Spring Break Death Valley Trip – Day 3
May 21, 2012
Wow, day 3 already!
OK, we started off early this morning over at Zabriskie Point keeping our fingers crossed for some sweet clouds and light…
And…
Yeah…
I’m going to stop the whole ”crossing my fingers” thing because it just isn’t working. Lots of clouds to the East, nothing over the viewpoint, so another no go. Although, I did learn something important – seems that the best light is more mid-winter (like Dec- Jan) in this area. April finds the sun too far behind the mountains and by the time it breaks the over the tops of ‘em the light is already too harsh.
After that, it was back to the hotel for some breakfast and planning. The wind was REALLY picking up so the sand dunes – normally full of tracks – might come into play today.
We hung around the hotel for a bit, had some lunch, and made the decision to head north. The sky looked more promising in that direction, and maybe we’d try heading up to Eureka Dunes to see if we couldn’t squeeze out a photo.
It’s a LONG drive, and I couldn’t help but notice the wind was getting more aggressive the further we went. Luckily, we decided to stop at Ubehebe Crater before heading up to Eureka Dunes. At this point the wind was so overwhelming I had to actually pull Grant’s door open for him – he couldn’t push it open against the wind!
As the wind tried to force us back, we made for the crater but were getting stung by flying pebbles! It flet like someone was shooting a BB gun at us as we walked! We decided the best course of action would be to skip the crater for now…
After getting a taste of the wind, it seemed prudent to skip Eureka Dunes. It’s an 80 mile + round trip from where we were on a small, gravel road and if was blowing up there like it was here, there was just no way to even setup a tripod, much less pull off a photo. We punted on the idea and decided to try Mesquite Dunes instead. They’re not as large and are much more likely to have footprints, but they do have the advantage of being right next to our hotel. If the wind was too bad, we’d just skip it.
We had a little time to kill so we stopped off at Scotty’s Castle to poke around – could be a cool place for star trails one day – then it was time to head back, grab some dinner, and see what the weather was going to do.
As evening wore on, the wind died down a little and we decided to head out on the dunes and see what we could get. Little did we know that the respit from the gale force winds was only very temporary – it started picking up again shortly after we got the tripod setup. In fact, we did a little video, but we had to use one of my DSLRs – the regular camcorder would have been destroyed with all the blowing sand! (See video)
Fortunately, it was all worth while as I was able to grab this shot as the sun was going down:
The trip back was pretty rough – once that sun went below the horizon the wind picked up and we were literally hiking back to the car in a sandstorm. It was only a mile or so, but man, it sure seemed longer! I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see a rental car!
~ Steve
- As always, we love your comments 
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21 Responses to Spring Break Death Valley Trip – Day 3
This is outstanding and I’m sharing it with the readers of The Northstar Journal next week. I totally love getting this email newsletter, as well. Warmest regards from the NSJ. MS(R)M
Thank you for sharing.
I look forward to seeing more beautiful photos.
Looks like you could have been in the Sahara Desert. I’m so glad I was home and tucked in while you were looking for the perfect shot. I think you found it!
Beautiful photo! Thanks for your expertise, and for the interesting relation of your travels to get those magnificent pictures!
we visited the valley 1946. We had a tent,only one pipe for water at the campground. we were the only ones there,it was New Years.Have been back several times. Last time with 5th wheel camper & air condition !! in june ,camp was closing 120 degrees.had dinner with a Road Runner !
Stunning shot. I’m so glad YOU are willing to go through the wind, dust, sand, not to mention crawling critters in order to bring us this kind of beauty.
I wish I had even a little bit of your talent.
Steve, love your stories about your locations and your wonderful photos. That was quite a windstorm you were in.If that was snow it would have been a blizzard and huge drifts. I really enjoy your Backcountry Newsletter.
GloriaI decided years ago that I’m NOT a dessert lizard, so most desert photos don’t “ring my bell”… Forests, rivers & lake are much more my speed. However, this photo of the sunset on the dunes, is amazing. (Looks like a modern art painting!) ,
I’m still waiting for you to bring Grant out to visit Heaven on Earth (SW Oregon), & our “Wild” Rogue River (& all our other beautiful waterfalls, rivers & lakes!
Just be sure to tell Grant ahead of time, that you do not swim in the Rogue River. Some people do, but every couple years someone gets pulled under & drowns! And we don’t want Grant to be this year’s “offering” to the ‘river god’!
((hugs))
Nana KarenAwesome photo and I really like the video of the dust devil. Thank you for taking me along on your trip.
Our thanks to you and Grant for the many interesting places you describe and of course the beautiful pictures. We look forward to every new story. You are both so fortunate to have each other.
My Desktop always looks awesome with your pictures on it! Couldn’t ask for better.Thanks Steve and Grant!
Always a fan,
TeriSteve & Grant, you have done it again!!
Fantastic photo.Awesome!!!
That photograph of the sun is truly magnificent. I loved the video and although I am not a lover of the sand or dunes, I do prefer forests and lakes. Living in England as I do, what you have shown is totally different to anything we have over here. Thank you so much for sharing. Looking forward to your next trip.
Beautiful shot!
Love the photos. I can no longer get there. However am I the only one who sees natures faces in the photographs? Carol Ray
“Fully Sick” shot there Steve!!! It’s a saying here in Australia that means “Totally Awesome” I love your photos gracing my desktop every month and always look forward to the start of a new month. I trust you’ll post this one up coz like I say it’s “Fully Sick!!!”
Marvelous photo! I am really enjoying your trips-they are great and you take me back to places we visited years ago. I remember Scotty’s Castle.Thanks so much for sharing. Grant is a sweetheart.
Yvonne
Totally Awesome story and photos. Too bad the sun isn’t what you need for more awesome shots this time of year.
Too bad you can’t use a huge diffuser
Enjoy your trip and look forward to more beautiful and stunning photos
Thanks for sharing your experiences
Scott