Wildflower Ride Update

[nvbobr_imp]

I promised updates on the Death Valley wildflower bloom. This is what I saw on Friday.

First, a map --
Normally I would travel from Ashford Mill to Shoshone and make a loop, but the southern end of the Badwater Road (CA 178) was washed out in October and remains closed.

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Evidence of last Sunday's rain (measuring 0.32 inch at Furnace Creek) is an encouraging sight for continuation of the bloom.

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Mud!

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Although it doesn't rain much, the power of the water is seen in the jumble of rocks in the valley's alluvial fans.

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Desert Gold

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Telescope Peak (at 11 o'clock) is the highest point in the Panamint Range and the highest point in Death Valley National Park. It rises 11,331 vertical feet (3,454 m) above the valley floor which is 279 feet below sea level (- 85 m) at Badwater Basin.

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Sand Verbena (a wild lantana) along the Badwater Road.

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Selfie

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Bike selfie on the way home, late afternoon sepia near Ash Meadows.

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