Lively Death Valley

Texas Springs campsite is off Hwy 190 in Death Valley State Park, near Furnace Creek. It has 92 tent and RV sites and costs $12 a night. We went in late February, a popular time to go because it's not as hot as summer time -- high 80s and 90s vs. 100s, but surprisingly the campground had several sites to choose from that year. The campgrounds have very few shade areas, but we found a site with a small tree/large bush. It was enough shade for a couple of people to sit under, which we took advantage of when first arriving, as we weren't acclimated to the heat. The ground was hard, making it a little difficult to stake our tents, but after some pounding the stakes went in securely. The sites were large enough. Our group of 7 found spots for three tents, one being a gigantic three-room tent. Be wary of the more low-lying flat spots, though. While they might seem ideal, we heard from a group who has made the trek that very weekend for the last 15 years that it often rains during late Feb./early March and after trial and error, they finally found a campsite that doesn't flood. Thankfully it was dry the one night we were there. It was windy, however, and that three-room tent flapped incessantly all night.

With flush toilets, running water, a fire pit, and picnic benches available, this campsite was pure camping luxurious.

We selected this hike after having set up our tent at Texas springs (see journal on accommodations).

I'd never been to the desert before and was expecting to be too wiped out by the heat to do any walking. But with a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water, I was able to enjoy myself.

We chose a good hike. It's breathtaking really. The mountain formations are amazing. At points, they look like a giant took various colored sands and poured mounds against a backdrop of a massive red-hued rock "mountain." At points we were walking with other hikers, but I'd say most of the time we were alone, which made the hike all the more awe-inspiring.

The landscape varied from the "sand sculpture" mountains to vivid green rock formations. The sky was the most vivid blue and clear the moon was even out all day. It followed us on our hike.

At one point we came upon old mines. We were tempted to go in, but the signs did their job and kept us out.

We never bored of the hike and never tired.

This was the most surreal experience I've ever had. Finding unsual, colorful people in the desert is something you expect, and Marta Beckett is one such person and her show is truely something to experience.

Marta Beckett found herself in Death Valley in the 1960s and decided to stay. She wanted to fulfill her dream of owning an opera house and dancing for an audience.

In the opera house, she's painted murals on every wall depicting people attending the opera -- quite interesting to look at, but then the show started. It's a series of skits. She uses large dolls to play many of the roles. Yes, at 80-something, she still dances, although not well. She tries to get on pointe. Basically she just hopes around and spins once in a while. She does wear a tutu in one skit.

It's worth a look, if only for the kitsch value.