What could that title possibly mean? Actually, it is driving across Death Valley in California, one of the lowest and the hottest places in the world. We first came to America in 1989 and have returned on many occasions since but not once have we been able to complete this iconic drive. Today, that all changed.
Before talking about today, I wanted to mention last night's drive from LAX airport to Ridgecrest, our starting point for today's Death Valley adventure. It was something of a nightmare because our flight landed at the worst possible time - Friday night rush hour in Los Angeles or as I refer to it, "motoring armageddon"!
Our problems started at the Avis hire car desk even before hitting the road! I am an Avis Preferred member which gives me super powers, specifically queue jumping, but not last night! Our 24 hour delayed arrival and a problem with the booking left me at the back of a two hour queue! Undaunted, I waived my bright red Avis card at a passing manager and before I knew it, I was picking my Toyota Camry up outside and we were on our way! I think my charm, my smile and a certain amount of charisma helped a little. Hee hee!
Mind you, the term, "on our way" was a somewhat dreamlike description as we hit the seven lane 405 freeway North! Those seven lanes were all full and moving at about 10mph and this carried on for mile after mile! A 158 mile journey took an extra hour and by the time we reached Ridgecrest, we were shattered but happily still in one piece! This freeway and its big brother, the I5 can shred nerves.
Talking of shredding, I did manage to do this to the skin on my back when checking in at our hotel and misjudging a gap between two bushes! The photo below shows the result and it has been extremely sore all day. Anyway, onto today.
Oh what a beautiful morning, albeit a little cold and leaving us needing an extra layer to start the day. Linda referred to me as being "very chipper." She hates it when I am so happy in a morning and finds it hard to match my bonhomie, a challenge she has failed for the whole 44 years of our married life together! One day I will get a surprise I'm sure! Yes, a sunny morning, an exciting American drive ahead and a Starbucks latte in my hand. What could possibly better this?
And so off we set on what has proved to be one of the greatest holiday experiences of our lives. It was simply incredible from start to finish, a total of 299 miles! I know to some people that this might be the nearest thing to hell but believe me, this drive is anything but hell.
It is spectacular, stunning, mesmerising, breathtaking, sublime, phenomenal, majestic and totally, totally magnificent! You will gather that we rather enjoyed it and quite frankly, I don't know what else I can add. My pictures or indeed anybody's photos could never do this place justice. It has to be seen and experienced.
We were blessed with a gorgeous day and temperatures in the mid 80s. Bearing in mind the highest recorded temperature in the valley was 134F and that they are generally always higher than 100F, today was almost Arctic like! It was also very quiet and at one point we covered nearly 40 miles without seeing a car on our side of the road!
I could wax lyrical for hours and probably will do this in person when I next meet any readers. If you take my advice, don't mention Death Valley!
So we are now in Barstow and heading down to Palm Springs tomorrow morning for a couple of days R&R and some shopping before heading back to LA on Tuesday to meet my new found American family prior to catching our flight home that evening.
Today's memories will last forever.
Before talking about today, I wanted to mention last night's drive from LAX airport to Ridgecrest, our starting point for today's Death Valley adventure. It was something of a nightmare because our flight landed at the worst possible time - Friday night rush hour in Los Angeles or as I refer to it, "motoring armageddon"!
Our problems started at the Avis hire car desk even before hitting the road! I am an Avis Preferred member which gives me super powers, specifically queue jumping, but not last night! Our 24 hour delayed arrival and a problem with the booking left me at the back of a two hour queue! Undaunted, I waived my bright red Avis card at a passing manager and before I knew it, I was picking my Toyota Camry up outside and we were on our way! I think my charm, my smile and a certain amount of charisma helped a little. Hee hee!
Mind you, the term, "on our way" was a somewhat dreamlike description as we hit the seven lane 405 freeway North! Those seven lanes were all full and moving at about 10mph and this carried on for mile after mile! A 158 mile journey took an extra hour and by the time we reached Ridgecrest, we were shattered but happily still in one piece! This freeway and its big brother, the I5 can shred nerves.
Talking of shredding, I did manage to do this to the skin on my back when checking in at our hotel and misjudging a gap between two bushes! The photo below shows the result and it has been extremely sore all day. Anyway, onto today.
Oh what a beautiful morning, albeit a little cold and leaving us needing an extra layer to start the day. Linda referred to me as being "very chipper." She hates it when I am so happy in a morning and finds it hard to match my bonhomie, a challenge she has failed for the whole 44 years of our married life together! One day I will get a surprise I'm sure! Yes, a sunny morning, an exciting American drive ahead and a Starbucks latte in my hand. What could possibly better this?
And so off we set on what has proved to be one of the greatest holiday experiences of our lives. It was simply incredible from start to finish, a total of 299 miles! I know to some people that this might be the nearest thing to hell but believe me, this drive is anything but hell.
It is spectacular, stunning, mesmerising, breathtaking, sublime, phenomenal, majestic and totally, totally magnificent! You will gather that we rather enjoyed it and quite frankly, I don't know what else I can add. My pictures or indeed anybody's photos could never do this place justice. It has to be seen and experienced.
We were blessed with a gorgeous day and temperatures in the mid 80s. Bearing in mind the highest recorded temperature in the valley was 134F and that they are generally always higher than 100F, today was almost Arctic like! It was also very quiet and at one point we covered nearly 40 miles without seeing a car on our side of the road!
I could wax lyrical for hours and probably will do this in person when I next meet any readers. If you take my advice, don't mention Death Valley!
So we are now in Barstow and heading down to Palm Springs tomorrow morning for a couple of days R&R and some shopping before heading back to LA on Tuesday to meet my new found American family prior to catching our flight home that evening.
Today's memories will last forever.
Freeway Traffic In Los Angeles
Ouch!
Perfect Start To The Day - And Linda Paid!
Not Yet Death Valley But Spectacular
Now That's Death Valley!
It's Huge!
An Old Borax Mine Equipment
What A Backdrop
Lowest Point In The USA
On The Salt Flats
The Sign Says It!
The Hottest As Well As The Lowest
Incredible Zabriskie Point
282 Feet Below Sea Level
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think its like visiting another planet! You must come back after an el nino when we have a ton of rain and suddenly all these wild flowers spring up everywhere! It is amazing! As for the traffic I feel your pain brother!!! The pictures and descriptions were superb!
ReplyDeleteThanks for great comments Drena. Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
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