desert
another spring with an official boardwalk
this hole is amazing... the water in the bottomless pit has been know to splash whenever their are seismic activities on the other side of the planet.
Sara thinking about how she is going to climb down
Sara as a sundial
Our camping spot before sunset
I had so much fun with you and your commentary on the trip was very fun to read. I love the sun dial picture-it turned out great! I can't wait to go back with you and check out the sand dunes. You are the perfect camping/hiking partner.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! You two have the most fun together :). I love it. This was so fun to read and see. I wish I had gone with you :)
ReplyDeleteSo fun!!! You guys are the greatest. You are totally inspiring me to camp this summer. I already told Sara this is our summer. We must do it and more than once. I think once we try we will find it is not so bad and I know the boys would LOVE it! Maybe we will have to come your way at least once to do it with pros as well! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of Sara as the sundial. amazing Stanford. Love it. I also loved reading your commentary. I was laughing at parts. Especially of sara telling you to slow down and wondering if you had any idea where you were. you two are the greatest! I can't wait to see both of you this weekend! And I can assure you when Tanner finds out he is going to be even more thrilled!
ReplyDeleteThat sundial photo is brilliant! :)
ReplyDeleteSo it sounds like you admitted at one point that you were lost...not many men would do this (even after 20 minutes). My parents have taken a similar trip to Death Valley and they had a good time. Glad you were able to get some camping in.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like such a cool trip! How adventurous of you to camp minus the tent. I havent ever done that. Love the pics too!
ReplyDeleteThat sundial picture is especially cool. How did you do it?
ReplyDeleteYou two have the most fun, it makes me jealous. Sometimes I wish we would have had a little more time together doing all those fun things... I got pregnant 6 months after we were married. O' that sounds kinda' bad. Dont get me wrong, I would have never had it any other way. I am just glad to see all the fun things you are doing together.... keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI think we are going to go camping with the kids for the first time this Summer, its been so long, do I remember how to set up a tent? I may call you for a refresher course.
what a perfect trip! that is amazing!
ReplyDelete