Rising out of the burned area at dusk, I look for somewhere decent to set up camp for the night

I'm disappointed that I won't make it to Willow Spring tonight as hoped, and feel somewhat defeated and deflated. But I still feel much success in having made it this far into the mountains up above Death Valley. Camping out should be really nice up here at about 4700 feet.

I'm expecting almost no moon in the sky tonight, and therefore, near total darkness. Given that I've only seen one other vehicle since leaving the pavement of Highway 178 some seven hours ago, I'm expecting silence and a wilderness experience tonight, even though I'm camped out along a "road."

I set up camp quickly and decide not to bother preparing a meal. By the time I get to eat, it's already dark. I just eat lots of nuts and beef jerky and wash it down with a glass of wine, enjoying the silence and the darkness.

Next photo album: Day 3: Gold Valley Road camp site to Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park