After driving several hours from Gold Canyon to Hoover Dam, it took us 90 minutes to cross the damn dam. The view was rewarding. It was dark by the time we reached the Nevada side. This marks our move into the Pacific Time Zone. We passed the time by calling friends. It was evident that other people enjoyed beers by the cases of empty bottles on the side of the road.
That sign says, "282 Feet Below Sea Level." The best time to visit here is in December when it is 40* in the shade. The white dust on the boardwalk and valley floor is ground up salt . It stuck to our boots like snow. This is the start of the Badwater Ultramarathon that starts at -282' and finishes five marathon distances away at the trailhead to Mt. Whitney (14,494' the highest peak in the lower 48 states). 
This is the view for the first two marathon distances of the Badwater Ultramarathon. It starts in July at noon. Bring extra coolant fool!
The Devils Golf Course. A mixture of salt and silt raised off an ancient ocean floor. Goose found a ball. Just kidding, no one golfs here.
The oasis at Furnace Creek. There was a yoga class going on next to the pool. So much for "Nature's Murderer."
The dunes of Stovepipe Wells. They have claimed many lives, especially in the summer when temperatures can be greater than 125*. Notably, the original western visitors, or the '49ers (that's 1849 kids) survived with only one person dying from the elements.
The Pennington family, Nancy (hiding behind) Boppie, Joe, Nanny, Uncle Doug, Meg, Aunt Kim, Chris and Anna (Goose is hiding behind the snowman).
The day after Christmas was Boppie's birthday as well as their 60th anniversary. Congratulations! Celebrating Boppie's 81st birthday with a cold brew.... and a semi-nude poster girl I realize, after golf at the Garage. 