Images

Death Valley day two

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, as well as the hottest, driest and lowest of all the national parks in the United States. More than 93% of the park is a designated wilderness area, which means—among other things—that your dog cannot go to those parts. As we took Bodie on this trip, we didn’t get to do much hiking. But there is still plenty to see close to vehicle access, especially when you have a four wheel drive.

Recent heavy rain made kayaking possible in Badwater Basin (Lake Manley). This is kinda impressive, but 120,000 years ago, Lake Manley was 600 ft—not knee—deep. The “high tide” lines are visible, high above the valley floor.

Everywhere you look in Death Valley, you witness geological time. But the cool thing about Ubehebe Crater is that it formed so very recently; conceivably, another one could blow tomorrow.

Best part of the day? Dinner cooked and eaten on an isolated knoll on the road to Skidoo ghost town, with views of the Valley and mountains and crescent moon. Magic.

Death Valley day one

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

We got on the road fairly late on Saturday (our neighbour was bitten by a rattlesnake, delaying our departure a little). We made it as far as Big Pine CA, where the friendly folks at the Starlight Motel made us welcome. The next day—Sunday—we headed into Death Valley, exploring the northerly part of the Park. The higher altitudes (and latitudes) make this section a lot less “deathy” than the more southern regions. Abundant wildflowers line the roads, temps are milder, and we were happy to find a campsite at almost-full Mesquite Springs, one of our favourite DV campgrounds. The day’s highlight? The layer-caked Last Chance Range near Eureka Dunes. Stunning. For desert quirkiness, Crankshaft Crossing, where plenty of folks have donated defunct crankshafts, took the prize.

Alaus oculatus

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

There are over 9000 species of click beetles worldwide, and over 900 species in North America alone.

This family is characterized by the unusual click mechanism on the beetle’s underside. A spine on the prosternum can be snapped into a corresponding notch on the mesosternum, producing a violent “click” that can bounce the beetle into the air. Clicking is mainly used to avoid predation, although it is also useful when the beetle is on its back and needs to right itself. See some close-ups and slow motion video here.

Bassariscus astutus

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

We have a taxidermied ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) in the Visitor Center at the Park. I’d sure love to see a live one.

Ringtails are members of the raccoon family. They are found in many areas of California, but they are rarely seen. They have large eyes and upright ears, which assist them to navigate and hunt by night. Their long tail helps them to balance while climbing in trees and rocky places.
Ringtails eat rodents, birds, rabbits, reptiles, frogs, fruit and berries. They prefer a solitary existence though they may occasionally share a den. They are preyed upon by foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, hawks, and owls.

Smaller than a house cat, its body measures 30–42 cm (12–16.5 in) and its tail averages 31–44 cm (12–17 in) from its base. Ringtails are said to be easily tamed, and can make an affectionate pet and effective mouser. They are the state mammal of Arizona.