When Aunt Debbie and Frank came to visit, I was delighted! Mom and Dad were happy and I had four more hands to pet me. However, I was not allowed to go with them when they went out the door. So, this is the story they told me.
On Thursday, Aunt Debbie and Frank went golfing while Mom and Dad went hiking since they were already obligated to lead this very strenuous hike down at Gold Strike Canyon. When everybody got home, they were very sore and tired. But happy.
That evening, Frank treated everyone to an evening at one of the last showings of the Las Vegas "The Lion King" at Mandalay Bay. Now, that would have been right down my alley but, alas, I was not invited.
Valley of Fire
On Friday, everybody got up early and left me in the kennel for a lot of hours. They went 'splorin' out at Lake Mead. First they swung by Anniversary Narrows and found that it was still closed. Then they drove up by the lake and found a pretty spring area. Next, they went on up to Valley of Fire and this is where these photos are from.
They hiked a 3.5 mile hike called the Valley of Fire Slot Canyons. The color of the rock and the formations of the canyons are "out of this world." ... whatever that means. When they finished the hike, the sun was almost setting and there were many photogs out taking a lot of beautiful pictures.
Liberty Bell Arch
On Saturday, Mom and Dad were scheduled to lead another hike but this one was easier and there were a lot of hikers that went with them. Liberty Bell Arch is a 5 mile hike down by the river just below the dam in Arizona.
That evening, Frank treated the four people to a yummy dinner at Brio for an early New Year's Eve celebration. When I heard the fireworks go off at midnight, Mom was the only one to peek out the window and see a couple of them from the Strip.
Death Valley -
Zabriski Point
So, the next day, we all got up and packed for a trip. They were going to Death Valley and I was going to the vet to be boarded. ...hmmm, yea. Anyways, so after they dropped me off, they drove through Pahrump (which prompted many jokes about the local brothels) and on to the Furnace Creek area of Death Valley. The photo above was taken at Zabriski Point where the sun was low enough to create beautiful shadows across the frozen sand dunes.
Badwater
After a visit to the Visitor's Center to get our window sticker, we drove out to Badwater before the sun went down. (It goes down around 4:15pm there at this time.) The light was great for photos there, too.
Next, they ate dinner then went back to the hotel. They struggled with a young inexperienced desk clerk and managed to get two very nice rooms with king beds and fireplaces.
Darwin Falls
The next morning, it was required that they all get up really early again. A long drive through Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Emmigrant and Panamint Springs brought them to the trailhead for Darwin Falls. As the ranger had eluded, they found the two mile trail to be a challenge due to slippery rocks, crossing small limbs over water and squeezing around a protruding boulder. But they did it! I really wish I could've been there.
Mosaic Canyon
Next, they ate a nice sandwich at Stovepipe Wells Saloon then headed up to close by Mosaic Canyon. At only a mile, out and back, the beautiful little slot canyon entertained for a short jaunt among the marble walls. But, quickly now, the sun was beginning its descent to the horizon and there was more to do.
Stovepipe Wells Sand Dunes
The day was full of new stuff for all four and the sand dunes at sunset was a "must do." So, all four took a hiking stick and trudged out into the sand. Sand isn't easy to walk in. I know. I can go only so far then my short legs get stuck. Luckily, the four people have longer legs. Dad was determined to reach to farthest and highest sand dune. It was about a mile from the cars.
As the sun went down, interesting shadows filled the sand dunes with photo- graphic oppor- tunities. (Okay, that was a mouthful.) There were a lot of other people out there, too. Some were using sleds on the sand. They were probably a lot younger than Mom and Dad. ... Just sayin'.
That evening, back at the hotel, Dad, Aunt Debbie and Frank had dinner but Mom was pooped! I guess she just couldn't keep up with all those older people!
Golden Canyon / Gower Gulch Loop
So, the next morning, Mom was rearing to go and everyone else was a little slow at first. But, the 4.5 mile Golden Canyon / Gower Gulch Loop raised everyone's "Wow Factor" and the hike went by fast as they went from one incredible view to another. The hike went up under Manly Peak which is a pointy frozen sand dune that can be seen from Zabriski Point. The trail is a narrow path that is cut into the side of the dune.
Then they climbed down the next canyon passing a couple of old mines. This is a wider canyon, not as photogenic but easily hiked.
There was a little bit of scrambling involved. That just makes things interesting. Then the trail takes you back to the cars along the base of the mountains. Aunt Debbie was having a small shoe problem but Frank was very helpful in solving the problem.
Lunch was at the Furnace Creek Cafe again.
Dante's View
Before leaving the park, the four of them drove up to Dante's View. "Up" is the keyword here. Dante's View is seen from the top of the mountain above Badwater. You can see all of "Death Valley" per se. Of course, the park is much larger but this is the valley portion.
All that was left to do was ride home and make sure Aunt Debbie and Frank caught the plane the next morning. Oh yeah, and pick me up from the vet. (That part is mucho importante!) I could tell that Mom and Dad were very energized and very happy that the visit went so well.
