Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (10)

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (10), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

There are no trails on the sand dunes, but there are plenty of footprints to follow.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Animal tracks on the sand dunes.

Devil's Golf Course (4)

Devil's Golf Course (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The salt and gravel beds of Devil's Golf Course extend to a depth of 1000 feet. Later studies suggest that, in some places, they extend to a depth of as much as 9000 feet.

Devil's Golf Course (32)

Devil's Golf Course (32), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

According to a 1934 National Park Service Death Valley guide book, "only the devil could play golf" on this surface, hence its name.

Devil's Golf Course (12)

Devil's Golf Course (12), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A close up of the salt crystals in Devil's Gold Course.

Devil's Golf Course (28)

Devil's Golf Course (28), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Spiky, crystalline salt spires rise up from the valley floor, creating Devil's Golf Course.

Badwater (3)

Badwater (3), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The salt flats at Badwater Basin. The salt flats here were created 2000 - 4000 years ago when a 30 foot lake evaporated, leaving a 1-5 foot layer of salt in its wake.

Badwater (7)

Badwater (7), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America.

Badwater (9)

Badwater (9), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The "Sea Level" sign is a white blip high up on the rock wall at Badwater Basin.

Artist's Palette (17)

Artist's Palatte (17), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Oxidation of different metals, including iron salts, maganese and mica create the striking colors of Artist's Palette in Death Valley National Park.

Zabriskie Point (16)

Zabriske Point (16), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The badlands at Zabriskie Point. The badlands are made up of mud and siltstone. As the name implies, the badlands support almost no plant life.

Zabriskie Point (48)

Zabriske Point (48), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Manly Beacon rises up like a shark fin from the badlands

Zabriskie Point (49)

Zabriske Point (49), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Interesting rock formations at Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point (51)

Zabriske Point (51), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The badlands at Zabriskie Point

Dante's View (2)

Dante'S view (2), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Atop Dante'S View - It was chilly up here. I even saw a few patches of snow on the way up.

Dante's View (4)

Dante'S view (4), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The salt flats as seen from Dante's View

Death Valley Sign

Death Valley Sign, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The sun is seting as I leave the park

Road Trip Time!

Gonna head out to Death Valley this Friday for a day trip. It's my first road trip since my foot surgery back in October. I can't wait!

I have been published :)

One of my Yosemite photos was selected to be included in the Schmap online guide to Yosemite. You can see it by clicking HERE.

Cool, huh?

Thought of The Day - Jan 6, 2009

There is something so liberating about a road trip. To wake up early in the morning without an agenda and set off on the road, not knowing who you will encounter or what you see along the way, or how long you will be gone. Only knowing that the end of the trip will be when you finally decide it is time to turn around and head for home.


(can you tell I am just dying for a road trip? hehehe)