Death Valley: A land of extremes, one of the hottest places on the surface of the earth with summer temperatures averaging will over 100 degrees. It encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level, and is the direst place in North America with an average rainfall of only 1.96 inches a year. Death Valley National Park, established in 1933, covers almost 3,000 sq. miles and is a vast natural museum, larger than Yellowstone. When pioneer wagons with the first white men entered the valley in 1849 (the "Forty-Niners), the area was inhabited by Panamint Indians. The visitor center, takes you to the old Harmony Borax Works from which, in the 1880's, famous 20 mule team borax trains hauled their loads (up to 46,000 pounds at a time) a grueling 165 miles to the railroad in Mojave. We made the trip in 2002, came up from Vegas on H-160 to 372 (Nevada) to 178 (California), and made a swing around to Badwater, Devels Golf Course, Artists Drive,and Zabriskie Point. The Devel's Golf Course is Crystallized salt that forms the jagged formations. Deposited by ancient salt lakes and shaped by wind and rain, the chrystles are forever changing. Didn't make it to the visitors center or Scotties Castle. The spring rains of 2005 washed out H-190 between Death Valley Junction and Furnace Creek. H-190 is the main road through Death Valley and there is a campground, the only one in the park. Guess they had a bit more than 1.96 inches of rain in 05 !! Many People stay at the campground at Pahrump NV to visit Death Valley. We understand Terrible's Casino has a great campground, buy we have not been there.

Joshua Tree National Park: Two deserts, two large ecosystems whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree Natl Park. Below 3,000 feet, the colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher, moister , and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree. In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in california's deserts.

Palm Springs: A fashionable residential community and winter resort, noted for it's fine golf courses. Close to Mount San Jacinto (10,831 ft), ascended to a point near the summit by an Arial tramway. The tramway goes up 85oo feet, has the worlds largest tramcars and drops you off in San Jacinto St. Park. There is a resturant, and of course, a gift shop at summit. Many hiking trails go into the mountains from that point. The snow was so deep when we were there that the trails were closed. While in Palm Springs don't miss the Follies, a three-hour, razzel-dazzel, song and dance vaudeville-style extravaganza showcasing the music and dance of the 30's and 40's with one amazing difference - each of the cast meembers is from 56 to 87. The 87 year old did the splits sideways. Tickets range from $39. to $89. We just walked up and purchased tickets, but usually reservations are a good idea. We sat in the upper balcony and paid $55. each. Ther really isn't a bad seat in the house. DO NOT MISS THIS.