A few years ago I visited Las Vegas and decided there was a need to explore a little further afield while there, so we decided upon a visit to Death Valley National Park since it didn't seem too far a distance to go.
So we rented a car for a few days, I selected a Chevy Captiva (sister model to the Vx/Opel Antara in other markets) for this, but instead, there was an upgrade!
A chuffing big Chevy Tahoe!! in FBI black! with a stonking 300bhp V8 (okay so 2ltr 4cyls can do that now 🤣). By far the biggest and most powerful car I had even driven. And this was at a time when I had a 1.4l NA Fiat 500 with 100hp to its name!
Zabriskie Point
The first stop was at Zabriskie Point, and a view from the car park back towards the road we turned off from. I just loved the clear blue skies with the Moon contrasting with the rock formations here.
As I walked up to the viewpoint, I just couldn't help but turn to see the other direction, and road along it. Lifeless bar one single car.
Zabriskie Point is known for its patterned rock formations and wow were they impressive.
Can see them in detail here how they are like steps or waves overlapping one another.
And one last view before heading onto the next part of the trip, via what looks to be a Jeep Wrangler group.
Harmony Borax Works
Just north of Furnace Creek there is a Boxax plant known as Harmony.
The remains of a 20 multe team wagon remain in place here
As does the Borax Works building itself.
With the remains of a boiler still in place.
Could you imagine seeing these Borax wagons being pulled by 20 mules? There is a picture on Wiki showing this but to just imagine that is still staggering.
The operation itself lasted until 1888 when the business collapsed.
Artists Drive Loop
Looking back on the route travelled so far up into the hillside.
Although known for their pastel-like colours in this area, due to the sun setting we ended up having a golden shade appearing making it quite different to what was expected.
The amazing thing was, within an hour half of this, it was pitch dark, just as we were heading back to Las Vegas.