California Adventure day 1

I like to name my trips . . . I keep up with all the details on an app called Tripit.  I really do love it, and when we are moving around so much it helps keeps things in order.  The best part is it is free and super easy to use.  I wanted to name this trip California National Park Road Trip but it was too long.  So maybe I should call it CA NP RT because that is what we are up to the next few days even thought we are starting in Las Vegas.  It feels like forever since we went on a trip so I was very excited to get out of Texas.  I have been so wanting to head to Death Valley National Park for a long time but summer is just too hot.  This time of year is just perfect and everything sort of fell into place!  I am so excited; like super excited.  I spent a lot of time mapping out where we would stop on each day so hopefully all goes as planned.  We arrived in Las Vegas late last night and thanks to the time change we were up and ready to go very early!  I was so excited but the scenery had me really surprised . . .

Mountains?  In Death Valley?  Were we headed in the right direction?  The drive was simple.  Before leaving Las Vegas we took time to fill up on snacks and fuel before we left civilization!  The obligatory first stop . . .

. . . I was a bit annoyed that a man parked his motorcycle within 10 feet of the sign and just sort of sat there watching people take photos.  He finally got the hint to move it but seriously who wants your motorcycle in their photo?  It was time to start checking places off our list.  First stop Dante's View which is the highest point in Death Valley which ironically you look down on the lowest point in the continental United States.  Just beautiful . . .

It was really cool!  Back in the car for the drive back to the main part of the park.  Next stop, Twenty Mule Canyon Drive . . .

I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was super cool.  We found a small pullout to park the car and got out to explore a bit.  Colin was loving it!

Then there was a quick stop at Zabriskie Point . . .

 

We stopped at Furnace Creek Ranch for a light lunch at 49er Cafe.  It was okay and really your choices are limited.  We did make a quick stop to the visitor's center to pick up the Junior Ranger book which thrilled Colin beyond words.  Back on the road heading towards the Badwater area.  Devil's Golf Course . . .

Badwater Basin . . .

This is the lowest point in the continental United States at 282 feet below sea level.  Hard to believe we were looking down on this at Dante's View this morning . . .

Back down the road we made what was to be a quick stop at Natural Bridge . . .

The one thing that takes so much time is the driving.  The main road is paved but the side roads to visit theses places are rough gravel so it is slow going especially in a super small rental car.  I do not want to pop a tire and have to figure that out!  So the Natural Bridge hike was listed as easy and half a mile.  We walk and came upon the view in the photo above.  I thought is this it?  It seemed too simple and small so we continued on.  And then we reach this huge wall of boulders . . .

. . . Colin was thrilled to scurry to the top and check it out.  He snapped a few photos because there was no way I was able to climb the rock and come back down safely.

I held down the rocks below and worried about what he was doing . . .

You know all that typical stuff you worry about as a mom . . . would he fall to his death while I just sat there?  Of course he was fine, but it bothered me.  We headed back to the car and realized that was really it.  We laughed and I proclaimed the day of stopping was OVER!  Our last stop was back to Furnace Creek Ranch where we would spend the night in an adorable cabin.  Of course it was a lie , . . all lies because I did stop and snap a couple of photos . . .

I swear I wanted to stop a lot to take photos in the middle of the road . . .

Colin did not think it was a good idea but isn't that just beautiful?  I swear it is a million times more beautiful in person.  I was just so loving the day!  So back on the road towards the cabin.  The cabin was cute too . . .

Your typical National Park lodging . . . small, clean, and overpriced BUT in the middle of all the amazing beauty of the park!  You really can't go wrong and if it is available we always stay inside the park.  One of the selling points was there was a hot spring heated pool . . .

It was a tad too cold outside for me but you know kids . . . they will swim no matter what.  We made a  quick change and headed out to The Wrangler for dinner.  Colin always goes for the biggest steak which happened to be a 32oz ribeye.  He said we would get it and we could share . . .

. . . just a little hunk of beef.  Now his idea and my idea of sharing is a bit different.

I got the sides and a few pieces of meat which was all I really needed.  I would say it was money well spent . . .

The cabin was calling and the shower was super hot.  I was asleep around 8:30pm.  It was a long, busy, but super fun day!  I can't wait for day 2 of more exploring.