Second Options

Having checked the weather in Panamint Springs the night before, we were disappointed to find out that the Sierras were expected to get a couple of feet of snow. Considering our reservation at the campground in Yosemite Valley, this put a hitch in our plans. We immediately bailed on the idea of going to Yosemite and instead had to come up with other options. We stayed in Stovepipe Wells, but because of the heat had avoided the Mosaic Canyon hike. Now the temperature was down to a more comfortable level, so it was now time to check it out. We did the drive and the trailhead was rather full. We talked to some people who had an Xterra just like us. The whole canyon would prove to be a rather friendly experience as we ended up having conversations with many different groups, mainly couples. The hike started as every other hike in Death Valley, going up a canyon that was fairly open. It quickly changed into a slot canyonesque experience where we were climbing over some semi slickrock in a sort of narrow canyon. It was definitely pretty with the variation in rock types that helps make Death Valley so diverse geologically. This slotty section only lasted for the first mile. After this, it opened up to a big giant open drainage again. We decided it might be a good idea to let little Z run around for a while. She was starting to get tired of being in the backpack. I did not blame her because it had been nearly every day. Her little chin showed the sign of it as rubbing against the backpack had created a slight rash on her chin. She was not quite ready to get out and walk with us yet, though, so we just gave her extended time playing with the rocks. I am glad that we have a child that is so easily entertained because she could have played with rocks, dirt, and sticks for hours. We gave her quite a bit of time and then continued on our way up canyon. Neither of us were feeling incredibly ambitious on this day, so after about another mile we turned around. Supposedly this one went for a long time, but the most interesting part was in the first couple miles. We talked to some people coming down and their stories from above were noted  very convincing, so we decided to head back down canyon and give Zyla’s chin a break. Our next stop was not very far away, though. On the other side of Stovepipe Wells are the massive sand dunes. Having been there before, I wanted to take Zyla and Jacqueline to check them out. Besides, for a kid that can like dirt as much as mine, she was sure to appreciate the sand. I was right because she was totally into the sand. I was surprised at the numbers of people wandering around on the sand. I guess on an overcast day with high winds expected, this was the thing to do. The three of us walked out onto the dunes together, but I left Jacqueline and Zyla to play in the sand while I wandered toward the main dune trying to get a picture with no other tourists in the shot. It was a tough shot to get, but eventually they all got out of the way and I got a picture. There is just something so cool about sand dunes. We got our fill of sand time and had a little lunch. Then it was back in the car to head down south. The winds were just whipping away as we got to Furnace Creek. Our only stop this time was to get out at Zabriskie Point to get hammered by the wind. I was not sure when we would get back, so I wanted Jacqueline to see this sight. We each went separately to the point and got slammed by the wind while Zyla slept comfortably in the car. This day would end with a long drive to Primm, Nevada where we would reload and try to figure out what to do in rain and the wind.