Photo Friday: Death Valley in Bloom
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Southern California's Death Valley is a place that sounds inhospitable, but it's host to delicate wildflowers every spring. In a don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it window between a cold, whip-windy winter and summer heat that explains its name, little yellow and purple rebels pop out of the earth like they're trying to prove that anything's possible.
The Mojave has gotten lots of rain this winter, which makes a better-than-average showing this year likely. According to LA TimesTravel, they could bloom at lower elevations as early as February.
Rufus and I were lucky enough to see the wildflower bloom of 2005, which was celebrated as a once-in-a-lifetime display. Only time will tell whether this winter's rains will produce a spring show that compares, but I certainly plan to take a trip there to see.
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Posted by TheWordWire at 1/28/2010 10:24 PM 
Categories: Photo Friday,Earth and Sky
Tags: National Parks
Categories: Photo Friday,Earth and Sky
Tags: National Parks
That looks incredible. I'd love to see it someday.
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Wow! What a beautiful thing to witness...isn't the natural world amazing. Never been to Death Valley but if I ever do I'll try to visit during the bloom time.
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I would avoid summertime (with temps up to 120F!) but Death Valley is a great place to visit even if it's not in bloom. Spring and Fall are best weather wise. If you can hit it in bloom, even better!
Happy travels!
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beautiful...
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LOVE IT! Great photos and your line, "In a don't blink or you'll miss it window...little yellow and purple rebels pop out of the earth like they're trying to prove anything's possible" is perfect!
I think you've quite possibly inspired an end-of Feb road trip! I'll send pictures :)
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Wohoo -- If you go, I can't wait to hear your windshield thinking!
The timing of it is kind of hard to catch though... here's a good resource for info before you hit the road.
http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca.html
Have fun and happy travels!
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Beautiful words to match beautiful photos. I do love seeing spring wildflowers, but you're right about having to be quick to catch some of these annual displays. It's a bit like the narrow spring window to catch trilliums here--if you don't go out into the woods with your camera within a day or so of the first blooms, you'll miss them until next year!
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That's one of the things that makes them so special -- you have to appreciate them when you get the chance! Thanks for your comment.
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you know i love the desert cause so much of what happens there goes on underground. obviously that's not always the case, though, as your gorgeous pictures prove.
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I worked a couple years ago for the company who ran one of the Death Valley lodges. And now I live in California. You'd have thought I would have been to Death Valley already, but no. I have never been there.
Great shot.
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I lived in San Diego for five years, and never even considered making the trip. And if I didn't live so close now, I might not have ever bothered. But once I did go, I couldn't believe what I almost missed. Even when it's not in bloom, I think this place is worth a visit. Spring and Fall are perfect there! Thanks for your comment!
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