Spring Break Beatty Blast 08 (Part 1)

Two winters ago on a frozen Bethel tarmak, coming home from an amazing weekend skiing with the bush kids on the Kuskokwim, Tom told me about how Death Valley in the Spring was one of his most favorite places on Earth, and if I ever got a chance to see the flowers bloom there in the Spring it would change my life. I laughed and rolled my eyes a bit (couldn't believe that he was serious, didn't sound like much fun to me..a lot of brown and way too hot) but (always excited to share the best parts of life with his friends) he made me pinky swear that I would someday visit DV in the Spring and see it for myself..he was always so convincing. "smile". So, to honor my friend, I decided this Spring was the Spring I just had to keep that promise and see the flowers bloom, so off I went. I also promised my mommy that I wouldn't go alone, so Dan was nice enough to come with me..I have to say, as bitter sweet as it was (I saw Tom everywhere), it was one of the best trips of my life. Life changing for sure. THANKS TOM!!!!!!
We started our journey by flying into LA, renting a SUV and driving to Beatty, NV (just outside Death Vally). Being that the town name was Beatty and we were on "The Beatty Blast" it seemed an appropriate starting place. We spent the first evening sipping a cocktail and gambling away our 10$ limit at the only casino in town (this took about a half an hour) then off to bed for an early morning of seeing the sights of Beatty (photos include the highlights).