Death Valley

[rboe]

Getting to Death Valley (some Guzzi guys meet there end of October, first week of November) has been an exersize in heat management and several times getting beat up by the wind in Arizona. Leaving Death Valley (from Furnace Creek) I've had to get all bundled up and turn on every heating device I own. By the time I get south of Shoshone I can start dialing things back. Between Furnace Creek and Death Valley Junction I dread running across a coyote as my reaction ability sucks.

The old gal at Death Valley Junction died last year (I think it was last year). She groomed a younger gal to replace her so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. She owned most of the town; not sure if ownership was passed on to the new blood or what. Certainly the end of an era.

I skipped last year (due to a full moon Furnace Creek filled up, apparently the place is very popular for full moon activities) and the Guzzi guys moved their hangout spot to Beatty - Beatty is not impressive. The road to Beatty even less so. Smoked filled hotels are not my idea of a fun time either.

On the north side of the park you can sometimes watch fighter jets playing war games - maybe from Edwards, or perhaps another site. It can be impressive.

For photographers, sun rise and sun set can give you incredible opportunities - highly recommended! Don't sleep in even if you don't take pictures.