I've not had much opportunity to visit the Western part of the United States. Recently, I took a trip with my company to a conference in Las Vegas, Nevada for a week. A week is a long time if you've ever been to Vegas! After about two days, I was tired of drinking and gambling so I rented a car and took the two hour drive to Death Valley National Park.
I've always been fansinated with Death Valley since I was a kid and first heard about it. It is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level.
As far as the eye can see is a huge salt water basin. The white is solidified salt which once was a large salt water lake. The extreme heat evaporates the water. You can dig at the hard salt and after a few inches, water will begin to show. It's saltwater however and wouldn't do you any good if you actually needed it. At the time I took this picture, it was 118 degrees fahrenheit.
The Basin goes on for what seems like an eternity. I'd hate be caught out here without any water. During my 2 hour stay at the Basin, I didn't see any forms of life whatsoever. No flies, no birds, nothing!
Going from 282 feet below sea level to 5,475 feet above sea level in a matter of a few minutes is crazy! The white at the bottom of this summit is Badwater Basin where I was previously. The sudden temperature change was a nice adjustment as it was about 25-30 degrees fahrenheit cooler than the Basin.
You know it's hot when you see a sign like this.
If you haven't had a chance to get out to Death Valley, I highly reccomend it. Living in todays world, you forget how unforgivable but beautiful nature can be. It is surreal to be in a place that has been evolving for millions upon millions of years.
