Day 2 only lasted 24 hours but we packed a lot in

We woke in Tecopa to a hot, but dry 90 degrees. Quick breakfast and we headed to the local 'free' hot springs. 100 metres of the main road we found a few ponds (that were hot), a dog and a nude male sunbathing. The springs were really hot - and a quick dip would have been great, but the nude male put us off - so we kept moving.

We just got going again when we saw our first Coyote - wandering near the road. Lots of excitment and photos followed.

A quick fuel stop at Shoshone and we officially entered Death Valley National Park and drove along Salsberry Pass - climbing to 3,315 feet and seeing just a glimpse of what Death Valley has to offer. The views were stunning as we headed down into the valley.

First stop Badwater - salt flats. The mountains and blue sky made the salt flats look quite stunning. We walked out into the middle of the salt flat - bracing ourselves against a strong wind - it was stunning to see mile upon mile of salt flat streching out along the valley floor. We looked up at the mountain beside us and saw a small sign - 282 feet ABOVE us was a sign saying "Sea Level". We were at the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere - it was hot as well as low...about 103 degrees here.

Back in the car and off to Natural Bridge. This is a stunning walk of about 2 miles that takes you through a narrow gorge where half-way along there is a natural rock bridge that crosses the gorge. It was an amazing location (and very quiet). Flash flooding causes some amazing features in the rocks and even the kids really enjoyed walking in this area.

Death Valley was growing on us and the next drive through "Artists Palate" made us fully paid up fans of the "We love Death Valley" club. Artists Palate is hard to describe, and photos will just not do it justice. It's a short drive through the mountains where each mountain has layers of colour - blues, greens, pinks, blacks, yellows. It's like driving through a Disney Land feature called "layer cake". Simply stunning - a great drive.

After a very busy morning we checked into our room at Furnace Lake Ranch. A great place to spend a day or so. A swim in the pool heated by thermal springs was just what we needed. I am almost embarassed to say that as we got out of the pool into the very windy 103 degrees it actually felt quite chilly and we needed a towel quickly!

Next stop Golden Canyon. This was nice, but a tired Olivia -who fell and grazed her leg did not help.

Back in the car to do "Twenty Mule Team Canyon" - a car drive. This was a route that a team of 20 mules would haul Borax out off. Borax was mined in Death Valley and is used to make soap.

Final 'visit' was to the top of Zabriskie Point - thankfully you can drive. The views were stunning.

The first full day in Death Valley ended with us ordering way too much food in the bar and having another swim in the pool.

Great day - we love Death Valley.

I am struggling with a rubbish Wi-Fi signal so no photos yet...sorry.

Ken