A Few of my Favorite Things……….

Family, Photography and our National Parks. For five glorious days cancer and the concerns of this world did not exist. Even the travel days were amazing in that it was a drive down and up US 395.

Mela and I set out Wednesday, February 4 for Death Valley. The drive down US 395 did not disappoint. Stunning. Of course a drive down 395 has to include a lunch stop at Schatt’s Bakery in Bishop. Mela and I have had the pleasure to dine at several Michelin Star restaurants in the past. I am not entirely sure what goes into being awarded a Michelin Star but am quite certain that if sandwiches were included Schatt’s would have at least one star. Let’s start with the bread. Amazing. If it was any fresher it would slap me. Then the ingredients. So Good!

I ordered the hot pastrami and swiss on rye and Mela opted for the roasted turkey on sourdough. We kind of flip flopped on the way home. She ordered the hot pastrami and swiss and I ordered the Santa sandwich. Roast turkey with cranberry mayo. Delectable. We also bought some Valentine’s cookies for our granddaughter, Niko. On our way home we bought cookies, cinammon raisin bread and coffee cake. Little piggies.

We arrived at the Inn at Death Valley around 5 PM. We had dinner and a drink at the Last Kind Words Saloon located at the Inn’s sister property, the Ranch a half mile down the road. The gentleman sitting next to us was from Folsom, CA. What were the odds? He had been coming to Death Valley for each of the last 10 years. Most everyone we talked to had a story. A book could be written.

Thurdsay, February 5 (my birthday) we got up and explored the property. Truly a spring fed oasis in the desert. Just beautiful grounds. After breakfast we drove to the visitor center to chat with the ranger, get a map etc so we could plan our adventures. One upside of being a senior. I was able to get a one year pass for all of our National Parks for a mere $20. A lifetime pass was $80 but not sure I need that.

It was then time for our massage. Felt great. I had more knots than a Boy Scout Jamboree Camp. Our kids - daughter Nicole, husband Dwight and our granddaughter Niko arrived. So grateful to celebrate my birthday with family.

We wiled away the afternnon poolside while Niko swam and played in the pool. That evening was an excellent birthday dinner at the Inn’s restaurant.

I wanted to get an early start the next day and everyone indulged me. We all grabbed our coffee and were off by 7AM. First stop was the BadWater Basin. So surreal. We were the only ones there and it added to the almost eerie feeling. I think it would have lost a lot if there were even 20 plus people out on the salt flat. Next stop. Artist Pallet. Again quiet. No people traipsing around interfering with yours truly trying to take pictures. I think even my entourage was grateful we got an early start. There were actually a number of clouds in the sky keeping the light soft so we continued our journey. Zabriske Point and Dante’s View. Hard to describe but spectacular. Our sightseeing concluded around one. Time for lunch and the pool.

The Gang on the Salt Flats at BadWater Basin

That evening around 6 we went to the Last Kind Words Saloon for dinner. Outside the restaurant was a large patio with a few tables. A woman had her set-up and was singing. A beautiful voice. We went inside ordered drinks and food to go so we could listen to her sing. Amazing. We sat there enjoying drinks and her singing for 2 hours.

Now for the rest of the story. Her name is Roelle. She moved from Puerto Rico. She searched US jobs that included lodging. There was an opening at the bike shop in Death Valley. So she moved. It gets better. That following Monday was her televised audition on American Idol. Mela and I are admittedly American Idol fans - so super cool. She made it through. Everyone has a story.

Saturday was another early start to our adventures including the dunes and a volcanic created crater. We were done around noon so again time for lunch. The kids had to get back that day so they headed out. Such a great time. Once again Mela and I went poolside. Warmest day yet. We actually got in. The water is very warm. Felt good.

One last dinner at the Inn. Got up relatively early, packee-up, grabbed some coffee and hit the road. Not having eaten breakfast we salivated just thinking about our upcoming stop at Schatt’s. We got home to see the boring second half of the Super Bowl.

A trip for the ages.

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind and God Bless!