April 9th
Today we leave Las Vegas heading toward Shoshone Village (approximately 1.5 hours drive). We are already married, but we had actually wanted to renew our vows (renewal of vows). At the beginning of the Strip we had spotted a nice Wedding Chapel that we wanted to stop at before leaving Las Vegas. Unfortunately the cheapest package starts at $265 — not worth it for a bit of fun. Slightly disappointed, we set off toward Death Valley.

On the way we discover the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The park is located on Bell Vista Road about 22 miles past Pahrump. We drive to Kings Spring and Points of Rocks and walk along the boardwalk. The scenery here is truly impressive. There is even a small stream with a pond and plenty of Black-tailed Jackrabbits with their enormous ears. The park also has several lakes and ponds home to a total of four endemic small fish species known as pupfish. The Visitor Center provides excellent information about the park as well as further hiking opportunities and points of interest such as Devils Hole.

By the afternoon we arrive at Shoshone Village and enjoy a warm soak in the natural spring pool. There are also hiking and birding trails to explore. In the evening we head to the saloon for a nightcap and join a few fellow hotel guests around the campfire (propane-powered), share a few beers and swap stories from back home. We slowly readjust to the peace and quiet and the smaller crowds after Las Vegas.