"Dryest and lowest point in North America" Death Valley National Park by MyHollyDay

Leaving on a cold rainy night from San Francisco, we began our 11 hours drive towards Death Valley, hoping for some hot, dry weather.
Still raining when we got to Bakersfield, decided to stay the night since it probably wasn't a good idea to navigate mountainous roads in the dark AND be tired. Found an uncharacteristically cool restaurant in Bakersfield, had a yummy dinner.

Death Valley Sunrise @ Texas Campground

Turned into 190 from 395, a little skeptical of why did we have to choose Death Valley, it is a dump! Acres and Acres of what looked like waste land. No sign of life anywhere. Whomever named it was insightgful.
Arrived at Furnace Creek early afternoon, still raining. Campground is full! Hmmm....we are not the only fools. Found a site at Texas Ranch campground that is less likely to become a puddle. Cooked and ate dinner inside the tent....a ritual that began from our Yellowstone trip where we encountered the worst storm in our camping trips.

Death Valley Artists Palette

Yippi! rain stopped, sun peeking through, enhancing the already color rich landscape. Hiked 8 miles and took pictures before the next storm hits. Seems like the talk of the valley is flowers and blooms. Quoting a ranger "this is once in a life time chance to see wild flowers. We have not had such impressive bloom in 15 years"

• Pros:Diverse terrain, you see snow capped peaks, mineral rich mountain range with slot canyons, lush rolling hills, below sea level dry valley floor, salt saturated lake, sandunes, and volcano craters
• Cons:Harsh weather and condition. Normally: dry and hot. During our trip: wet wet wet!!! Flood warnings everywhere!
• In a nutshell:A gem in disguise that has a lot more to offer than it appears at first glance.