We had a guest at camp this morning, a coyote who was after 2 crows that had begun to hang around. He didn’t seem afraid of us, but kept a safe distance. The wind died down alot overnight, but everything is coated again with sand. The French Toast we had for breakfast was delicious! Today is a busy day, as we hike to Thimble Peak (I don’t bag the peak, but most do) drive/walk through Titus Canyon and have a sunset picnic on the sand dunes before heading back to Stovepipe Wells for showers. We stayed on the dunes until the sideways sliver of a moon set behind the mountains, then walked back to the van by headlamp.It is our last day of hiking for the week,
and it has all been a great experience!
After scaling the walls going after the birds, the coyote comes down and stays across the road from us.
(shadow) is that a monkey on the roof of our van? Steve has sprouted a tail!
We park at Red Pass 5250 ft. to begin our hike.
We have been on a one-way gravel road that is 26 miles end to end
East face of Mt Whitney 14,491’ highest point in the lower 48 states
another shot of the road we came up on
snack break. Love the gummy bears!
Desert Indian Paintbrush
From this point we can see the lowest point (Badwater) to the highest point (Mt. Whitney) in the lower 48. Pretty cool!
Badwater is in the Valley to the left side of the photo
Thimble Peak. 6381’. More steep loose gravel, so I decide not to continue.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
ok, this is cheesy, but we all did it!
I crush-a your head! (remember Kids in the Hall?) I just had to take this
The group on top of the Peak! Good job!
Irena, Margaret and myself enjoy our grilled chicken sandwiches at a lower altitude.
From Red Passs, we had down into Titus Canyon
Past the remains of Leadfield
Petroglyphs
the scenery is beautiful!
We walk teh last 1 1/2 miles of the canyon
nearing the mouth of the canyon
Desert Five Spot
Heading out to the dunes to teh perfect picnic spot
I’ve never been on dunes this big, it’s exciting!
yesterday’s wind storm has left fresh ripples
We’ve created “Shoehenge” and go barefoot from here
Ancient monothihs, or smelly foorwear?
Now this is a desert!
Go Michael!
lizard tracks (my guess)
Michael and Joe
Michael and Joe
Jumping off the top is fun!
Dinner tonight is pesto pasta, ceaser salad and garlic bread, with lots of wine and cookies for desert!
