Spring Break Part 4: A Birthday

Mason turned nine while we were in Death Valley.  We had a little pizza party in the grass outside our room.  A lot of people camp in Furnace Creek but it was so nice to have rooms with  beds!  Especially when all of the camping is in the middle of a rocky desert!  Our rooms had french doors that opened up onto the grass and across the grass was the gate to the pool.   Mason got to open a pocket knife and some new books for his birthday.  He said he was just glad we didn't have to be driving on his birthday.  Death Valley is a pretty long trek from our house. 

Spring Break Part 5: Sunset Rock

This was a fun night.  We headed across the street from where we were staying and climbed up the rocks to watch the sunset.  The lighting and colors at this time of the day in the desert are so amazing.  Not to mention it was awesome to be outside in shorts, in March, watching a sunset and feeling warm!

Spring Break Part 6: Badwater

Have you ever heard of Badwater?  The place or the race?  There is an Ultramarathon called Badwater that begins here in Death Valley.  Here is a little information on it from the race site:

Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA, the Badwater Ultramarathon is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere at 280’ (85m) below sea level. The race finishes at the Mt. Whitney Portals at nearly 8,300’ (2530m). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 13,000’ (3962m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 4,700’ (1433m) of cumulative descent.

Eric and I have watched a documentary on it called, Running on the Sun.   The people who run it are pretty much crazy.  Eric really wanted a picture of him running where the crazies of the Badwater Ultramarathon run.  There is nothing there, nothing but mountains and salt. 

Spring Break Part 7: Natural Bridge and Artists Loop

Natural Bridge is a place I really wanted to see.  To be honest the kids were worn out this day (our 2nd to last day in Death Valley).  The 2 youngest were not interested in another hike but it was very short and once we got to the "bridge" they wanted to climb the rocks and check things out.  It was also nice and cool on this walk, we were in the shade most of the time and there was a really nice breeze blowing.  I would like to go back again and spend a little more time exploring places like this one.  Artists Loop was a scenic drive through the colorful rocks.  It's such a different landscape than we are used to seeing!

Spring Break Part 8: The Gardens

This is the fancy hotel near the ranch where we stayed.  Eric's sister had told us to check out the gardens there and I am so glad we did.  We may have interrupted a few people enjoying the sunset and their wine but it was worth it.  

Death Valley Part 9: The Kid Cam

Ignore the date this really is 2013!  It's always fun to see what kind of pictures turn up on the kids camera. 

Nine!

Mason turned 9 and celebrated his birthday on the Sand Dunes in Death Valley.  We spent Spring Break in Death Valley, more posts on that to come. We spent a little time on the dunes as a family but Mason wanted to explore further so Eric took him back on his birthday, just the two of them.  They learned the sand is a little hot in the afternoon sun, our previous trip was in the morning. 

Mason is an easygoing 9 year old.  Some of his likes right now:
Reading Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and Fablehaven
bacon, pizza, apples, burritos, vanilla ice cream
soccer, legos, 4-square at recess, jumping on the trampoline and piano
Mason is responsible, smart, happy and likes to be on time 
He also knows how to push his younger sister's buttons when he thinks no one is paying attention

Happy 9th Birthday Mase!