As we were leaving the RV park this morning we realized we were very close to the Mojave Air and Space Port so we drove over to have a look. The SpaceShipTwo that crashed in the desert last week took off from here and crashed about 30 miles from here. There are several buildings for experimental aircraft, but nothing that we could look at.

Mohave Air and Space Port

1/5 Replica of SpaceShipOne

We had breakfast at the little restaurant by the control tower. It’s right by the runway so we watched some small private planes take off and land while we ate.

Mojave Air and Space Port

We had to get going if we were to get to Death Valley before dark. Our drive took us through some mountains, two lane road, it was an amazingly scenic drive, but with the motor home it was pretty intense.

Hwy 190 into Death Valley

Whew, we made it to the RV Park at Stovepipe Wells just before dark. 200 miles. There are very few other people here so we had our pick of where to park. This is at Sea Level. This is our third time visiting Death Valley so if you have read my blog in the past this will be familiar.

Stovepipe Wells

In the morning we went to nearby Mesquite Sand Dunes and walked around.

Mesquite Dunes

While we were walking I noticed fresh tracks from a Sidewinder Rattlesnake, but no sign of the snake.

Sidewinder Tracks

Back to the RV for a rest after playing in all that sand. While we were sitting there we enjoyed the patterns a couple of jets were practicing in the sky.

Jet Trails

Scotty’s Castle is a most unusual place out in the middle of Death Valley. Our tour guide told us the colorful story of how this private residence came to be. It is now owned by the National Park Service.

Scotty’s Castle

1914 Packard

This coyote watched us as we went by.

Coyote

This morning we went for a hike through Mosaic Canyon.

Mosaic Canyon

After the hike we moved the motor home about 25 miles to Sunset RV Park at Furnace Creek.  Here we are about 200 feet below sea level. And the clouds are rolling in. We didn’t have cell service or internet at Stovepipe Wells but we have it here. But no electricity, so I have work fast to get this blog in before my laptop poops out. The solar panel keeps our house batteries charged up so we have lights, radio, tv (if we had signal), and so we don’t have to run the generator as much.

Sunset RV Park at Furnace Creek

Gas Price at Furnace Creek in Death Valley

Death Valley Statistics

Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. Alaska has a few that are bigger. The highest temperature ever recorded on earth was right here at Furnace Creek in 1913 – 134F (57C).  Not that hot today, just 83F. And this is the lowest point in the United States.

And a great sunset tonight!

Death Valley

• Gasoline:  none
• Lodging:  $6/night (price with Bernie’s National Senior Pass, Regular fee $12.)
• Admission:  Death Valley Entrance Fee – Free with Bernie’s Pass
• Tour:  Scotty’s Castle:  $20