24 October 2011 DEATH VALLEY TO BISHOP Monday

Second early departure for the long drive ahead.  The 190 road out of Death Valley was, to quote Allan, like coming out of the depths of hell, as we rose from -282" up to 7000" elevation with the RV engine rev's screaming, and of course, what goes up, must come down, engine brake screeching once again.
Finally, after breathtaking views and breath-holding cliff drop-offs, we opted to stop at Keeler on Owens Lake - only there was barely a lake and Keeler has a population of 50.  Regardless, we had to stop for a restorative cup of tea and sandwich.  This was Keeler with Owen "Lake" in the background....

And so the journey continues with the Sierra Nevada Range and USA's highest mountain in the lowest 48 States, 14505" Mt Whitney, keeping us spellbound.  To all our American friends reading this blog, please forgive any facts I have misquoted. We passed through Lone Pine and Independance where more famous Westerns have been filmed with their big rocks.  Next was Big Pine, with it's....big pine at the end of the main street:

Onwards to Bishop and our quaint sounding Creekside Campground.  Alas, we had to climb to 6000" up, up and away from all humanity and civilisation.  The campground was in the middle of nowhere in bear country with a weird old owner man and only one other occupied RV.  It was bitterly cold at the base of the snow-capped mountain with winds howling right through the van.  We opted out and spent the night in luxurious : ) Days Inn Hotel in Bishop, had a mexican dinner at Amigo's and a good nights sleep.
Forgot to say - look what we found on the way to Bishop!  A Joshue Tree forest aka Dr Seuss!!