Weatherly Inn

It is said that Death Valley gets 1.8 inches of rain each year, and on our first visit to this "barren" landscape, it felt like everything we need on our first day. It was enough, at least, to wash the deck and forcing us to detour 40 miles to get to Furnace Creek.

So much for the image. We do not remember Ronald Reagan saying anything of the rain when he greeted Death Valley Days TV show all those years.

Of course, the timing of our trip was a stroke of luck of the draw, and there is no doubt that most people have a "normal" Death Valley adventure in which they experience time warm and sunny most of the time. In summer, the watchword is hot - hotter than the record 134 degrees - which is why winter is the perfect time to enjoy a close experience of the Valley of Death in the 70s or 80s.

For our visit in November, we went to Death Valley, north of Las Vegas and, as best we can tell, it seemed the easiest route into the valley. In theory, Furnace Creek is only 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. But the bridge washing has changed all that and sent us to the north before descending into the valley to another, longer route.

And so our first show at the Valley of Death is a bit disconcerting that we have traveled in darkness and rain, making our way along a stretch of narrow, sometimes winding, roadway two paths that certainly seemed like a road less traveled - just another car in sight for 40 miles. We finally arrived at Furnace Creek, where the roads were covered with standing water and the rain continued to fall.

With great relief, we finally found our destination: the Furnace Creek Inn. Like oases in the desert area of Furnace Creek is deemed to be, the hostel has become our "oasis" of the shower and a long afternoon of driving.

The Furnace Creek Inn is an upscale historic was opened in 1927. Originally just a small station, the adobe bricks were hand made by local Indians, and the station was built on a hill with a panoramic view of Death Valley and the mountains of 11,000 feet near. In 1935, the hotel has 66 rooms in total and was about to attract a greater number of tourists to this destination unusual.

After a restful sleep in our well-appointed suites, we awake to another Death Valley. No more storm clouds and rain, and take their place were the sun's rays peek-a-boo which has added warm colors and luster to what was clearly a magnificent desert landscape. It was as if nature has been illuminating the desert, rock formations and mountains with a set of lights in the scene that changed the color of each passing cloud.

The experience for the first time, we could understand why Death Valley has captured the hearts of so many visitors who feel a spiritual connection with the land around. If someone suggests you should get your head examined to go to a place called "death" of the valley, the truth is it maybe just a place to get your head straight. It is quite unique.

We jumped in the car and drove into Furnace Creek to look around a bit. The Borax Museum does a great job of telling the story of these early miners who found large deposits of borax - used in fiberglass, detergents and other products - which have been transported to Mojave on huge wagons pulled by teams of 20 mules. For us baby boomers, the old Death Valley Days TV show will always be a link with Death Valley borax and those darned mule teams.

The museum is located in the Furnace Creek Ranch, where you will find homes that are cheaper than the hostel and a little more family oriented. The ranch includes 224 rooms, recently renovated, and several restaurants. A large RV park is located in the region, near an 18 hole golf course where it says go.