Death Valley - February 2010

February and time to get out of town. Where haven't we been in a very long time? Yes, Death Valley and Scotty's Castle. We both remembered being there with our parents but had we been there together in the last 40 years? Don't remember.

So, first stop, the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris. http://www.oerm.org/



It was pretty interesting and we had a personal tour (midweek is great - no crowds!)

Then to Colton for night (grand total of 100 miles - enough for one day).

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - day 2

Onward to Death Valley via Olancha and lunch at the world famous Ranch House Cafe (but Don's burgers are better). And what amazing scenery through the valley. It is vast with snow capped mountains in the distance, sand dunes, hills, shrubs, geologic wonders everywhere.

We had reservations at the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel in Death Valley Junction that Don found on the web. It looked pretty rustic but interesting (and more affordable than the resorts in the park). We had the Swan Room - the frescoes are hand painted by Marta Becket (dancer, painter, concert pianist) now 85 years old and still performing in her opera house on the weekend.

http://resnexus.com/resnexus/book/more.aspx?B=16&ID=1167&ResID=24247

Thursday, February 25, 2010 - day 3

This day was Scotty's Castle for Ruth. http://www.nps.gov/deva/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm
I loved the house tour, especially the pipe organ concert at the end. Don really enjoyed the underground/power house tour.

Friday, February 26, 2010 - day 4

Long drive home.

Next known trip: Flagstaff, Arizona end of April.