WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 29, 2012
We officially began our FANTASY RV TOURS adventures today.
Go to: www.fantasyrvtours.com
and look at the Western National Parks
to see our itinerary.
We boarded our Luxury bus at 7:45 AM,
and left the driving to PAUL,
and the Narrating to BILL.
We were conveniently seated
in front of a DVD screen so we
had no problem viewing a
National Geographic video
that was shown as an educational tool,
about Death Valley.
i.e. The highest point is 11,600 ft. for Telescope Peak.
The lowest point in North America
is 280 ft. below Sea Level
at Badwater Flats in Death Valley.
The Park stretches over 3 million acres.
For every 300 ft.down,
the temperature increases by one degree.
The green color rocks have Copper,
and the light colors have Borax
which we saw at the Badwater Flats stop.
Our first stop was at ZABRISKIE POINT
where we were advised there would be
an uphill climb to the viewing point.
Everyone on the bus took on the challenge!
We all reached the peak.
It was well worth it
ZABRISKIE POINT view at 8:59 AM.
BADWATER BASIN
BORAX SALT Crystals
BADWATER BASIN pool view at 9:47 AM.
Our next stop was at the FURNACE CREEK VISITORS CENTER,
where the temperature registered 120 degrees at 11:00 AM.
I took a picture just to prove it was really that hot.
Believe me, it felt that way too.
I was surprised that there was even
educational information posted in the Ladies Room.
Again, I took a picture for the valuable information
on this sign. I have to admit, I thought about it
as the day progressed. Fantasy was quick to
offer us a bottle of cold water every time we got off the bus.
We had a wonderful Buffet luncheon at Furnace Creek Inn,
and had time to wander through their outdoor
displays of old wagons and Borax mining
equipment. I could not help but notice
this distressed appearing bird on the lawn.
Borax hauling Wagons
Old Stagecoach
Our final stop of the day was for a Tour
of SCOTTY CASTLE
which is part of the National Parks Service.
Our lovely Ranger Guide, Mindy, was dressed in
the period costume of the 1940's, complete with stockings
that had a seam down the back. How many of us remember those days?
She had a very lively way of
telling us the history of SCOTTY'S CASTLE
which you can learn more about at:
Mindy our Park Ranger Guide.
The entry way into the living areas.
Mindy telling us about the furnishings in this living room.
Russ looking my way,
as Mindy tells about the GREAT ROOM.
A desert Cactus that has its
own kind of beauty.
One of the few Sand Dunes we could see from a distance.
Taken on our return trip to Pahrump, NV.
The afternoon light made it more interesting
than when the other side of the bus
could see it on the way to SCOTTY'S CASTLE.
I love sky pictures. This was taken
just before 6 PM,
when we finished our Tour.
NOTE: We will be traveling to
St. George, Utah on Thursday.
We are not sure of our
Verizon Service
while there for the next three nights.
It may be a few days before I am able to post again.
Direct contact via the St. George RV Resort
for Emergencies only:
435-879-2212.
