Drive through Death Valley

The girls ended up driving today. Jen got us out of Las Vegas, Ange got us to Death Valley, and Rel got us safely out of Death Valley. Johnny was impressed with each of their driving, but special mention goes to Rel who had to drive through some windy/ treacherous passes.

So we left Las Vegas. I think Jen summed up our Las Vegas experience the best.


The Drive through Death Valley can be summed up in 2 words. Mind-blowing and hot.

Early parts of the desert had a certain sameness….



But there was the occasional unexpected sight


John found fun, and not always safe, ways of taking photos when not much was happening with the scenery.


In the middle of nowhere, there was a tourist attraction. (Or Point-of-Interest it is referred to here). This was not a long stop as it was over 42 degrees C.


Despite our thirst, we decided not to drink from the local water on offer when we saw the name for this place.



Due to the heat, the girls were no longer wearing jeans and jumpers at this point.


Rel so wanted to win at this golf course!


Then there was the occasional amazing sight in the middle of nowhere and nothing.


We rocked into Furnace Creek to get some permits and stuff. It was hot!
So hot that when Jen leant on the metal railing, we thought she may have to be medi-vac’d out to treat the 3 rd degree burns.


Furnace Creek offered a general store and a golf resort amongst other things. If you like to live life hot, this is the place to stay.


Despite his best attempts, Johnny could not get any interest in joining him for one of the local bike tours….






After leaving furnace Creek, Rel decided to test her mental toughness and go for a long walk.


And then showed how far she had walked



Johnny decided to go for a run, and the girls let him run, and run, and run before they finally picked him up…



Jen took a different approach to running through this hot and unforgiving area. She may not have run far, but she did run with energy and flair!


We encountered many an amazing sight on this drive, and at times the road ahead seemed like an optical illusion.



After all that fun, it was time for one last look back before we moved on.


The climb out of Death Valley was a tough drive for the driver, which sheer drops either side, narrow roads, and just generally required a great deal of concentration from the driver. It was made even worse when the passengers were gushing comments like ‘wow, look at that view’.

The view from the top of the climb was impressive. Seems everyone thinks they are a model these days...



The weather looked interesting as we were coming to the end of the drive.


It should be noted that these photos are only a small taste of Death Valley. It was a truly amazing experience.

And then we hit Lone Pine…