Death Valley: Mesquite Sand Dunes/Darwin Falls

Bryan took Ava and Isaac with him one day to set up for the Bioblitz at Salt Creek. Mom, Willow, and I went off on our own to do some more exploring. We looked at the map and decided to hike Darwin Falls. It obviously sounded like a great place. On the way, we stopped at Mesquite sand dunes. After all, we had a two year old. What toddler doesn't like a ginormous sand box?!

Devil's Corn Field

Mesquite Sand Dunes:

So much fun going up and down the sand hills. Willow's squeals, laugh, and body language expressed pure joy. The definition of childhood :)

I may have mentioned it before, but you have to make an effort to avoid crowds. I even noticed an NPR journalist here......

This was the windiest day. That wind would later blow rain......

We continued our drive and arrived at the Darwin Falls trailhead. Willow hiked almost the whole trail except for the dangerous spots. She is an excellent hiker!

This was a surprising hike for me. Nothing like you imagine in Death Valley. It started out like you expect, then just like that you are in an oasis. Riparian paradise where the toads live and the other critters find refuge.....

Further up the trail we heard the roar of dancing water...... getting close to the end :)

Darwin Falls: 
(It was much more than I expected)

I felt rejuvenated, alive, and charged. It was great to share this experience with these lovelies :)
Another great adventure, another small landscape in our wonderful vast world. Ahhhhmazing!