DEATH VALLEY

This really is a very desolate part of the world with some wonderful scenery.  We drove straight to Zabraskie Point however were not early enough to catch good early morning light.  I broke the rules and went off the track to try and avoid looking into the sun.  The shapes are fantastic though and it is quite a large area.  From there we went on to Badwater.  This part of the valley is 85.5meters below sea level and very salty.  There is just a small pool of water.  We then back tracked and took the other road and stopped at the Mustard Canyon, the colours there are mustard, of course. 
After a late lunch at Badwater Saloon at Stovepipe Wells Village we headed on towards the other side of the park.  At Vista View lookout we pulled in for another view.  As it has reached around 37C we have been drinking plenty of water and Ian opened the boot to refill the bottles in the car from the 1.5ltr wine bottle with our extra water, did this, leaving the keys in the car and when we went to get back in the car it was locked. 
Thankfully a Swiss fellow had a mobile that picked up a signal and we were able to call Budget.  There is key pad on the outside of the door and we assume there is a code to open the car but they couldn't find the code (this took the best part of half an hour as Ian would not hang up until they arranged some help.  A French couple also stayed with us until they were sure we were alright.  When the three of them left us, just saying thank you and shaking hands, didn't seem enough.  We both wished we could have rewarded them in some way.  We were 50 miles from anywhere. 
About half an hour after they left a Sheriff arrived and assured us he had arranged for a tow truck to come.  We think he had been contacted by Budget to ensure it was a genuine call and he then phoned the tow truck after making sure we had enough cash to pay   It was the best part of another hour before the tow truck arrived.  The man was very deft at unlocking cars and told us this happens a lot.  He said the electronics are just too smart sometimes.  The worst part was that the view wasn't worth stopping in the first place for.  A breeze did come up and cooled the temperature somewhat which was a blessing.
Once on our way we drove to Bishop where we are for the night.  All part of the adventure. 



Part of Zabraskie Point

A dry lake bed that went on for miles

The view from Vista Point Lookout.  Whilst we were waiting a fighter jet flew down through the canyon almost at the bottom.

 

 

The Sheriff was a really nice guy who made sure we had water and were ok.  Ian was disappointed he wasn't a fat man as they are in the movies!