February26, 2025 91 degrees today. Normal temps for February are usually in the 70’s.
Harry and I attended different colleges but we both took Geology 101 at our respective schools! We have both grown to love seeing the beautiful changing rock formations as we have traveled this country of ours!
Death Valley National Park has vast sections of very different types of environments and perhaps that is why they have hosted many movies who have filmed on location. Unbeknownst to me, I appropriately wore the Star Wars shirt Chris’ family gave me that says “ Visit Hoth National Park -Ahoat Sector-Western Reaches”. Now Hoth,was not filmed here since it was a planet of ice but they did use Death Valley to create the harsh environment of Tatooine in episode four…”A New Hope and Episode six, “Return of the Jedi.”
Today we began with Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. We have had great fun sliding down dunes in other parks but this year we just appreciated them from afar.
We drove higher and much higher to reach Dante’s View. Our ears kept popping as we went from below sea level to over 5,000 feet.
Next on our itinerary- Zabriskie Point…Named for the man who campaigned for Death Valley to become a national park. My knee was not up to this steep walk, so Harry walked for both of us and I stayed with Finn in the cool truck.
Borax was the highest grossing mineral extracted from Death Valley. They would scrape borax rich deposits from the salt flats then dump them into boiling water. The borax would dissolve into the water. They would pour the water into cooling tanks with metal rods in them. The pure borax would be scraped off the rods and loaded into 20 mule team wagons to take to the railroad. These massive wagons had a 1500 gallon water tank to water the mules on the journey! An amazing process.
hkdorr 
Your photos are amazing, and I appreciate the history lessons of all the places you are seeing! Stay safe!❤️
Good morning Karen and Harry, what an amazing and excellent way to journal your travels; I love your blog-idea!
Your photos are exceptional, and I see the excitement and pleasure of your adventure on both your faces!
Thank you for sharing the history of the area you’re visiting, as well as the interesting everyday bits and pieces of your day.
Stay safe; you’re being followed…😊
Looking super fun and loving the sunshine! You’re close to the guy who does the Youtube channel Ghost Town living – Brent at Cerro Gordo. Wonderful views of a different landscape from ETN.
Finally we are at a campground with Wi-Fi . We looked into going to the ghost town but it was right at the base of Mt. Whitney. It was two hours one way from us. It would have been interesting to see ? We should have added into our plans! Wish we had thought of it! Love you!❤️
UNBELIEVABLE PICTURES! I’m loving following your adventures! DM
Glad you are following! Finally we are in a place with cell service!❤️
GM Karen, yes I was an anonymous writer for one comment! The second time I remembered to leave my name! I’m continuing to learn to use this app.
I have checked our HOA and there is no mention of burros, so I think if Finn gives the idea of adoption a heads-up, it’s a go! We need a little excitement around home!
I thought my FL sunset from the beach was first place ‘til I saw yours…WOW! There is no artist like God…
So, blue skies and safe travel; thank you for letting me tag along. Pat Bo
Having a little rest day along with housekeeping today! Laundry, nails and now Harry is out replenishing propane and food!😊. Last night was definitely the best sunset of the trip so far!🥰