Camping at Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas Visit

 Dear Soul,

“Our thoughts are Our power! We are the architects of our life!”

How it all started?

Some trips have a backstory that makes them even more interesting and keeps us looking forward to it. My DD1 wanted to have a buffet for her 12^th birthday and my DH offered to take her to the best one… in Vegas! Of course it comes with its own T&C, that we will explore Death Valley for the two days before. Combining the Camping at the Hottest, Driest and Lowest place on earth followed by the luxurious stay at glitzy glammy Vegas has to be the weirdest combination, but couldn't miss the perfect opportunity to experience a rare, historic weather event in this famously dry landscape caused by the recent Fall storms.

Sunday, November 23: All day drive

With car full of camping gear and hearts full of enthusiasm for a special reason that my DH's cousin's family was joining us, we started driving south from the bay area to Ridgecrest, CA, 2 hours away from Death Valley. Coalinga/Avenal Southbound Rest Area was a timely stop for lunch to enjoy the homemade food packed with love by parents; well enough for dinner too so we can have a good sleep and early start for the next day.

Monday, November 24: Death Valley – Canyons and Sand dunes

We started early to Death Valley through Trona, reminded me of a ghost town while the mind started to weave stories how we can spend our whole lives in that little town! Once on Hwy190, since the days are short and we have a lot to see, we skipped going East to Panamint springs for Father Crowley Vista point and Darwin Falls trail and chose to drive towards Stovepipe Wells village.

We stopped by a Scenic vista point and took pictures at Death Valley sign before going on Mosaic Canyon hike. The rough gravel road access to the trail head was beaten up even more by recent rains, but well worth it and the best part of the canyon is the first 0.5 miles.

After a rest stop at Stovepipe Wells Village, we went to Mesquite Flat Sand dunes, where my DH grilled a good lunch in the shade of the car. At Harmony Borax works, it was hard to imagine the borax mining in 1880s and wagons driven by 20 mule teams to take it to the nearest railhead.

Finally, we reached Furnace creek visitor center, central hub to all things Death Valley, got maps and info on the park. “Death Valley National Park is the homeland of the Timbisha Shoshone and preserves natural resources, cultural resources, exceptional wilderness, scenery, and learning experiences within the nation’s largest conserved desert landscape and some of the most extreme climate and topographic conditions on the planet.”

Our campsite was luckily dry and big enough to accommodate both the tents with parking fairly close. Contrary to what I had thought, the rest rooms were quite developed, with running water and a huge wash area outside for dishes (main importantly the water was not freezing cold!). We enjoyed the night sky and campfire, but the monsoon moisture soaked us wet. Death Valley is an internationally recognized night sky park, living up to its tagline: “Half the Park is After Dark.”

Tuesday, November 25: Death Valley – Salt Flats and Badlands

Mesquite Flat Sand dunes shone bright at Sunrise (just like Namibia), right time to witness them. After breakfast, we hiked to Natural Bridge, with the most amazing Badwater Basin views from the trailhead where kids did some rock scrambling at the end of the trail.

At Badwater Basin, lowest point in NA at 282 ft below sea level, rain water formed a shallow lake (colloquially called “Lake Manly” not as big as the one that formed after the remnants of Hurricane Hilary passed through the park in 2024) submerging the salt flats that reflect the sky and surrounding snowy peaks looking beautiful and reminded of Bolivian Salt flats.

Devils Golf Course and Artists Drive were closed with the flood damage. We had picnic lunch at Furnace creek visitor center and went to campsite for rest (Surprisingly in nice shade). We went to Zabriskie point for sunset, and saw the magnificent yellow and brown stripped badlands, revealing colors and textures that wash out in the harsh light of midday.

Coming back, we explored the furnace creek area and I was shocked to see what seemed all desolate, quiet and simple valley turned into a lush resort with water fountains, pool, golf course and shopping, just couldn’t believe the extravagance.

Wednesday, November 26: Red rock Canyon NCA

After Morning Sunrise at Zabriskie point and Golden Canyon hike, we packed up the tent. It was low 70s but the dry air made it exhausting, no wonder a person can lose 2 gallons of water per day just sitting in the shade!!! 

We skipped Dantes View and started driving to Red Rock Canyon NCA after booking a timed entry reservation. It could be due to its proximity to Vegas, it felt very busy. But climbing the red rocks was very fun and enjoyable. We definitely needed more time than half a day to explore this beautiful one-way 13-mile scenic drive.

Finally, when we arrived in Vegas late evening, kids couldn’t believe their eyes at the first sight of the flashy bright lights of the strip. We checked in at the Caesar’s palace and made Buffet reservations for the next day. We had dinner at the Celebrity food hall and went to bed early 😊

Thursday, November 27: Thanksgiving @ Las Vegas

Starting the day at Brahma Shrine just outside the Caesar's palace was the least expected surprise, and enjoyed a monk lighting incense sticks and praying at all four sides of the temple. 

We toured the Christmas decorations at Bellagio, our DD’s favorite Eiffel tower at Paris Paris and made it to the most awaited part of the trip: Buchannon buffet at Caesar’s palace. Highlight was the Thanksgiving menu: Pumpkin and Apple soup, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, Roast Chicken, and the Crepe Dessert. 

We had to take a nap after the very big and sumptuous brunch and then went around to explore shopping at The forum shops and Venetian, the Strip and Sphere Views from High Roller (Ferris wheel), had fast food dinner and relaxed in the soaking tub for the last night in preparation for all day drive home the next day!

Glamping in Everglades National Park and Hollywood Beach Living

Dear Soul,

“Only a fool blames the rain for his bad vacation!” 😊

This blog focuses on the second half of this memorable and most beautiful trip to Florida, back to nature but not so rustic way, exploring Everglades National Park and East coast of Florida. Contrary to the landscape of the many previous national parks we visited which dominate in scenery, this one is a wetland rich in diverse wildlife (both tropical and temperate), offering many beautiful National Geographic moments.

Christmas Eve, Tuesday Dec 24: Drive to Everglades from Orlando

We bid farewell to our family and checked out from Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Orlando after one last sumptuous breakfast at Bayliner diner. On our way to Everglades, a 4-hour drive that turned out to be a 7-hour drive with grocery shopping at Costco and Walmart-Subway lunch @ Pompano Beach. First stop is Ernest F. Coe visitor center to get maps and info to plan for next day. As we entered the park, we drove straight through vast plain lands in sight for 40 miles unlike Yosemite. Mosquitoes swarmed as expected as we got out of the car at dusk (5:15 PM) after checking in at Flamingo Glamping Eco tents. Right on the tip of the Mainland Florida, we enjoyed the sight of Florida bay in the twilight from inside the tent. Since we weren’t allowed to bring food inside the tents, we ended up having our dinner right in the car with mosquitoes everywhere. As the night progressed though, there was a cool breeze and no sign of mosquitoes, so we enjoyed walking under the stars and got even a better view through our 11-year-old neighbor Robbie’s telescope, his Christmas gift. There was no signal/Wi-Fi at tents, so we played games in tent under the dim light of the only stand light in the tent and went to bed.

Christmas, Wednesday Dec 25: Merry Hiking in Everglades

It was a very pleasant day for hiking and exploring the various habitats in the park. After breakfast, we started driving north along Main Park Road, doing all the short trails starting from Eco Pond trail with the highlight being Royal Palm Trails (Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo)

Eco Pond trail (0.5m loop):  As we strolled around this freshwater pond, we saw something in the water and took it for a python. This was our first trail getting used to mosquitoes.

West Lake Trail (0.5m loop): Took the boardwalk into “mangrove forest” – the salt tolerant trees rising from the shallow water on prop roots and had first sight of crocodile.

Mahogany Hammock Trail (0.5m loop): “Hammock” in Florida is a term used to describe an island of tropical hardwood trees (Mahogany trees here) surrounded by pine or sawgrass (in the wetland).

Pa-hay-okee Overlook (0.25m loop): Walked to a platform to view Saw grass prairie of the Shark River slough

Pinelands Trail (0.5m loop): Explored a subtropical pine forest and had lunch in rain at Long Pine Key picnic area, saving the best for the last: Royal Palm Trails below

Anhinga Trail (0.5m loop): Exciting and perfect wildlife watching opportunity of alligators, wading birds walking on the leaves’ floor, Anhinga diving into water, turtle chewing on a flower, fishes and even a rattle snake from up close.

Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.5m loop): This trail winds through a once dense hardwood hammock of gumbo limbo (a tropical tree with peeling red bark suggesting sun burn hence called tourist tree) and royal palm trees. This Paradise Key Hammock was considered one of the most beautiful before a devastating fire in 1945. This area became Royal Palm State Park in 1919 and later the nucleus for Everglades National Park established in 1947.

We got back to the tent for dinner and had hot showers to wash off the deet and relieve from mosquito bites.

Thursday, Dec 26: On water in Everglades

It was a humid and sunny day unlike the day before (can only imagine how it will be in summers!!), We hung out in the tent after breakfast as my DH went kayaking in Florida Bay. We saw exhibits at Guy Bradley Visitor center but skipped the Guy Bradley Trail. After lunch and nap, we did Flamingo Back country boat tour from Marina, which we booked the day before. This is part of a 99-mile Kayaking path called Wilderness waterway from Flamingo to Everglades city.

The tour guide was one of the best with detailed explanations of the park and its wildlife and did a great job spotting them too. We passed through Buttonwood canal with white, red and black mangroves on either sides, opening to Coot Bay. Then along Tarpon creek, we spotted Anhinga bird (snake bird Similar to cormorant) and oysters on mangroves and rode into vast Whitewater Bay - almost size of Lake Okeechobee.

But the best sight of Manatees and crocodiles was right on Marina on our return. As suggested in the tour, we enjoyed Sunset and remnants of an outpost fishing village at amphitheater (another spot was pee hi kee overlook) and dined at Flamingo restaurant after hot showers.

Friday, Dec 27: Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs state park

Since the Shark Valley tram tour tickets were sold out for today, we had a leisure day; We spent morning at “Robert is here” fruit stand enjoying tropical fruits and petting farm. Although the prices were ridiculous, we enjoyed Sapodilla and Custard apple after a long time! Then ran errands for the coming days and checked into our hotel in Kendall for lunch. We drove to Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs state park through Miami skyline and kids got to play on the beach with Cape Florida lighthouse in the background. Unfortunately, we missed the tower tours (at 10am and 12pm except Tue/Wed) and even the compound is closed at 4PM. We came back to hotel earlier than we thought since the park was closed at 5:30PM. Another blessing in disguise, thanks to the excellent location of the hotel, we walked to Barnes and Nobles next door and kids loved their first experience at the book store.

Saturday, Dec 28: Tram ride in Everglades

Set on Shark Valley tram tour, my DH went early to the Shark Valley visitor center and managed to get the walk-in tickets for 11am tour. This is a 2-hour tram tour along a fifteen-mile loop trail with a midway stop at the Observation tower offering panoramic views of the park. We learnt the habitat types, differences between crocodiles and alligators (fresh water counterparts – always black) and most importantly, the challenges faced by the park with human intervention on channeling water away from the park and current restoration projects.

Throughout the tour, we saw almost all the alligators (and babies) on the left side of the tram (could be because of the deeper borrow pits?) and for the first time, touched the sharp sawgrass.

P.S: In case you didn’t get the tram tour tickets/bikes, walk the trail anticlockwise and you will see tons of alligators on the side.

After the ride, we stopped for lunch at a neighborhood park and drove to Hollywood for the beach vacation at Shore View hotel, nestled among residences to end the trip/year. We met our family again one last time and enjoyed pool time/dinner at Marriott harbor Beach Resort and said byes until we meet next year.

Sunday, Dec 29: Hollywood Beach Living

Contrary to our most anticipated time on the beach, it was a rainy day, too windy to even step outside, so we stayed inside waiting to clear up. Evening as the weather got better, we went to Publix (with a dock so people on boats can run errands!) for dinner and errands, and enjoyed a heavy dinner by the beach. We took a walk on the beach and enjoyed homes on Ocean Drive. Next morning, we got to enjoy Sunrise on beach with hot breakfast and left to airport contented and hoping to return soon!