Death Valley Wildflowers and Badwater Basin

Yesterday we made a day trip to Death Valley National Park. We had been there two years ago, but it was around the end of December. It was quite different this time around, as we went to see the wildflowers blooming, and we sure did see quite a few.

A carpet of yellow at Death Valley

We also drove to the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level. It might be the lowest elevation in the world, I would have to check on that. Behind us is the basin, chock full of salt. The walkway behind us to the left is totally white from people tramping on the salty ground...To the sides of the walkway the surface is crusty with dirt 'frosted' with salt crystals. It is white again way out there, where you can see what appears to be a sliver of white. That white sliver is quite a large expanse actually.

I don't know the names of most of the flowers, but here are some photos of some of them.

This one is the Desert Five Star.

We played Texas Hold'em at the clubhouse last night and had a good time, plus we won about $7 between us. That is pretty good, as the game here has limited betting and the chips are a nickel apiece, with everyone starting with $5. Max bet anytime is 12 chips. A lot of fun with minimal risk.