Thanks for the trip report. I made my first visit to Death Valley at the same time. We (GF&I) spent 5 nights at Saline Valley Hot Spring. If it had been warmer we might not have stayed as long but the cold temps sure made the hot water appealing. If/when I do it again I'd spend less time at the hs and more time exploring. It is such a vast area; the word "immense" comes to mind.