Adler's Fall 2013 Northwest: November 24, 2013 California City/Death Valley

November 24, 2013 Death Valley, CA

We had a very scenic, drive from California City, CA to Death Valley and the roads were quite good. The thing we had to deal with, was elevation climbs. We went over 6,000 feet elevation climb on the first mountain range, down to 2,000 feet and then back up to 4,000 feet elevation. By the time we reached the bottom, where we are staying, our altimeter says -315 feet, so we are below sea level. They had quite a bit of snow accumulation during the storm that is now going through the south and lower Midwest. The Phoenix area has had plenty of rain, too, according to our friends there. The roads today had been plowed, so they were dry, and we are in for four sunny days. They welcome the rains here, as it gives hope for flowers in Death Valley in the spring. I always said I wanted to come to Death Valley in the spring when the flowers bloom, but after we spend the next days here, I’m not so sure we will want to come back. I know we’ll approach it from the east next time instead of the west, if we do return. The snow covered mountains were pretty, and gave a sharp contrast to the rough terrain in the lower elevations. We were glad to get out of Central CA, and spent two nights in the Sierra Trails Campground east of California City. If nothing else, we will enjoy a little rest and relaxation. The campground sites here are nice and spacious, and we’re seeing a lot of families here already. They must take their children out of school for the week, as we took the last site available. We saw online that business picks up here starting with Thanksgiving Week and continues through the winter months. I think we are going to like it here, but we are getting anxious to plant our feet for several months in Apache Junction. My posted pictures show a lot of snow, but it looks good on pictures!!!!