Germar's Monthly Updater

Four-National-Parks-Tour Day 4 In the morning of day 4, we had to climb two passes to reach Death Valley National Park. The picture below is taken shortly after Salsberry Pass. The last thing I had expected in Death Valley was a bicycle race. But sure enough, just when we crossed Jubilee Pass, hundreds of bikers were passing us. We passed Mormon Point after a while, which marks sea level. Some supporters of the race chose this place for watching the bikers. One attraction of Death Valley is the fact that there is the lowest point of the Western Hemipshere - 282 feet below sea level. Close to this point is Badwater, a small lake at the border of a vast salty marsh. The reflections of the surrounding mountains in Badwater lake were quite stunning, and my mom was admiring them. After a short lunch (having a motor home is really convenient), we went for a 1-hour walk on the salty crust. When the water slowly evaporates after rain fall, salt pans remain, which have an elevated border to their neighbors. Salt crystallizes at these borders come in an amazing variety of shapes, which reminded me of hoarfrost on a frozen lake. From Badwater, we headed north a couple of miles for a hike to "Natural Bridge". This is a rocky arch spanning a small box canyon. Looking through the bridge towards the mountains, which were illuminated by the soft light of the afternoon sun, was fabulous. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring enough film for capturing the sight. Thus, you have to be satisfied with this mountain scene at the start of the Natural Bridge trail. We spent the night at Texas Springs campground, located close to the main village of Death Valley, Furnace Creek.

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