Death Valley

he story behind this photo is far better than the actual photo itself which is why I want to share it. I visit my family often in Vegas and it’s only a 2.5 hour drive to Death Valley. One night I decided to drive over there to try and shoot some stars. I borrowed my aunts 18 year old car that runs pretty well, but certainly not new, and I headed out there.
The first thing to note about this area is how absolutely dark it is. With no moon out, it feels like you’re in a cave. Secondly on your way into the valley. You lose all cell service about 20 miles before entering. Lastly, and most importantly, flooding here is way different than flooding where I’m native to (Florida). A downpour here can cause a lot of danger.
I’m driving in as a storm is rolling though. Lightning everywhere. Rain in spurts. I tell myself I’ll head to Zabriskie point and decide what I want to do. It’s at a higher elevation and the first major point before entering into the valley.
I stop here. Get out to look at where the bad clouds are - remember no cell reception! It’s so dark I can barely see anything. I walk up to the point to try to take a few photos of this storm at the very least. About 3 minutes into taking photos I hear something. An animal somewhere. Okay whatever. I hear something again. Alright I’m a little spooked. I start looking around and walking around while the camera shoot. I notice something.
Wet paw prints. Okay well that was my cue to pack it up. As I’m walking (let’s be real I was practically running) down the hill, I notice the storm has changed direction and bit and is coming my way. No worries. I’m getting out of here now! I throw my camera and tripod into the car... oh god.

The car won’t start. As panic rushes over me, the first thing I tell myself is... well at least the coyote can’t get to me and I’m high enough up that I shouldn’t get washed away here if it floods... Thankfully the storm didn’t downpour on me, the car started, and I got out of there.
I learned a valuable lesson. Don’t go to Death Valley alone in the middle of the night while a storm is rolling through. At least go with someone else so you don’t die alone ???????? thanks for reading!
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