Day 5 - July 9, 2011

We left Las Vegas and headed toward California this morning. Al said we should make sure to fill up the gas tank, because it would be more expensive in California.

Here's the sign where we stopped to fill up.



We made it to California! (though we were disappointed with the sign on this road)



We went through Death Valley on the way to Yosemite.



As we were going through Death Valley, it was hard to stop to look at the scenery. 113* and it was SO HOT!!! We kept talking about the pioneers who traveled west. What did they think when all they saw was desolation as far as they could see? How did they make it without water? You can see from these pictures this is also known as the "Bad Lands". It took us 4 - 5 hours to drive through the park and we were worn out. I can't begin to imagine riding a horse or wagon for days and days!





These are sand dunes from erosion from one mountain range and blows into a valley area before reaching another mountain range. A sign said the sand reaches 200* during the day, but holds moisture, so you are encouraged to dig down in it to feel that. We'll have to take their word for it.



A gas station in the middle of Death Valley



This is not too far out of Death Valley. It's unbelievable the change in just a few miles!



A rest area we stopped at



Mammoth Lake where we stayed the night tonight. It was 62* plus the wind was blowing. Brrrrr!! What a beautiful place though.



I talked to a man who lives here through the summer. He told me he came in May and it was 16*! There is a ski resort in this area as well. No wonder there is still snow!