We had an awesome presentation from Ranger Stephanie, who told us about the geological and ecological components of Death Valley. 

On our way out to Death Valley, we stopped at Manzanar, the site of one of the Japanese-American internment camps the U. S. government implemented after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  In addition to appreciating the well laid-out museum, we also were able to see Pleasure Park and the cemetery.

 

We got to experience the majestic sand dunes of Death Valley.  They seem to spring up out of nothing.  After the arduous hike to the top, many students chose to roll down to the bottom.

After a hot day at the sand dunes, nothing felt better than jumping into a cold pool at Stovepipe Wells.  We also enjoyed a nice shower!

 

Early Tuesday morning, the winds started blowing, and they didn’t stop until we left!  We lowered tents, some of us slept in the buses, and eating anything but sandwiches was challenging.  However, in true Islander-form, the students and faculty rallied to make the trip fun.  Enjoying meals in the comfort of bus bays was the safest, dust-free location.  The hot cocoa was particularly delicious.  

 

The winds did not keep us down.  We went to see the amazing vista from Zabriskie Point and then hiked down beautiful Golden Canyon, where we met our tour guide, Phil.

Phil took us to three interesting sights:  Devil’s Golf Course, Badwater Basin, and Harmony Borax Works.  The wind made each stop even more interesting.