07:13. We arrive at the pay station (and very smelly restroom) into Death Valley National Park. Zabriskie Point is about ten miles away.

Zabriskie Point

07:28. We’ve seen a single car which went past us while we were stopped at the pay station. Suddenly on our left there is a parking lot filled with cars. I see the sign, Zabriskie Point, and remembering the name of the movie suggest we stop to see what’s caught everyone else’s attention.

Devil’s Cornfield

08:08. We drive through Furnace Creek, descending below sea level. Now we are climbing again, looking at salt flats when suddenly we see what appears to be rows and rows of corn shocks. It’s the Devil’s Cornfield. Actually it’s clumps of arrowweed, Pluchea sericea. In some places, erosion had swept all the dirt away exposing the roots so that each clump appeared to be growing on its own little island.

08:35. We’ve ascended to 4000 feet above sea level. Signs warn us not to turn on our car’s air-conditioning causing it to overheat. Even this early in the morning in late September, it’s hot enough to feel uncomfortable. We see a lone bicyclist. I think he’s very foolish to be out alone in this environment.

The road gets narrower, steeper, and curvier. The views are stupendous but there isn’t convenient place to stop and take a photo until we reach Padre Crowley Point.

09:19. It’s taken us two hours to drive through Death Valley.

Mount Whitney

09:47. Heading towards Lone Pine with Mount Whitney rising behind it. We stop for here for breakfast. The town has a very Twin Peaks feel and that colors my expectations. I’m expecting rich coffee and a dreamy slice of homemade cherry pie. I’m very, very disappointed.

TEST:

Travel: California Travel: National Parks