Super Bloom

[Sid]

Wildflower ‘super bloom' transforms barren Death Valley | KVUE.com
Just saw this. Apparently Death Valley is experiencing a once every 10 year flurry of wildflower bloomage.
If we were not already booked for our Texas trip I would give this one serious thought. Anyone headed out that way? I'm kinda curious to hear if it is worth all the hype....

[Paul O.]

I only know that some people travel far to witness this phenomenon, so it must be a great sight. Also read that it is a game of chance, that you have to be ready to travel to find the best places. The plants/seeds stay dormant for many years, until the next El Nino brings moisture. I hope to see it someday myself.

[Jack L]

Death Valley is interesting any time except summer. I have a professional photographer friend who plans a year ahead and prays for a rainy winter to create this event. Sadly Scotty's Castle is closed this year. It flooded out in a flash flood last summer. I'm trying to get on the road again soon and hope to work Death valley into the trip. Family stuff keeps getting in the way of travel, but I've got some hope of seeing this event.

[Jim99]

I've been to Death Valley twice in past month... it was very nice and last weekend the southern part of the park was covered with desert gold.

We spent the evening on Warm Springs Canyon road (fairly rough, gravelly, dusty, and washboarded). After the sun went down, the nearly full moon was out and the flowers' fragrance was very relaxing. We laid down a mat and lolled around for a while enjoying the silence, fragrance, and views.

[Sid]

Aww Jim
My soul aches to hit the road and your not helping!
Sounds awesome!

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Jim99

I've been to Death Valley twice in past month... it was very nice and last weekend the southern part of the park was covered with desert gold.

We spent the evening on Warm Springs Canyon road (fairly rough, gravelly, dusty, and washboarded). After the sun went down, the nearly full moon was out and the flowers' fragrance was very relaxing. We laid down a mat and lolled around for a while enjoying the silence, fragrance, and views.

Pictures to share by any chance? Please?

[Jim99]

I'm down in Organ Pipe National Monument right now... no access to my photos!

Yesterday there was a scamp, a casita, and my escape all within 100' of each other.

[Jim99]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Pictures to share by any chance? Please?

I checked my photos and they are all pretty drab. However, this site has pictures that show pretty much what I saw, with much better photography:

Desert Wildflower Report

There is a forecast for cool temps and possible rain over the next few days... so all you procrastinators may still be in luck and can go out for a view in the next week or so!

[Paul O.]

Beautiful! Thanks.