This is probably the eight time I’ve visited Eureka Dunes at Death Valley National Park and I still get a thrill from the experience. Once again I was buzzed by fighter jets but these jets from nearby China Lake Naval Base. I spent a couple of days here so I’ll have 2 or 3 posts from here. What’s great about sand dunes is that they are always shifting so you may see something you hadn’t seen before including your own shadow!(See Below) Is that my shadow or someone else standing down there?
It was pretty warm out there(80 F) with no shade and the heat bouncing off the sand. Hiking dunes can be an exercise in futility. I was afraid to make tracks in these amazing sand patterns because they were so pristine. Eureka Dunes is in a remote part of Death Valley and has few visitors.
The road to Eureka Dunes, wash boarding and teeth rattling included.
Those are the Last Chance Mountains in the background, a somewhat fitting name for Death Valley
Andy Warhol couldn’t design patterns this cool.
These jets come onto you real fast. You don’t hear them until they pass although another flew about 200 feet right above me. My camera was not close unfortunately. Next time these pilots should call me and let me know they’re coming.
It got down into the mid 30sF during the night as a full moon was rising. I was stalked by a kangaroo rat while sitting around the fire. They are similar to a field mouse but like to run around on their hind legs, hence the name. Next time I’ll get a pic. Then the zipper on my tent broke and I was afraid that rat would join me during the night.
