The lake isn't very big and there wasn't too much to explore, which was nice in comparison to other, more crowded lakes nearby. It was pleasant how quiet it was and we were able to relax and take in the surrounding mountains. Each of us enjoyed taking a moment to cool off in the water. This was one of the most memorable parts of the trip for me. Just taking it in and enjoying time with Ben.
We packed the SUV with the usual road trip necessities. This time, it included Lysol, masks, and lots of hand sanitizer. Leaving home around 1PM, we made our way toward Arizona in the middle of August during a heat wave...the ideal travel time to go to the desert ;)
My goal was to capture the sunrise at the beach, maybe I should have left a little sooner to get my camera set up. But I was still made it for the experience I was hoping for. This beach was perfect. I drove part of Big Sur in the dark to get there but it is easily accessible from a road off of Highway 1. The short walk to the beach only built up the anticipation of what the beach and sunrise would look like.
Monterey has a unique rocky shore line creating large crashing waves allowing for amazing photos. The downtown area is also fun with plenty of shops, great restaurants and beautiful parks near the bay where all the boats are docked.
Our next destination was the “Mystery Spot,” and we didn’t really know what to expect. This illusion-based tourist attraction is in the middle of the woods, down a windy one lane road. When you get there you find a really unique tourist attraction, including a souvenir shop, food and plenty of photo opportunities. The tours are $8 a person, plus $5 per vehicle for parking, cash or check only and tours last about 45 minutes.
We ended up at the trailhead before sunrise, right around 5:45AM. When we parked, there was plenty of parking. The pastel colors in the sky were glowing, highlighting a hot air balloon in the distance. A deer nearby silently strolled the fence line. All positive signs for the beginning of our hike and for our trip.
My goal was to capture the sunrise at the beach, maybe I should have left a little sooner to get my camera set up. But I was still made it for the experience I was hoping for. This beach was perfect. I drove part of Big Sur in the dark to get there but it is easily accessible from a road off of Highway 1. The short walk to the beach only built up the anticipation of what the beach and sunrise would look like.
Our next destination was the “Mystery Spot,” and we didn’t really know what to expect. This illusion-based tourist attraction is in the middle of the woods, down a windy one lane road. When you get there you find a really unique tourist attraction, including a souvenir shop, food and plenty of photo opportunities. The tours are $8 a person, plus $5 per vehicle for parking, cash or check only and tours last about 45 minutes.
Just a few of the shrubs found among the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Photo By: Nichole McDaniel
Having my day slightly planned out, my goal was to photograph the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunset. It was a little longer drive, but on my way out of the park. Timing wise, I got there just in time for sunset with the hope that the sun would peak out of the clouds. I hiked several sand dunes. Considering the fact I had just drove over 4 hours through the night in the rain, slept in the freezing weather in my car, and had just explored Death Valley all day in the rain, I was tired but determined.
There are photos shot here with amazing shadows cast on the smooth wind blown dunes. Today the small amount of rain from throughout the day packed the sand to the ground, making it more textured than smooth. I can see the potential for amazing shots here especially at sunset or sunrise. I will just have to come back.
Before I visited Death Valley or started researching it, I couldn’t understand why anyone would go to Death Valley. Death Valley is actually the largest National Park in the Continental United States and probably one of the most unique. With amazing hikes and unique landscapes this is defiantly a must see. Just time it right with the weather and come prepared. I only spent one day here but could easily have stayed the night and enjoyed hiking and exploring more of the desert.
Now to begin the drive to The Sequoia National Forest… Day 2
Sunset glow over the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Winter. Death Valley, CA.
Photo By: Nichole McDaniel
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was Badwater Basin. Rain stopped for a moment and I was able to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the surrounding area. Badwater Basin got it’s name after it was stated that the pools of water that can be found close to the parking lot contained “bad water.” Although the water is unsafe to drink due to the salt, some desert animal and plant life rely on this water.
I kind of lucked out with the stormy day, there were still visitors out in the desert but it was not as crowded as I’m sure it can get. Walking out to the salt flats is a good distance, but was easy and enjoyable looking at the glowing salt underneath my feet. I’m sure it is another story in the heat of summer. The desert here can get extremely hot! On July 10, 1913, Death Valley hit a sizzling 134 degrees F, the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth!
Panoramic Photo of Badwater Basin lowest point in North America, 282 feet below sea level. This is salt not snow by the way!
Photo By: Nichole McDaniel
Here is a link to wikipedia it gives a more detailed description of how the ancient lake evaporated over time leaving the salt crust we see today. Fun Fact: Death Valley also has the highest potential evaporation rate in the United States, with a potential 150 in. annual evaporation rate, meaning a 12 ft. lake could evaporate in a year!
As I walked further out, the salt flats have these raised hexagonal outlines, creating an artistic foreground going into the distance. The vibrant salt, looking like snow, and the unique hues of the storm clouds illuminated the desert. It was so peaceful that I can’t put it into words. I had to sit down for a bit and just take in the moment. Not only was it memorable because it is the lowest point in North America, at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, but because of it’s unique beauty. It was an experience I will never forget.
Chasing the sunrise. I decided to drive in the middle of the night and arrived in Death Valley a few hours before sunrise. Two things were happening, it was a new moon and a storm was coming. I was hoping I would get a few star pictures in the pitch black of the night or rolling storm clouds over the desert. Neither were happening this day.
What trouble can two girlfriends get into exploring the Big Apple, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and TriBeCa? Ok maybe trouble is the wrong word, but we had a blast making friends and taking on the city. This Day 1 New York City Travel Blog includes walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, dinning in great restaurants fit for any foodie, and an evening only the Super Moon could provide. Provided by yours truly, Nichole McDaniel.
Ever wonder about the history or interesting facts of the places you may pass everyday or a really interesting place you walked by and took a photo? Well I decided to do a little research about a few places I saw on my road trip to San Francisco. I hope you find out something interesting you didn't know before about this historic and beautiful city! I know I sure did.
