DESERT in BLOOM

Sometime Again in the Future

INCLUDED: Escort, accommodations, baggage handling, admissions, 10 meals as outlined, charter bus from Eugene and points south.

Friday, April 29:  Our route today takes us south along I-5 through Roseburg, Grants Pass, Medford and over the Siskiyou Mountains to Mt. Shasta, then east through McCloud to Susanville where we spend the night at the MIGH COUNTRY INN. (D)

Saturday, April 30:   Breakfast is included at your hotel before we continue south-eastward through Reno and Carson City, close to Big Bear Lake, on our way to Bishop CA.  HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS. (B)

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley

Before we reach our home for the next 2 nights we see the DEVIL’S CORNFIELD and visit SCOTTY’S CASTLE.  This time of year you can look low across the desert floor and see a glow of color from the masses of tiny desert flowers.  Many cacti should be in bloom as well.  Our home for 2 nights; FURNACE CREEK RANCH.  Dinner is included tonight.  (B, D)

Monday, May 2:   After breakfast we will tour ZABRISKI POINT, the FURNACE CREEK RESORT on the hill, MUSTARD CANYON, the VISITOR’S CENTER and perhaps the MUSEUM.  There will be time to enjoy relaxing or swimming in their great pool this afternoon. (B)

Tuesday, May 3:   After breakfast we depart Death Valley via the DEVIL’S GOLF COURSE &the lowest elevation in the US, BAD WATER.  This afternoon we will enjoy a visit to CALICO GHOST TOWN.  Here we experience life as it was in the Gold Mining Days.  Home tonight is BEST WESTERN DESERT VILLA in Barstow, CA.  (B)

Wednesday May 4:   Our route today takes us northwesterly to Boron where we visit the 20 MULE TEAM MUSEUM. Boron we was the southern terminus for the 20 Mule Team wagons hauling Borax out of Death Valley in the early days.  Later we travel over Tehachapi Pass through Bakersfield, into the lush farm lands or the San Joaquin Valley on our way to Fresno.  Home tonight is the PICCADILLY INN.  (B)

Thursday, May 5:   Continuing our travels through more fertile farm lands we pass Stockton, Sacramento and the Sacramento Valley.  Now we are in olive country.  We may have time for a tasting stop.  Overnight at the HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS/CORNING.  (B)

Friday, May 6:   Heading north, we stop for a visit to the SUN DIAL BRIDGE in Redding before crossing Lake Shasta and return back over the Siskiyou Mountains on our way home.  Watch for the RED BUD bushes that should be blooming about now.  (B,L)