Traveling Through Death Valley (Pahrump, NV)

Ashford Mill Ruins

We got a late start on our visit to Death Valley National Park.  We planned to visit Scotty's Castle and the northern end, but it wasn't going to happen.  Not today anyway.  A truck had jack-knifed across the two lane highway with no impact that we could see.  From the way people were just standing around and there were no emergency vehicles, I would say no one was hurt.  They were just waiting for the road to be cleared.

Change of plans...  We turned around and drove to the center east entrance to Death Valley.  The weather was almost perfect - cool and a little windy.

Ashford Mill Ruins

Only a golfer would come up with the name The Devil's Golf Course for this area.  I have no idea why anyone would think to golf here.

Devil's Golf Course

 We stopped to see the Natural Bridge.  This a view from the trail head.  I could not have asked for a more picture perfect day.

Here's Dan standing in front of the Bad Water area.  Cars on the main road look like ants.  That's how far away we are in this photo.  It is so amazing how far we can see.  It just goes on for miles and miles and miles.

 The walk was only a half mile.  Thank goodness, it wasn't miles because it was all uphill.  Yep, I was a little winded.  I need to start walking more.

Natural Bridge

 This is my favorite spot.  We are standing 282 feet below sea level.   Five miles of salt flats with crusty ridges going every which away.

Bad Water

Turns out it is not as dry as it looks.  Dan and I were kneeling to get better close-ups of the salt.  Both of us ended up with a wet knee.  When the spot dried, we had a salty crusted knees.

Side view of the ridges

Close-up of the dry salt

Small threads of salt 

The mountains surrounding the valley are so colorful..black, orange, red, yellow, pink, and green..yes green soil.

 

All righty then!  We are off to explore the northern end of Death Valley and Scotty's Castle.

Tuesday Treasury

This treasury is for all the hard working burros, donkeys, and mules.  The artists did wonderfully amazing work.