Annual 49er Encampment Death Valley to Lone Pine

From all over they came to Death Valley to honor the 49ers. Concerts. parades, contests and historical talks and walks. But the re-assembly of the 20 mule team was a highlight for sure. This exciting display was in addition to the covered wagon brigade that arrived from Utah.

Below are the wagons in which the borax was kept and transported by the mule team.

It was about 5:30 a.m. and park visitors assembled at Zabriskie Point, cameras ready. An historic tradition in this park. And the sun rose, as expected:

 

Another must in this spacious and dynamic park is a walk on the dunes. Watch for snakes!

Campsite conversation and honey whisky:

The 49er weekend highlight – the PARADE. A dud this year – and the usual ragtag appearance of E Clampus Vitus was a no show. They were represented by one clamper:

A FAVORITE DEATH VALLEY STOP IS CHINA RANCH.

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WATER? ACROSS THE VALLEY IS THE TECOPA HOT SPRINGS AREA AND A LOVELY LAKE.

ANOTHER MUST-VISIT IS THE REMNANTS OF THE MINING TOWN OF RHYOLITE. THE DEPOT STILL STANDS BUT IS NO LONGER OPEN.

OUT OF CHARACTER IS A BIZARRE MUSEUM FEATURING A MAZE  AND A BICYCLIST

AND TO THE NORTH, THE SCENERY CHANGES. LUNCH AT PANAMINT SPRINGS THEN ENJOYED THE FALL COLORS OF THE LONE PINE AREA!

A fishing trip to the portals was a laugh. The pond was empty. The waterfall frozen. The café closed. But the fall colors brilliant.

THE END