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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[redbirds_imp]

Love the photos Bob. I've never been to Death Valley and now I want to go. Hope there are more pics to come.

[Rocky_imp]

Great photos

[Frulk_imp]

Stellar photos!!!....I love those remote and wide open roads with epic vistas we have out west. Taylor made for cycling.

[the Ferret]

Very cool. Love the desolation of that place, and of course the flowers are magnificent. Telescope peak is awesome.

Big places can make you feel so small.

[CA200_imp]

Wow what a sight , have never seen anything like this.

[Rick Froscheiser_imp]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[Cormanus]

Thanks for those fantastic pictures and the report Bob. The desert is pretty amazing when it transforms with a little water. Those yellow flowers are lovely.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Yes, great job Bob. Really good photos that make me want to be there.

Cheers

[curlyjoe]

Great pics Bob! I miss the wide open vistas of the western USA.