Disclaimer: This blog entry wasn’t written until 15 years after the trip. It should be noted that it was a huge mistake to have not written it way back when. Sometimes, after writing so much about other days, it happens that at the time directly after the trip (or even during), I convince myself that the details are not that important. Years later, these details are that important, and pulling them out of foggy memories is difficult. The photos help and often leave clues, and then Caroline’s memories are usually far clearer than mine. With that said, here goes.
Little did we know just how exotic and meaningful a stop in Death Valley National Park would be to Jutta, but we learned on approach that this was a dream come true. She couldn’t believe that she would ever experience this iconic out-of-the-way spot on earth in person. Had we known this fact, I would have planned more time for us to be here, though a cooler time of year might have worked out better for her.
On our way into the park, we stumbled upon these two guys on the south end of West Side Road near Shoreline Butte in Death Valley. They had been out here since 5:00 p.m. the day before. The previous day’s high temperature was 112 degrees (44 Celsius), and by 8:00, when we pulled over to offer assistance, it was already nearly 90 degrees (32 Celsius). Three other cars had passed them and never stopped. After supplying the men with water, fruit cups, and granola bars, we reported them to a park ranger at the Death Valley Visitors Center and were assured help was on the way.
For those who know, this is the approach to Bad Water.
Yes, it was already hot for Jutta out here, and it was little comfort for her that in a few hours, it would be 20 degrees warmer.
Good thing walking on a dry salt lake was so enchanting that she didn’t give much thought to anything other than the magic of being in Death Valley.
I think Jutta was surprised by the water in the park as it was her impression that there would be none.
While no story exists about the details of this 15-year-old journey, I’m happy to have our photos that tell at least part of the narrative.
No other photo of this exists in the history of the human race, nor can one ever be taken in the future. That is how important it is for all of us to get out and see our ever-changing world.
Sand dunes are a new concept to Jutta. While she’s been to various beaches, never had she walked over a sand dune in the middle of a desert.
And with this departing view of the park, we were once again underway to points further west.
The rivers were running high with snowmelt; we were just happy to see lots of water before reaching the sea.
The contrast between forest, meadow, and desert is not lost on us as we stop to grab a keepsake for the memories.
I can’t tell you if there’s a corner of California that isn’t astonishingly beautiful.
What’s not to love about the view?
And before we knew it we were in the San Simeon area and visiting the elephant seals once more. Eight years ago, during Jutta’s first visit to the States, we had brought her up this coast and it was on that trip that all three of us had our first encounter with these beautiful creatures. We are staying in town at the Sea Breeze Inn so we can have another visit with the seals in the morning. The room cost us $79 plus tax.