Park 12: Death Valley National Park, CA: 

One of the most unusual and grotesquely beautiful scenic wonders of the world!

Back to nature!  The 120 mile drive into Death Valley was as you would expect—stark and desolate.  The temperature began climbing and reached 108 by the time we arrived at Furnace Creek Ranch, our lodging for two nights.  Here we explored the vast desert floor, uniquely different every mile or two, from rocky, to sandy, to salty, to mud baked and even marshy at points, in this largest National Park south of Alaska---3.4 million acres!  

Badwater Basin from Dante's Peak

Scotty's Castle

We made short hikes and long drives taking in the grotesque beauty of this place.  A highlight of this park, and a real surprise to find in such a God forsaken place, was a Mediterranean style castle built in 1922 known as Scotty’s Castle; an entertaining park ranger, clad in period clothing, led the tour through this amazing property that still contains all its original furniture, art work and personal items of the owners.   

Golf 208 feet below sea level

John put a check in the box by playing golf at the lowest golf course in the world.  He teed off at 7:00am with a temperature of 85 degrees, and finished at 10:00am at 97 degrees, well before it hit the high of 113 for the day!  We cooled off with a swim in the spring fed pool which maintains a constant 82 degree temperature.  On to mountains with green trees and cooler temperatures!

Odometer: 5,316 miles

....and the road goes on and on....

Salt flats at Badwater Basin
232 feet below sea level

Sunset over Death Valley

High prices for a captive audience!