Sand Dunes and a Mosaic

Our first night here in Death Valley featured rain and high winds. I felt so bad for the folks camping in tents. One family we saw today said they packed it in and drove out to Stovepipe Wells to stay in the hotel there, since they could get a room. The wind was fierce and blew everything that wasn't tied down and a few things that were. The rain continued into this morning, so we planned a late start and then went out in the rain anyway.

We spent our time in the Stovepipe Wells area, first hiking in the Mesquite Sand Dunes. I joked about getting exfoliated; the wind really blew the sand around. In between gusts, it was quite nice, and we enjoyed our hike without a trail.

Facing west.

Notice the rain on the hills. That area includes Mosaic Canyon.

Looking for a handout near the parking area

We then had lunch at Stovepipe Wells Village, in the Badwater Saloon. Kind of a fun atmosphere, especially the young bartender who had just moved to Death Valley for this job from Indiana. She was enthusiastic about the park and seemed to be enjoying her time here.

We got gas at the Stovepipe Wells gas station (it is much cheaper than Furnace Creek), and we drove the dirt road up to the Mosaic Canyon Trailhead. This was a different trail than our usual sort, up a slot canyon. Russ was fascinated with the exposed geology.

Mosaic Canyon

The narrows.

Geologist (wannabe)

Out the mouth of Mosaic Canyon with Death Valley below

I used the pressure cooker to make bean soup for dinner, but managed to burn my arm on the hot metal pan. I like using the pressure cooker in the R-Pod. It saves our propane because it cooks everything faster, and also because I can cook things like dried beans that would just take too long otherwise.

This concoction was Anasasi Beans with Adobe Milling Bean Spice, onions and celery