June 18, 2006
Approaching Death Valley...it's already so hot you see "puddles" everywhere on the road.
It starts out quite easy...with a mere 114°F (46°C)
We go up to Dante's View, to get a good overview of the valley.
These gigantic salt plains are the lowest point in the western hemisphere, at 282ft (86m) below sea level.
panoramic view (still photo)
The temperatur keeps climbing as we go deeper and deeper into the valley...
We stop for a glimpse of some hills...
Man, this place is soooo hot. The wind feels like a hair dryer.
121°F = 50°C
Stopping at the Death Valley visitor center...where the temperature is a mere 120°F (49°C)
The brochure claims that the hottest temperature ever recorde on earth is 136°F (59°C).
The most we saw today was 126°F(53°C) which is not that far behind!
grabbing lunch in an air-conditioned eatery at the heart of the valley
Back out in the heat...
sand dunes along the way
A hot place to stay... (124°F = 52°C)
...so we'd better get going.
This little town is at elevation "sea level"
We both set a personal temperature record...
...and head out of the valley. Throughout the climb, there are radiator water tanks located along the road.
Joshua Trees
the sun sets behind Sierra Nevada in the west
...and we find a quiet motel in Lone Pine, just west of Death Valley.
It's a busy night; I wash our shoes...
...Christine is washing some clothes...
...and she plans our stop in Yosemite.