Death Valley December 2009

Death Valley is the largest national park in California. You could drive a 100 miles in one direction and still be inside the park. It is a harsh, forbidding place in summer with temperatures reaching 120F. In winter, however, it is a wonderland. With barely any rain and mild temperatures in the valley it is the perfect getaway. The lowest point in the valley is the Badwater basin at -282ft. The highest point is the snow-capped Telescope peak at over 11000 ft. From the sand dunes to the salt flats to the volcanic craters to the 2400 gallon/min natural springs, this national park is a bundle of contradictions. Death Valley was also an area where people lived and worked till recently. There are signs of human endeavors everywhere - from the "innovative" 20 mule team wagons to the abandoned mines and mills. Nothing, however, is more amazing than "Scotty's castle". Walter Scott, aka Death Valley Scotty, lived and entertained here but never owned it.