December 29-30, 2015 Death Valley Junction, California

We went with the Tecopa Ladies night group on a field trip to The Amargosa Opera House.   John, Laurie and Rod 'womaned up' and joined us.

We started out with hors d'oeuvres at the art gallery at Tecopa Hot Springs resort. There ended up being a large crowd that car pooled to the opera house in Death Valley Junction. A couple of the girls arrived in this wild ride, red leather with working lights.

 

Marta Becket opened the Opera house in 1967 in Death Valley Junction, which is in the middle of nowhere between Death Valley and Las Veges. She renovated it and spent 7 years painting murals of an  audience on the walls. She performed one woman ballet and opera until 2012. She became famous-in the end all of her performances were sold out. People came from all over the world to see her. We have been going to see her in the spring for 20 years.  Jenna McClintoc saw Marta dance when she was 6 years old and was inspired to become a ballerina. She danced in the bay area for 25 years professionally. When she retired she came out to tell Marta how she inspired here and ended up deciding to stay and continue Marta's work. This is her second season performing Marta's dances in her costumes. It is so cool to see the legacy continue. 

Here she is in Marta's costumes performing Marta's show. 

Patrick rolled this pick up (donated by my sister to the Amargosa Conservancy) and was unharmed. A miracle. The view north from  the pass John and I hiked to today.

Me in a cave at the top.

John in the canyon on the way back in late afternoon light.Two different type bushes are blooming.

We had a delicious holiday dinner prepared by Susan Sorrels and Robbie in their lovely home. Judy and Susan in the kitchen. The men sat at the table. Brian, Robbie, Rod, John and Laurie.

The ladies on the couch, Mac, Judy and Susan. Robbie, Mac and Judy in front of the fireplace.