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Category Archives: stuff outdoors

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley Route from Pahrump

Death Valley Route from Pahrump

We stayed in Pahrump, Nevada (a little east of the park) the night before because there was more opportunity for cheaper gas and places to stay (Saddle West Casino).

Late December is definitely the time to visit Death Valley. The temperature was only 60°, excellent for exploring the desert and hiking around. Understandably, some of the hiking areas were kind of crowded, but we didn’t get to those until later in the afternoon after getting to Bad Water Basin. The lower portion coming in from Shoshone was very quiet.

After passing one of the first salt flats, we came upon a couple of coyotes. One of them was very curious and walked around the car to the driver side after we stopped. Hopefully they aren’t used to people feeding them, but it made for a nice photo op.

Death Valley

Death Valley

Activity Classes at Community College

Rafting on the McKenzie River
Rafting on the McKenzie River

Paul Reynolds (Flickr)

If you haven’t checked out the opportunities to take activity classes at your local community college, give it a shot. After paying a $25 application fee for a new student, anyone can take HHP activity classes for about $70 (1 credit hour). Joan and I are taking white water rafting this term and the value is fantastic. It’s a fun class where we get to enjoy the river all while learning some new skills. It’s certainly more affordable (and more fun) than paying big bucks to take a river trip with one of the local outfits in town. In addition to rafting, our local school offers hiking, snowboarding, skiing, yoga, pilates, and quite a few others.

And here, when you’re taking an HHP class you also get access to the gym for the term.

Now, what if you don’t live in wonderful central Oregon? The school near you may have some fantastic courses, too. I just checked Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida (old home) and they’ve got scuba training.