Well, we are back in civilization with air card service. As you know, we have been in Death Valley National. Park for the last few days. What an interesting place, none like it in the world. It is the lowest place in the hemisphere at over 190 feet below sea level.

It really does not feel any different with all of that additional air above you. It is hot in the sun and cool in the shade. You look at the altimeter and wonder why it says -160 feet??? So, how did it get this low. They explain that during the formation of the earth many eons ago, this part of the continent raised up and split open and what fell in between was this huge valley that was actually below the level of the sea, at least that is it in simple terms.

The visitors center has many drawings as well as photographs showing what actually happened and why things are as they are. They have a huge topographical 3D map of the whole valley and the mountain ranges all around and those ranges for many miles away. You really get the impression that you are really quite small in the scheme of things in this great valley. The region receives about 1.9 inches of rain a year and sometimes it comes a lot at one time and it actually forms a lake of salt water and then as it evaporates the salt crystals form, many in the area of the "Devils Golf Course" In this area the ground actually cracks as it dries and heaves up into hard sharp pieces of substance that actually sparkles in the sun, due to the salt crystals. They are so hard you can walk on them, but it is dangerous as you could fall and get cut or break a bone.

We were here attending the 49'ers Encampment. This is a re-enactment of the 49'ers gold rush to the gold fields of California and the story of those that found themselves in Death Valley in the process. It is also the story of the discovery of Borax and the mining and shipment of the raw material to the processing plants on the other side of the mountains. Many have used Borax around the house as a cleaning agent as well as to wash the grease from your hands. The name "20 Mule Team Borax" was a common household name, as well as one frequently herd on the radio.

It is also the story of fortunes made and lost as well as those that took advantage of others on foolish and unwise investments from those with money in the east.

This is a harsh land and one that can take your life if you are not prepared for the harshness of the area. The temperatures in the summer often reach 120 degrees for days on end and the nights are cold as there is little cloud cover to hold in the heat. Water is scarce to non existant and must be conserved when ever possible.
It is interesting to note that the smaller towns do not even have car wash facilities due to the conservation of water and a dirty car is the norm, not the exception.

Our photos are of Pahrump, NV and the Terribles Casino and campground as well as the road toward the mountains and Death Valley.