This is Mono Lake by Hwy 395. I passed by it on my way to Death Valley. Since all the mountain passes over the High Sierras are closed in winter due to snow, I had to drive north to South Lake Tahoe and catch Hwy 395 to head south to Death Valley. Hwy 395 is a pretty drive no matter what season.

Los Angeles (LA) which is about 450 miles south, was causing the lake to dry off by syphoning it’s water source, the Owens river. Click link above for more info.

Been in Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells, for 5 days. Have not yet taken many photos. Maybe will reuse some photos from last year. Will be here about 17 days this time.

Have done a short bike ride, a couple hikes, spent time working on minor tweaks to the genealogy application, done a few rides on the scooter, and spent time at the pool.  Also did a long scooter ride to the city of Pahrump, it is 120 miles, one way. My Direct TV receiver finally died, it had been malfunctioning for about 4 months. Should have replaced before I left the Bay area, but .... So I drove to Pahrump to buy another receiver. After all, can’t miss viewing my favorite shows in the SCIFY, National Geographic, and CNN news channels. I know, it is an addiction.

Last year when I came to Death Valley, I did not visit Scotty’s Castle, above photo (click link on left for more info). This is one of the historical land marks in Death Valley. So I went this time. Still did not due the walking ($) tours that are available to tourists.