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I arrived at Furnace Creek in Death Valley about noon today. While walking a block over to the store, there was a pair of roadrunners just hanging out next to the road. They weren't even afraid of me. I crossed the road and while walking through the small parking lot a coyote was leisurely walking the same way I was. Not a care in the world. I just kept walking and so did he. Eventually he crossed some grass, went out to the road and crossed. Darn!! I didn't have my phone to take a pic, but it was a nice experience.
Sandi

Well that would be a nice experience,

Kewl!

I was there a couple of years ago in early January when it was literally freezing at night. The campground was only about 15% full, so the coyotes were constantly wandering through to drink from Furnace Creek, which was flowing nicely. In fact, one day when I drove out for the day, I stopped and took a photo of ice on Furnace Creek.

Then one day, when I was leaving Scotty's Castle near the end of the day, there was a coyote on the high bank across the entrance roadway. She/he was looking at the visitor center there and licking her chops, so I assumed she/he was heading for the trash or maybe was even used to being fed there.

Got to give those critters who live there some serious credit for surviving and making a living in that place! I am planning on going back out there next winter.

JudyJB wrote:I was there a couple of years ago in early January when it was literally freezing at night. The campground was only about 15% full,

Got to give those critters who live there some serious credit for surviving and making a living in that place! I am planning on going back out there next winter.

I'm in the Sunset boondocking campground. I guess Christmas week must be their slow time because out of 270 spaces, there are only 9 rigs and 2 hosts. It was a beautiful day today and got up to about 65* and will go down to 34* tonight. Next couple of days will be warmer pushing 70* during the day and 40s at night. The coyote I saw was well fed. Not the least bit thin.

I'm happy because I found a cowboy hat at the store for my next mule ride to the bottom of Grand Canyon in April. They require a wide-brimmed hat and I look so silly in those hiking hats. At least I don't look QUITE so silly in the cowboy hat.
Sandi

You were out walking without your phone!?! I'm glad you decided to get away and have already seen fun things!

That's perfect weather. It was a bit too cold when I was there, plus my little electric heater died, and I had to drive 40 miles to get a propane refill. It was also too cold the day I wanted to hike around the crater--got bundled up in several layers including a winter jacket, but the wind was so strong, I just was too cold. Will check weather reports next time I go.

It is certainly a great place to visit off-season! More animals and much more peaceful. I envy you.

Neat wildlife encounters! Be sure to post a pic of you in your new cowboy hat!