Death Valley Days

Our kids had no memory of this old classic TV program. We spent some time telling them about watching this program with the "Old Ranger". I had forgotten, until this morning, that Ronald Regan was a one-time host of this show which was on television from 1956-1975. It depicted fictional stories of people whose lives were lived in or touched by Death Valley in the 1800's.

Having watched that old TV show in no way prepared me for the awesome and desolate landscape we were about to view when we drove from Las Vegas to Death Valley on Tuesday morning.

We had lots of laughs driving out from Las Vegas through Parumhp, home of "The Chicken Ranch". Brian and Jim wanted to find a place to buy T-shirts. I think they were planning on sending one to our ex-governor, Spitzer. Whatever, the drive went quickly and before we knew it we were entering the park.

The desert is in bloom. For miles and miles one can see the gorgeous yellow flowers.





Brian had done some research prior to the trip and had a good idea of the things we should see in our short stay, {just a little over 24 hours}.

Having taught about Death Valley for so many years, Jim had some definite ideas of what he wanted to see. Number one had to be the lowest spot in the Western Hemisphere, so that was our first stop.




During the taking of this picture, Jim and I got so silly. I think we embarrassed our children. We certainly do have fun together. I think one of the things that keeps our marriage strong is that we laugh together every day.

We went on to a natural bridge, where we saw the young lady hiking in her biking {see my picture blog}. Gretchen climed up to the bridge while the rest of us waved at her. Then it was a ride through an area called "Artists Drive". We didn't stop for pictures, but it was a beautiful drive.

Late afternoon found us at the sand dunes. This is a fascinating spot of huge sand dunes. We hiked out and I was sure glad I had brought my walking stick.



Gretchen and Brian climed this very high dune. The picture is blurry, but I wanted to post it anyway. Jim and I just stook and enjoyed the quiet of the desert. What a time to contemplate the greatness of God.

We were all bushed after a quiet dinner and had an early to bed night. Morning found us ready to tackle more of Death Valley.

We decided to go to the Death Valley Museum at the visitor's center as well as the Borax Museum before going on to the Harmony Borax Works ruins.



The wheel is 7' high.





Gretchen and I regaled Brian and Jim with all the verses of "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah". They were very impressed!!





After this, it was on the a ghost town in Nevada, on the way back to Las Vegas.