Canyon Colors and Castles

Death Valley seems to be another place that holds on to it's secrets and requires some exploring to find the diversity and beauty.
When we arrived the sun was painfully bright, the campground was a hot, gravel parking lot and everything looked too bold to approach.  In just 2 days we began to see that it would take weeks to even see a little in all the interesting areas of the park.

We got just a taste of the beauty of the canyons on our hike.  The rock colors that stripe the cliffs and mountains in bold contrast with one another were beautiful.  A road winds through one area that is called the Artist's Palette.  We'll see that next time.

Terry and I don't usually take 'house tours' on our travels, but Ranger Kate's offer to be our guide at Scotty's Castle in the north part of the park (about 50 miles away) changed all that!  What a treat to see her in action, fully costumed and coiffured as a news reporter of the early 1930's.  The story of the multi-millionaire who fell under the spell of Scotty, a 'Buffalo Bill Wild West Show' con artist is fascinating and Kate's tour wove you in the intrigue.  As you will see the Chicago couple who built the 'castle' that bears Scotty's name spared no expense on their desert get away.   Nice place to spend a little time!!

If you ever get a chance to visit Death Valley in the winter, don't miss it!  There is a lovely Furnace Creek Ranch Resort with swimming pool, restaurant and gift shop.  There are hookups in the Furnace Creek Campground if you have reservations.  Plan to stay a few days to glimpse the history and beauty that is so much more than you will first find.