WHEN:  Friday - Sunday (March 12-14, 2010)

DETAILS:   Come out and discover Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes,  a desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and 3 million acres of wilderness. 

The rainstorms hit Death Valley with perfect gentleness and frequency, and a storm at the end of February brought 0.44 inches of rain to Furnace Creek and 0.29 inches to Scotty’s Castle. The “tiny specks of green” are now proper little plants in many locations, and are growing quickly with the warming air and soil temperatures. Additional seeds have sprouted between the original ones, which promises not only more flowers but also staggers the blooming time. At the current rate, the number of sprouts suggests the bloom may be thicker and more spectacular than anticipated earlier. The peak bloom should be at the end of this month into mid April.

In canyon mouths and washes where extra water has flowed, shrubs and perennials are showing early growth and flower buds. On alluvial fans, the creosote bush have lush foliage and their yellow flowers add a subtle touch of color.

I shit you NOT!  Dude, flowers blooming on the valley floor is rare.  I must go, and you should too.  I have been there when flowers are in bloom.  It's an experience of a life time, so next Thursday, pretend you're not feeling well and that you might call in sick on Friday.  You wont regret it.  If you're interested and want to pitch a tent, email sonny@pinoyriders.com for more info.