#badwater town

[vaxxman]

Yay gully!! Also get all the rest you need :) also what maps do you enjoy playing the most? I wanna know your thoughts on maps

- anon who likes TF2 maps

Yay Gully!!! Thanks for asking!

My tastes are very vanilla I feel.

I think I enjoy about every Payload map, but I like playing Frontier, Upwards, Swiftwater, and Goldrush, sometimes Borneo. I have yet to play Snowplow, but no one queues into it :(

Krampus was my first King Of The Hill map and I actually bought a stamp for that map from the shop because I wanted to give back to the creators. I like Viaduct and am trying to warm up to Kong King.

Capture points, I really enjoy Badwater, Brew, and Dustbowl.

I absolutely loved the Smissmass map Carrier where you turn into a robot and carry a bomb into the red base. I trolled the lobby once by clearing the first capture on vacc while healing a scout, no one could kill me as I nyoomed across the map. Bring this map back.

(The enemy team when they saw the robot was a medic on vacc)

DEGROOT MEDIEVAL MODE. I go there to train my saw stabs because I can't hit shit in front of me.

And ofc Rottenburg MvM bootcamp as well as Ghost Town, Shield Basher Medic is such a fun way to play this class.

(Oh no I drew him so fruity here, uhh enjoy I guess)

Generally I never play Harvest, Hightower, and Suijin, because the map design makes me sad and pick classes just love clicking on me. Player destruction maps are also very hard as medic, but I really want to queue into Selbyen.

Controversially, I dislike playing most Capture the Flag maps like 2fort and Doublecross on casual because it's difficult to find a well coordinated team to manoeuvre through the different lines of defenses and steal a breifcase. I did like Doublefrost, I think many more competent players joined during smissmass. I do love HAARP though, that one is a really good map!!

[yokowan]

The bus is late. You tug uncomfortably at the mask of your pressure suit. This isn't your first time wearing one by any means, but it certainly doesn't help make the walls of the city leaning in around you feel any less stifling. An old man lowers himself onto the bench next to you. "Y'on't look like yer from here. Mariner Valley?" You reflexively jump in your seat a little, alarmed by the unprompted attempt at conversation. "Y-yeah. How could you tell?" "Ah, all you communists look the feckin same." You open your mouth as if to speak, before electing not to respond.

WELCOME TO MARS MOTHERFUCKERS

It is two hundred and fifty-odd years in the future. Mars, once a cold dead husk, is now a developed world with bustling industry and a contested legal status that hasn't become a problem yet because everyone chooses to ignore it. The planet has slowly been gaining a breathable atmosphere, not through any concerted terraforming effort, but instead because oxygen is produced as a byproduct of many metal refining processes. After over a century of heavy industry, the parts of the planet's surface at low elevation have a high enough atmospheric pressure that crops can be grown in the open air, and humans can survive without needing a pressure suit.

Which parts of the planet become breathable first has a huge impact on Martian socioeconomics, leading me to perhaps my strangest science fiction writing project yet:

THE REGIONAL STEREOTYPES OF MARS

EAT MY TAINT YOU GODDAMN MARINER HIPPIES

Hellas

Hellas is a large impact basin surrounded by the southern highlands. Its very low elevation means it was one of the first parts of the Martian surface to have arable land, and provided the majority of the planet's food before most agriculture moved north. The height of the surrounding terrain traps in moisture, resulting in it being the most lush part of Mars, containing its only wild grasslands. Hellas is the most populous region of Mars, and is home to the planets colonial administrative capital of Badwater.

Hellas' habitability and developed infrastructure means it is the region of Mars most frequently visited by outsiders. Its culture and general appearance have become Earth's main conception of the planet.

Hellas is positioned on the opposite side of the planet to Mars' other major population centers, so overland travel is inconvenient and uncomfortable. This has made it quite culturally isolated, with much of the planet seeing the region's citizens as stuck up, backwards, and blind to the plight of the average Martian. Having the planet's oldest settlements, Hellas' residents view themselves as being the "real" Martians, and hold some resentment towards the rest of the planet for being so weak-willed and forgetting their roots.

Chryse

Chryse is a large, flat plain in the northern hemisphere. Its elevation is mostly not low enough to be habitable to humans without pressure suits, but genetically modified plants thrive in the nutrient-rich alluvial soil. Though Chryse's population is quite small, only having a couple of dense towns located in deep craters, it provides a majority of the planet's food.

Chryse's inhabitants are commonly perceived as easygoing, hospitable and a bit simple-minded. That is, if they are perceived at all. Despite its importance, the region is often forgotten in discussions of Mars.

As its exports are mostly local to Mars and occasionally to the outer solar system, the region finds itself largely isolated from Earth politics. This is a point of pride for its inhabitants, who consider themselves for this reason to be truest Martians, embodying a spirit of independence and self-reliance.

Mariner Valley

Mariner Valley is a system of rift valleys near Mars' equator. Its higher elevation means that it became habitable slightly later than Hellas, but the moderate climate and abundant water make it highly desirable as a place of habitation. Originally it served as a staging point for people and cargo moving to and from mining settlements on Tharsis, but it slowly evolved into a highly developed center for manufacturing and industry.

The region's value as a manufacturing hub which is easily accessible to the outer solar system makes it highly desirable to Earth corporations, who have long been vying for political influence in the area. This is met with resistance from many of the locals, upset that the fruits of their labor are largely spent on the interests of Earth instead of bettering their own planet. Mariner Valley is the nucleus of a socialist independence movement, and is currently under partial administration by the Martial Coalition. This is allowed to exist as it serves to take some administrative burden off of the colonial government and doesn't inconvenience them, though any acknowledgment of its existence is completely informal and under very vaguely defined terms.

Depending on who you ask, Mariner Valley is either a place for well-meaning but starry-eyed and unrealistic idealists, or a rotting trench full of communists. Its anyone's guess, really. Broadly, Mariner Valley sees itself as the future of Mars: real, red-blooded Martians who truly believe in their people.

Tharsis

Tharsis Rise, often simply "the rise", is a massive plateau around the Martian equator. Its high altitude and harsh winds render it uninhabitable. Its valuable deposits of highly accessible ore minerals mean that people live there anyways. A pressure suit is needed to be outside here. At moderate altitudes, a partial counterpressure suit to assist with breathing is sufficient. In the mountains, full body pressures suits are necessary to prevent bodily fluids from flash boiling.

Settlements in this region are largely run by Earth corporations and structured entirely around resource extraction. Despite the huge value of the area's resources, it remains among the planet's poorest. Escaping poverty proves particularly difficult when your boss sets the price of oxygen. Public perception is largely divided, with some people seeing the struggles of Tharsis as a symbol of Mars' oppression, and others seeing it as their just comeuppance for being lazy and reliant on handouts from Earth.

The population of Tharsis is spread out, and apart from a few large settlements with good transportation, isolated from the rest of the planet. They are not linked by kinship nor ideology, but are together in their misery. They're born in the dirt, they work in the dirt, and they die in the dirt. In the dirt, they're one people, and what's more truly Martian than that?

All elevation maps were made with MOLA data using JMARS

[whatsjenniupto]

Nazaré, a town of ups and downs

After my freezing cold walk through Ericeira, I was hesitant about my stay in Nazaré. I was even more hesitant after sitting outside my guesthouse, messaging the owner on the booking app, whatsapping all posted phone numbers on the door, and scrounging around my bags for every snack source available while waiting for entry.

Eventually, the owner's aunt came along, let me in, and gave me a tour of the place in German because that was our lingua franca. It had taken me so long to gain access to the guesthouse that I was now starving in the middle of the day when all the restaurants are closed. Great.

I decided to do a loop around town, but knew I was going to end up at a grocery store buying packs of chicken and cheese before I fell over from hunger. My guesthouse was conveniently located just off one of the main roads, easily walkable to all parts of the city -- which is completely why I picked it even though every single review mentioned how frustrating gaining access to the place was. My review agreed, but the guesthouse did exactly what I wanted it to: allow me to quickly get to the beach -- where I almost immediately decided to instead duck down shaded streets because Nazaré and Ericeira have completely different climates.

Nazaré was sweltering under the midday sun. It was so bright, I could barely keep my eyes open. I could feel the Death Valley Badwater Basin loopy effect starting to hit me and knew I needed some electrolytes ASAP. I went straight back to the Spar, bought my protein and salt sources, and headed back indoors. Where I stayed until 6pm, shortly before restaurants opened again for dinner.

Ericeira has a microclimate with a northern wind. It's frequently much colder than you think it should be and more humid (hence my not so enjoyable damp, frigid afternoon). Nazaré has much more of a Mediterranean climate with an east/southeast wind that provides warmer and drier temperatures. Ergo, Nazaré is basically perfect at the end of July as long as you avoid the midday sun. Although, if you are the type of person who enjoys swimming in the ocean, you likely will enjoy those hours as well. As I reside ten minutes away from an angry purple sunburn, I was spending from when I finished lunch until when I could get dinner inside.

Nazaré is divided into an upper town and a lower town, connected by a very, very worth it funicular. There is also a slippery staired path that connects the two, but I feared my life climbing down to the swing and deigned to go no further. (If you look to the right of the funicular, there's a wooden arch in the middle of the hill. That's actually a swing.) I also lost my patience after about three groups of people grabbed the swing while I was waiting for it to empty. All I wanted was an empty swing photo. All I got was annoyed that I had nearly fallen all the way down and now had to pull myself up using the railing since apparently my shoes felt they were on ice rather than hot, middle of the day, worn down stones. Or maybe those two are basically the same thing....

The streets at the base of the funicular in the lower town are tightly packed multi-level homes that make up the Fishermen's District. The streets gradually get wider and new construction is easily seen surrounding the area. Older women in traditional skirts sit on chairs at the end of streets all day holding up signs offering lodging, many rooms located in those newly constructed buildings. Nazaré is changing. It's no longer a quiet fishing village. It's trying its best to capitalize on tourism. With beautiful beaches, the biggest waves I've ever seen, and incredible restaurants, it's easy to see the draw.

The iconic boats are also located on the beach in the lower town. Just behind the boats in the top photo are stands where fish is dried and then available for purchase -- unfortunately they were pretty much empty when I was there. I think there was one stand of drying fish. The beach has an accessible boardwalk, allowing wheelchairs to get midway down to the ocean with relative ease. A great addition to any seaside town.

O Sitio, the upper town, boasts sweeping views over the lower town as well as coast. While there might be a slightly higher concentration in restaurants in the lower town along the beachfront, there are plenty of delicious choices up top. I opted for a grilled fish restaurant as I had one goal after finally connecting that barnacles aren't in season in July because they're spawning -- like most seafood. While disappointed that this trip wasn't going to allow me to try gooseneck barnacles, it was sardine season. And I was pretty excited to try me some sardines.

[travelloverr]

Escape the Glitter: 13 Awesome Places to Visit Near Las Vegas by Car

Las Vegas, the dazzling city of lights, beckons with its world-class casinos, extravagant shows, and electrifying nightlife. But beyond the neon glow lies a vast and diverse landscape waiting to be explored. Buckle up and hit the open road – here are 13 incredible destinations, all accessible by car from Las Vegas, that offer a welcome escape from the Vegas buzz:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: A mere 23-minute drive west, Red Rock Canyon stuns with its fiery red sandstone cliffs, sculpted by millions of years of wind and erosion. Hike scenic trails, witness ancient petroglyphs, or take a scenic drive for panoramic views. Click here

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada: Travel 56 minutes northeast to discover a photographer's paradise. Valley of Fire boasts vibrant red Aztec sandstone formations, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyph panels. Hike scenic trails like the Mouse's Tank Loop or marvel at the landscape from scenic overlooks.

Hoover Dam, Nevada/Arizona: A 45-minute drive southeast takes you to a marvel of human engineering - the Hoover Dam. Witness the immense power of the Colorado River harnessed by this colossal concrete structure. Explore the dam's interior on a guided tour or take in the breathtaking views from the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.Click here

Lake Mead National Recreation Area:  Cool off at Lake Mead, just 40 minutes from the Strip. This massive reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming, and stunning desert scenery. Explore the various coves and beaches, or visit the historic Mormon settlements and viewpoints surrounding the lake.

Grand Canyon National Park – West Rim: Embark on a 2-hour and 13-minute adventure to the Grand Canyon's West Rim. Witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of this natural wonder, walk along the thrilling glass Skywalk, or take a helicopter tour for unparalleled aerial views.

Death Valley National Park, California:  For a taste of extremes, head 2 hours and 22 minutes east to Death Valley National Park, the hottest, driest place in North America. Explore otherworldly landscapes like Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, or hike through Zabriskie Point for panoramic vistas. Click here

Seven Magic Mountains, Nevada: Take a 35-minute southwards jaunt for a whimsical art installation. Seven Magic Mountains features colorful, towering rock sculptures set against the stark desert backdrop, making for a unique and Instagram-worthy stop.

Zion National Park, Utah:  A 2-hour and 35-minute drive leads to Zion National Park, a wonderland of red sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Hike the iconic Narrows, a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River, or explore the park's diverse trails offering breathtaking scenery.

Mount Charleston: Escape the desert heat with a 48-minute drive up Mount Charleston. This forested mountain range offers cooler temperatures, scenic hiking trails, and a chance to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep. During winter, enjoy snowshoeing or skiing at the Lee Canyon Ski Resort. Click here

Oatman, Arizona:  Cruise 1 hour and 13 minutes south to Oatman, a quirky wild west ghost town. Burros roam freely, and visitors can interact with these friendly (and sometimes mischievous) creatures. Explore the historic buildings and shops lining the dusty main street.

Sedona, Arizona:  Immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of Sedona, a 2-hour and 30-minute drive away. Hike amidst majestic red rock formations, visit ancient Native American ruins, or embark on a jeep tour for off-road adventures. Sedona is also known for its vibrant arts scene and metaphysical shops.

Laughlin, Nevada: Seeking a change of pace but craving Vegas vibes? Head 90 minutes south to Laughlin, a mini Las Vegas on the banks of the Colorado River. Enjoy casinos, riverboat cruises, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Strip.

Bryce Canyon National Park:  For an unforgettable stargazing experience, take a 4-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Hike along the rim, marveling at the unique hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires), or descend into the amphitheater for breathtaking views. At night, witness a dazzling display of stars due to minimal light pollution.

Learn more:

Top Places to Visit In Chikmagalur in 3 Days 2024

Hirekolale Lake Itinerary: Complete Travel Guide.

Best Area To Stay In Costa Rica 2024

[travelling-world]

Unlock the Secrets of Death Valley on a Day Trip From Las Vegas

What Is Death Valley and Its Incredible National Park?

Death Valley is a desert valley located in Eastern California, USA. It is considered to be one of the hottest and driest places in North America, with temperatures reaching up to 134°F (56.7°C) in the summer months.

The Death Valley National Park is a protected area within the valley that spans over 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. The park is known for its diverse desert landscapes, including sand dunes, canyons, mountains, and salt flats.

The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a variety of reptiles and birds. It is also home to unique geological formations, such as the iconic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), and the colorful Artist's Palette.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, stargazing, and exploring historic sites like the abandoned mining town of Rhyolite. The park is also a popular destination for photography enthusiasts, with its stunning sunrises and sunsets, and otherworldly landscapes.

Overall, Death Valley National Park is an incredible destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the desert and experience a unique and unforgettable adventure.

The Best Places To Visit When Touring Death Valley

There are many amazing places to visit when touring Death Valley National Park. Here are some of the best places to check out:

Badwater Basin: This is the lowest point in North America, and it features a vast expanse of salt flats that are beautiful to explore.

Zabriskie Point: This is a popular viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the badlands and the Amargosa Range.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: These are some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the park, and they offer a great opportunity for hiking and photography.

Artist's Drive and Palette: This is a scenic one-way drive that offers breathtaking views of the colorful rock formations, including the famous Artist's Palette.

Scotty's Castle: This is a historic mansion that was built in the 1920s and offers a glimpse into the park's history and architecture.

Dante's View: This is a viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, and it's a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Ubehebe Crater: This is a volcanic crater that offers a unique and otherworldly landscape to explore.

Furnace Creek Visitor Center: This is a great place to start your tour of the park, as it offers information about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.

Overall, Death Valley National Park has something for everyone, and these are just a few of the amazing places you can explore while touring the park.

Tips & Tricks on Planning Your Perfect Death Valley Tour from Las Vegas

If you're planning a Death Valley tour from Las Vegas, here are some tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip:

Plan your trip in advance: Death Valley is a popular destination, so it's important to book your accommodations and activities in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Choose the right time to visit: Death Valley can be extremely hot during the summer months, so it's best to visit during the cooler months of the year (November to April) when temperatures are more comfortable.

Rent a car: Death Valley is a large park, so it's best to rent a car to explore the park on your own. There are several car rental agencies available in Las Vegas.

Bring plenty of water: Death Valley is a desert, so it's important to stay hydrated. Make sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Dress appropriately: Death Valley can be very hot during the day and cool at night, so it's important to dress appropriately. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing during the day, and bring warm layers for the evenings.

Stay on designated roads and trails: The park has designated roads and trails for visitors to explore. It's important to stay on these designated paths to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.

Visit the park's visitor center: The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a great place to start your tour of the park. It offers information about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.

Take a guided tour: If you're not comfortable exploring the park on your own, consider taking a guided tour. There are several companies that offer guided tours of the park from Las Vegas.

By following these tips and tricks, you can plan the perfect Death Valley tour from Las Vegas and have an unforgettable adventure exploring one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world.

What To Bring On Your Unforgettable Trip To Death Valley?

If you're planning a trip to Death Valley National Park, here are some essential items you should bring:

Plenty of water: Death Valley is a desert, so it's important to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water, and make sure to drink it regularly to avoid dehydration.

Sunscreen and hat: The sun can be intense in Death Valley, so it's important to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a hat to shield your face from the sun.

Comfortable clothing and shoes: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials to stay cool in the heat. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are also essential for exploring the park.

Warm layers: Temperatures can drop significantly in Death Valley at night, so bring warm layers, such as a jacket or sweater, to stay warm.

Snacks and food: Bring plenty of snacks and food, as there are limited dining options within the park.

Map and guidebook: Bring a map and guidebook to help you navigate the park and learn about its history, geology, and wildlife.

First aid kit: Bring a basic first aid kit that includes items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers in case of any minor injuries.

Camera: Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of Death Valley National Park.

By bringing these essential items, you'll be well-prepared for your unforgettable trip to Death Valley and can fully enjoy all the park has to offer.

[don-lichterman]

Badwater television pilot will be screened at Mancos Opera House – The Durango Herald

Badwater television pilot will be screened at Mancos Opera House – The Durango Herald

A cameraman checks the scene while filming for the new television show “Badwater,” set in a contemporary reservation border town. Local novelist Chuck Greaves wrote television series and first episode A screening of “Badwater,” a television pilot filmed in Mancos and Cortez in 2020, will be shown at the newly renovated Mancos Opera House on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The original television series and…

[contac]

[lovz2hike]

How to See the BEST of Death Valley in 2 Days

A write up on our 2 day road trip to Death Valley with links to the places we visited.

Friday Night 2022 is the year of road trips for us.  We started the year with a weekend Road Trip to Death Valley. We both work over 40 hours a week so most over our trips are only 2 days but we cram as much as we can in those two day. This blog will show you how we did Death Valley in 2 days. 1. The Desert Campsite We started our trip Friday night after work. We always try to do this on our…

[thnxforknowingme]

Miles To Go (9/12)

Written for the Klaine 3-2-1 Prompt Bang 2022, art by @datshitrandom

Pairing: Kurt Hummel/Blaine Anderson

Rating: Mature

Notes: More info about the fic here.

All Chapters | Read on AO3

Chapter 9: Death Valley

They left behind Las Vegas, that sparkling oasis of excess and questionable choices, and ventured into the desert.

They didn’t talk much as they drove. Kurt wasn’t sure if it was because they were hungover, or because the barren landscape didn’t provide much conversation fodder, or something else. He poked around with the radio, restless, but they were so far out that only a few stations crackled through. The highway here was narrow and sparsely-populated. In all directions the ground was beige sand, spattered with scrubby plants. Everything was tan or brown or gray, even the sky seeming washed-out and colorless. The infrequent exits that he passed mostly had signs for distant minuscule towns, with the caveat that NO SERVICES were available. It was hot out - even with the AC on Kurt felt sweaty and gross, although part of that was leftover from the previous night. He worried about his engine overheating - with the repairs he’d had in Kansas it should be fine, but wouldn’t it be just his luck to break down in the middle of an uninhabited desert?

At a small cluster of buildings - a gas station, a diner, a fireworks warehouse, and something called the Area 51 Alien Center - they turned onto a state highway heading south. The world felt stripped-down and bare, the harsh elements making everything in the desert precarious and vulnerable. Kurt considered how every living thing here must have to fight so hard to survive - every spiny plant and bizarre desert creature, adapted to the extreme lack of resources. Everything that remained here did so only through determination and luck and hardship.

After passing nothing but the occasional rest stop, brothel, or casino, they crossed the California border. It was the same desert around them, but Kurt felt something jolt through his body, some mix of anticipation and relief. He’d made it to California. He still had a ways to go, but his westward journey was nearly complete.

*

The irony of his situation did not escape Kurt as he followed signs into Death Valley while he had human remains stashed in his back seat. 

Death Valley was the lowest, driest, and hottest place in North America. It hadn’t been on Kurt’s original itinerary, but Blaine had suggested it when they’d been mapping out their shared route back in Wyoming. While Kurt didn’t relish the idea of spending time in such an inhospitable environment, he could see the allure of visiting the strange and remarkable place, just to say he had. 

They paid their park entrance fees and left the U-Haul at the visitor’s center, sharing Kurt’s car to venture into the wilderness. On their way out they passed an electronic display informing them that the temperature was currently 106 degrees. 

The heat was unlike anything Kurt had ever experienced. It wasn’t just a part of the atmosphere - it was an active force, pressing into his skin and invading his lungs. Leaving the air-conditioned interior of the car felt like stepping into an oven. When they visited the gargantuan salt flat of Badwater Basin, nearly 300 feet below sea level and the lowest point on the continent, signs in the parking lot warned visitors not to walk onto the salt during summer months, and not to stay outside of their vehicles for more than 15 minutes at a time. 

“This is insane,” Kurt said, his voice weak. He tried to fan at his face, but the air was so hot that moving it around did no good. 

“Still better than the Great Salt Lake, though, right?” Blaine asked. 

Kurt would have laughed if he didn’t feel like he was actively being scorched. “Yeah, if we’re ranking salt flats,” he agreed. 

They drove through other strange landscapes - bumpy fields of minerals in odd crystalline formations that hissed and popped as they reacted to the heat; hills of blue and red and gold formed from volcanic deposits; twisting canyons where the cliffs looked jagged and unnatural.

“It does seem…alien,” Kurt admitted, looking out the windshield. “Maybe those Area 51 crackpots are onto something.”

“They actually filmed some scenes here for Star Wars,” Blaine told him. “It’s literally the set for alien planets.”

Kurt glanced over at Blaine, who was wide-eyed and reverent as he took in the landscape, and fondness rose up in his chest. 

*

The moon was just over half full that night, but with the lack of electric lights for miles it shone brightly, illuminating the strange shapes of the landscape as far as the eye could see. It was still hot even at night - there was no cell service to check the weather, but Kurt estimated it was in the mid-eighties. They didn’t even bother unrolling their sleeping bags, and after lying there with his shirt clinging to his sticky skin, Kurt shucked off his pajamas, remaining just in his underwear, and Blaine followed suit. Blaine looked delectable - his body bare and languid, hair slightly damp with sweat - but it was far too hot to touch each other.

“Do you think it’s better outside?” Blaine asked after they’d been lying in silence for a while.

“Maybe,” Kurt said. The tent might have been insulating their body heat.

They unzipped the tent’s door and set their pillows on the tarp that jutted out beneath it, lying halfway outside and staring upwards. Even with the moon’s luminescence, the sky held a plethora of stars, the Milky Way spread above them like a shining paintbrush stroke.

“Do you wish on shooting stars?” Blaine asked.

“Sure,” Kurt said. “Who doesn’t?”

Blaine shrugged, an awkward gesture while lying down. “Some people might think it’s silly to believe in that kind of thing.”

Kurt strained his eyes to look at every corner of the sky, so big and full that he couldn’t take it all in at once. The light he was seeing was unimaginably far away, created by gargantuan masses of burning gas. This fact was strange and hard to reconcile, but it was the reality of the universe. Just like the bizarre geologic formations they’d seen throughout the day, no matter how unusual it might seem, it was the most natural thing in existence. He knew there was nothing about sparks of light in the sky that magically granted wishes. Good things happened because you were lucky, or you worked hard for them. But it was nice to hope for things, all the same.

“It’s not silly,” Kurt said. “Sometimes I wish I believed in more things. It might make my life easier.”

Blaine turned his head to look at Kurt, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. “What do you mean?”

Kurt swallowed. It was almost eerie how quiet it was around them. He knew there were plenty of other campers, and surely there must be some wildlife around, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures while the sun was down. But it felt almost as though they were completely alone, in this massive desert, beneath the infinite universe. “I’ve always been pretty dismissive of religion,” he said. “I understand that it’s important to people, that it can give them comfort or purpose or community, which is all well and good. But it’s never been for me.” He paused to take a breath, to steady his voice. “The only time I’ve sort of - envied people who believe in that kind of thing…was when Finn died. Not even because I want to imagine him in some idyllic afterlife, or anything. It’s just that I was at a complete loss for how to mourn him. I still am. I wish there were instructions. Religious people have rituals and rules - certain prayers to say or clothes to wear, steps to take so that you’re doing the right thing to honor someone and say goodbye. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Blaine didn’t respond right away, and Kurt wondered if maybe he’d gone too far, opened himself up too much - if he was trying to shoulder Blaine with a burden that he wasn’t willing to carry. But then Blaine spoke. “I can’t pretend to understand what you’re going through,” he said softly. “But I’m sure that, even without external rules, you can…mourn him, and honor him, and however you do it will be right. Because you knew him. So however you choose to deal with losing him is okay.”

Kurt blinked against the tears forming in his eyes. “I haven’t been doing well,” he admitted. It was something he had known, obviously, but saying it out loud was strange, both embarrassing and freeing at the same time. “I just…stopped caring, about everything. I nearly flunked out of school. I don’t know how to keep living life like everything’s normal.”

Blaine reached out and took Kurt’s hand, and their fingers intertwined as though they were meant to be. “Of course it’s not normal,” Blaine said, giving his hand a squeeze. “You’re allowed to hurt. The worst thing happened, Kurt. Things might get closer to normal eventually, but you’re allowed to react, to be in pain. For however long you need, it’s okay.”

If the weather weren’t so goddamned miserable Kurt would have buried himself in Blaine’s chest to cry, but instead he settled for turning towards him as sobs wracked his body. Blaine brought his other hand up to rest in Kurt’s hair, stroking his scalp soothingly.

“Thank you,” Kurt said once he’d caught his breath, tears subsiding. He wiped at his eyes and exhaled heavily. “I don’t know that I’d recommend my grieving process, though. I ended up with a tattoo.”

Blaine snorted, caught off guard by Kurt’s levity. “That was because you were drunk,” he said. “And I peer pressured you.”

“It was a combination of things,” Kurt said. His voice was still a little shaky, but he felt okay. “How’d you come up with the idea for tattoos anyway, if you weren’t even going to get one?”

Blaine let his hand drift down to cup Kurt’s jaw, still idly brushing his skin with his thumb. “Well, I meant to get one, when I thought of it,” Blaine said. “I’ve always liked the idea of tattoos, aesthetically.“ He bit his lip slightly before adding, “I actually think they’re really hot.”

“Mine is still healing,” Kurt admonished. “You can’t touch it yet.”

Blaine rolled his eyes. “Anyway…once I was faced with the reality of getting one, I realized it’s - just not for me.” His expression suddenly fell into something more serious. “There was nothing that I’m so passionate about to want on my body forever. Isn’t that stupid? I don’t care about anything or identify with anything enough for it to define me.”

There was a bite to his voice that Kurt had never heard before. He was still touching Kurt, soft and affectionate, but Kurt realized that Blaine was expressing some kind of negative emotion for the first time since they’d met.

“Caring about something and wanting something tattooed on your body aren’t necessarily the same thing,” he pointed out.

“That’s not -” Blaine pulled away, rolling over to lie on his back. He let out a frustrated sigh. Kurt watched the outline of his profile, waiting.

“I was seeing this guy in the spring,” Blaine said, and something twisted unpleasantly in Kurt’s chest. So that’s what Blaine had been holding back, maybe what had motivated him to take this wild ride across the country - a breakup. Kurt knew he had no right to judge Blaine, but it disappointed him to know that this…thing that they’d been doing was just a rebound. 

“We’d only been going out for a couple months,” Blaine went on. “And one day he - we had this date, and maybe I was going a little overboard, but he just…he asked me if I actually liked him, and wanted to do all these romantic gestures for him specifically, or if I was just trying to be the ideal boyfriend. Manufacture some perfect relationship.”

When Blaine paused, Kurt couldn’t help himself. “Did you actually like him?” he asked.

Blaine swallowed. “I thought I did,” he said, still staring at the sky. “But he accused me of - doing that with everything, I guess. Trying to pursue some perfect life, without any real passion or feeling behind it. I’d never thought about it like that, but -” Blaine laughed humorlessly. “I don’t know. He struck a nerve. We broke up.”

“I’m sorry,” Kurt said.

Blaine shook his head slightly. “Thanks. It’s not - I’m over it. It wouldn’t have worked out anyway. Maybe I didn’t like him that much after all.” He took a deep breath. “The problem is, I’m worried he was right. Everything I do - school and clubs and relationships - I didn’t realize until he pointed out that I’m not even sure how much I want it. I’ve just been doing what I think I’m supposed to be doing for so long. So when Cooper texted me out of the blue about helping someone move, driving across the country…it seemed like a chance to do something unexpected. To try something new and weird and see how I actually felt about it. Even if it meant giving up that internship.” He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting Kurts’. “So that’s why I’m here. I know it’s not really a big deal, in comparison…”

Kurt stared back at him. “In comparison to why I’m running across the country?”

Blaine glanced down, bashful. “Yeah.”

“It’s not a trauma competition,” Kurt told him, squeezing their intertwined hands. “Thank you for telling me, though.”

Blaine nodded. “Thanks for listening.”

They lay there in the silent desert, under the boundless sky, and Kurt thought that even if they were alone, the only two people in the whole world, he’d be okay with that.

*

They got up early the next day so they could hike before the temperature became too unbearable. They packed up camp as the sun rose, painting the desert in purples, pinks and oranges.

Kurt worried that things might be awkward between them, after the late-night confessions. But instead he felt light and open around Blaine. They had each bared themselves a little more, but instead of regret or embarrassment, the result was understanding and affection.

The trail they took started at an overlook, then wound through the pale, uneven terrain of the badlands. The creosote bushes and occasional twisted joshua trees that had dotted the ground near their campsite diminished, the earth around them rocky and devoid of life. There was still color, though - the different mountain ridges they could see were golden, blue, and red. 

The landscape was exceedingly still, the only movement when their footsteps sent puffs of dust floating into the air. They didn’t talk much as they hiked, but it was comfortable. They stopped for frequent breaks to hydrate, and the dry air chapped their lips, so they were constantly passing Kurt’s lip balm back and forth.

As they got deeper into the wilderness, they had to climb over boulders and duck under overhangs to continue along the trail. They would offer a hand to each other to vault rocks, calling out warnings to ensure the other never slipped or hit his head.

When they reached the peak where their trail ended, they sat on the ground, sore and tired and hot. The view around them was remarkable - towering rocks striated in shades of red and brown, and then the whole of the desert laid out beyond them, the valleys of ancient lakebeds and ridges of formidable mountains.

Between sips of water, Blaine said, “I called Cooper yesterday, when we were driving.” Kurt glanced over at him, and Blaine grinned back. “He’s excited to meet you. He said you’re welcome to stay with him, but we’ll have to share a futon.”

Kurt’s lungs were still heaving, pulling in the dry, dusty air, but he smiled. “Good thing I don’t mind cuddling with you.”

Blane nodded. “That’s what I thought.”

They didn’t talk about the future any more, about the fact that across this desert sat the Pacific Coast, where their shared trip would come to an end. By the time the sun went down, they’d be in Los Angeles. Kurt didn’t know what that meant for them, but he forced himself to be happy in the moment, to be sweaty and exhausted and so, so alive, with Blaine at his side.

[withoneheadlight]

Tagged by @lovebillyhargrove @thesummerof84 @pretty-bratty and maybe someone else? idk? it's been long? xD

1. Your zodiac sign? aquarius. and i kinda love it kinda feel this is the origin of all my problems yk? xD

2. Favourite season/time of year? ohhh. summer if I have to choose? but is more like whatever happens in here between the end of april and the beginning of November xD. ithis is a rainy land, so the moment sun starts showing up more regularly is a blessing.

3. Your fav time of day/night? definitely the golden hour.

4. Your most MOST fav Billy scene? ahhh, choosing. not my strongest point. but my fav is probably his scene with neil. the whole scene, where in one sitting we get to see the rollercoaster of a human being that is billy hargrove. from the wink to the ass shake to the dick-perfumation to the way he calls neil dad and can't help but complain to the sudden change in his stance and the silence and that hard way he keeps staring at his father even if he's already crumbling inside and holy shit, the moment tears fall and he covers his face when neil closes the door. fuck fuck fuck.

but i also have a few favorite billy hargorve milliseconds like,

and my favorite favorite one,

5. Food you're craving atm: i'm currently obsessed with muesli xD. but the right answer is definitely ice-cream. always ice cream.

6. Your favourite kind of alcohol: i don't really like-like any? but i'm learning to enjoy the taste of white wine and i kinda enjoy hating beer as i drink it? it's a complex thing ok?. it's been ages since I've gone out but usually, i just drink whatever my friend is drinking bc i'm simple like that. coffee, please.

7. Neon lights/hustle and bustle OR the quiet of a small town/countryside? i LOVE city lights but they're too much for me on a regular basis. i'm def a small town/countryside kind of human. I've recently moved to the country and, in that sense, i'm the happiest I've been in a long long time.

8. Sugar!daddy Steve OR sugar!daddy Billy? Lmao)) : ohhhh sugar daddy steve yes, please. send recs my way.

9. The place you wanna be rn? as in the place to love— exactly where i am <3 but like, emotionally?, somewhere easier.

10. Heat or cold? more heart than cold? xD

11. Country you would like to visit (fingers crossed, they open the borders some time in the future) : wanna come back to Portugal because i'm. in. love. And there are so many others i'd love to go to but probably the states are on the top of the list, so i could see the places I've seen a million times already on my favorite movies. But above it all, i want to see a salt desert. Preferably Badwater, but i'd settle for any, really. i also LOVE gardens, and old houses' gardens the most. I'm dying to visit Bomarzo.

12. Yes, regrets 😔.. OR No regrets!!!!!!!!!😝 (About life, i guess??))), A lot. Really. But i wouldn't ever risk going back and not getting many of the things I've got rn.

13. ONLY IF YOU WANNA!!! A selfie??? I love your hearts already, let me love your beautiful faces)) hdhdushusadhhd i'm too shy to put my face out there on the internet xD, but i'll send it to you in the dms, love <3<3<3

*

and I'm l a t e for this and many of you have been already tagged, so i'm not gonna tag anyone this time but if you read this and wanna join? consider yourself tagged! <3

[wanderlust202106]

Kalifornien Roadtrip: Death Valley oder besser „Tal des Todes” 10.07.21 - 12.07.21

10.07.2021

Heute geht unser Roadtrip weiter ins „Death Valley“ (Tal des Todes), einem der heißesten Orte der Welt. Von „La Quinta“ sind es 512 Kilometer bis zu unserem Hotel im „Death Valley Nationalpark.“

Die Strecke führt uns über verschiedene Freeways und Interstates durch eine steinige Berglandschaft. 

Nach 250 Kilometern Fahrt machen wir die erste Kaffeepause und Sascha probiert einen Burger bei „In n Out,“ einer kalifornischen Fast-Food-Kette. Gefühlt fragt einen jeder hier in Kalifornien, ob man schon bei „In n Out“ war. Wenn man dies verneint, wird man schräg angeguckt und es wird einem empfohlen dieses Schnellrestaurant auszuprobieren. Da die Kalifornier offensichtlich sehr stolz auf diese Burger-Kette sind, musste Sascha natürlich einen Burger probieren. Auf der Karte gibt es die Wahl zwischen nur 3 verschiedenen Burgern. Das macht die Entscheidung auf jeden Fall leichter. Der Burger sieht recht ansehnlich aus und schmeckt tatsächlich besser als bei den bekannten Fast-Food-Ketten. 

Gestärkt setzen wir die Fahrt fort. Nach 330 Kilometern Fahrt verlassen wir die Interstate 15 endlich und wechseln auf die Death Valley Route 127. In Baker, einem kleinen Wüstenort ganz am Anfang der Route 127, machen wir noch einen kurzen Tankstopp. Neben der Tankstelle entdecken wir ein paar Alien-Statuen, die hervorragend in diese lebensfeindliche Wüstenlandschaft passen.

Die Route 127 wird umgeben von riesigen Bergketten, die in den schönsten Felsfarben schattiert sind und die Landschaft wird durchzogen von tiefen Canyons, erkalteten Lavaströmen und karger Vegetation. Wir haben die Straße ganz für uns alleine und es fehlt nur noch eine Ufo-Landung, um diese surreale  Szenerie abzurunden. 

Nach 133 Kilometern auf der Route 127, wechseln wir an der „Death Valley Junction“ auf die Route 190 und fahren damit offiziell in das Death Valley. 

Es ist mittlerweile 18 Uhr und im Death Valley sind es noch 52 Grad. Wir sind froh als wir nach 50 Kilometern auf der Route 190 endlich unsere Unterkunft das „Ranch Inn at Death Valley“ erreichen. Dieses Hotel liegt mitten im Death Valley Nationalpark und ist dem „Wilden Westen“ nachempfunden.  Es gibt eine „Town Hall,“ Pferdeställe und einen Saloon. Tatsächlich hat man hier das Gefühl, dass jede Minute ein Cowboy durch die Tür hereinkommen könnte.

Leider erfahren wir nach unserer Ankunft, dass wir aufgrund eines Stromausfalls derzeit nicht eingecheckt werden können. Schuld ist ein überhitzter Generator, der den Strom für die Rezeption und damit auch das Buchungssystem liefert. Ein Techniker ist zwar bestellt, da dieser aber aus dem ca. 500 Kilometer entfernten Los Angeles kommt, kann das noch eine Weile dauern. Zum Glück bringt dann doch noch jemand aus einem weit entfernten Nachbardorf die ausgedruckten Buchungslisten vorbei und wir können einchecken. Die Zimmer sind groß, sauber und etwas altmodisch, dass passt aber perfekt in diese Wild-West-Wüstenkulisse.  

Wir wollen noch eine Kleinigkeit im Saloon essen gehen. Als wir dort ankommen erfahren wir, dass der Stromausfall nicht nur die Rezeption, sondern auch den Saloon betrifft. Es werden aber Dinner-Boxen mit entweder einem Sandwich oder Salat angeboten, die kurz nach dem Stromausfall schon in weiser Voraussicht gepackt wurden. Wir bestellen uns zwei Dinner-Boxen und essen diese im Taschenlampenlicht im Saloon. Bereits nach wenigen Minuten sieht es auf unserem Tisch auch aus wie im wilden Westen 😊

 11.07.2021

Heute wollen wir eine Tour durch das „Death Valley“ machen. Bereits um 6 Uhr morgens sind es 50 Grad im Death Valley. Da jeder Besucher des Nationalparks angewiesen ist, die Nachmittagshitze zu vermeiden, starten wir sehr früh in den Tag. 

Unsere Tour geht mit einem Stopp beim „Furnace Creek Visitor Center“ los. Hier besorgen wir uns erstmal ein paar Karten, damit wir uns im Death Valley zurechtfinden. Uns wird empfohlen, heute nur die Naturhighlights anzusteuern, die mit dem Auto zu befahren sind, oder wo nur wenige hundert Meter Fußweg zurückgelegt werden müssen. Außerdem werden wir eindringlich darauf hingewiesen, mindestens 4 Liter Wasser am Tag zu trinken, da der Wasserverlust in der Wüste sonst tödliche Folgen haben kann. 

Mit allen wichtigen Infos ausgestattet, machen wir uns auf den Weg zum „Artist Drive.“ Dieser farbenfrohe Canyon kann komplett mit dem Auto durchfahren werden und man kommt an bunt schattierten Felsformationen vorbei, die fast wie die Farbpalette eines Künstlers aussehen.

Anschließend geht es weiter zum „Badwater“ einem ausgetrockneten Salzsee, der sich 85,5 Meter unter dem Meeresspiegel befindet. Auf der ausgetrockneten Salzfläche kann man Laufen und obwohl das Death Valley einer der trockensten Orte weltweit ist, finden wir hier sogar noch ein bisschen Wasser. 

Länger als 10 Minuten halten wir die Hitze hier aber nicht aus und fahren weiter zum nächsten Highlight, dem „Zabriskie Point.“ Wir halten auf dem Parkplatz und müssen einen 400 Meter langen Berg hinauflaufen. Eigentlich sind 400 Meter bergauf kein Problem für uns. Bei mittlerweile 53 Grad ist aber jeder Schritt eine echte Kraftanstrengung. 

Der Weg nach oben lohnt sich aber. Von oben hat meine eine fantastische Aussicht auf eine bizarre Erosionslandschaft.

Etwas erschöpft kehren wir zurück zum Auto und fahren weiter zu dem Aussichtspunkt „Dantes View.“ Dieser liegt auf 1669 Metern Höhe und bietet einen unglaublichen Blick über das Death Valley. Wir schlängeln uns die kurvige Gebirgsstraße hoch zum Aussichtspunkt und sind sprachlos als wir oben ankommen. Uns fehlen die Worte und Superlative für diesen wunderschönen Ausblick. Wir bleiben eine ganze Weile nur hier stehen und genießen diesen gigantischen Blick. 

Irgendwann entscheiden wir uns zurück ins Tal zu fahren und entdecken auf dem Weg noch einen Wüstenbewohner. 

Zum Abschluss unserer Death Valley Tour machen wir noch eine 500 Meter kurze Wanderung um eine alte Mine herum. 

Die Sonne brennt jetzt aber immer stärker und das Atmen fällt in dieser trockenen Wüstenluft von Minute zu Minute schwerer. Da es bereits 14 Uhr ist und wir die Nachmittagshitze vermeiden sollen, entscheiden wir uns zurück ins Hotel zu fahren.

Am nächsten Tag erfahren wir, dass heute im Death Valley 56,7 Grad gemessen wurden. Das ist ein neuer Hitzerekord und sogar die global höchstgemessene Temperatur seit 100 Jahren. Wahnsinn, wir waren live dabei und haben in dieser Hitze sogar noch ein paar kleiner Wanderungen unternommen. Ein ziemlich cooles Gefühl finden wir. (Bild Quelle: Spiegel.de)

Abends zieht dann noch ein Sandsturm über das Death Valley herein und die Berge, die das Death Valley umrunden verschwinden hinter einer Staubwolke. Gleichzeitig bleibt in der Mitte des Tals ein kleiner Fleck Himmel frei, für einen mystischen Abendhimmel. Was für Gegensätze an diesem besonderen Ort.

12.07.2021

Heute geht unser Roadtrip weiter nach Coarsegold, was in der Nähe des Yosemite Nationalparks liegt. Die Fahrtzeit beträgt heute ungefähr 7 Stunden für eine Strecke von 627 Kilometern. 

Nach dem Frühstück machen wir uns auf den Weg. Wir fahren wieder auf der Route 190. Diese Straße hat uns von Osten aus schon in das Death Valley reingebracht und nun führt sie uns 126 Kilometer in Richtung Westen wieder aus dem „Tal des Todes“ heraus. Wir halten noch kurz bei den „Mesquite Sanddünen,“ die uns aber nach all den bisherigen Naturhighlights im Death Valley nicht allzu sehr beeindrucken.

Anschließend stoppen wir noch beim „Father Crowley Overlook“ und Sascha entdeckt einen Erlkönig. Hierbei handelt es sich um Automodelle, die der Öffentlichkeit noch nicht vorgestellt wurden, aber unter extrem Bedingungen getestet werden müssen. Deshalb werden sie komplett unkenntlich gemacht.  

Ein paar Kilometer hinter dem „Father Crowley Overlook“ endet dann auch das Death Valley, welches wir hiermit einmal komplett von Osten nach Westen auf der Route 190 durchquert haben.

Das Death Valley hat uns wirklich sehr begeistert und gehört auf jeden Fall zu den beeindruckendsten Naturschauspielen, die wir je gesehen haben. Wir haben von diesem toten Tal nicht viel erwartet und sind unglaublich überrascht über die abwechslungsreiche Landschaft mit ihren imposanten Bergen, farbenfrohen Canyons, ausgetrockneten Seen, Sanddünen und den lebensfeindlichen Wetterbedingungen, die diesen Ort zu einem ganz besonderen Abenteuer machen.

Damit ihr einen Eindruck von der Trockenheit im Death Valley bekommt, hier noch ein kleine Randnotiz. Wir haben am Anreisetag 30 Liter Wasser ins Death Valley mitgebracht. Nach unserem 41-stündigen Aufenthalt hier, sind davon nur noch 5 Liter übrig.

Der Rest unserer Fahrt an diesem Tag ist eher unspannend. Nachdem wir das Death Valley verlassen haben, fahren wir noch ungefähr 2 Stunden durch das “Nichts” und bis auf eine paar einsamen Häuser und vereinzelten Autos begegnet uns auch kaum Zivilisation. Irgendwann erreichen wir ein größeres Dorf, indem wir eine Kaffeepause machen. Anschließend besteht die Fahrt nur noch darin, von einem Freeway auf den nächsten zu wechseln und auf den unzähligen Spuren den Überblick zu behalten.  

Kurz bevor wir unser Hotel erreichen, werden die Wolken am Himmel immer dunkler und wir erkennen, dass es sich hierbei nicht um Wolken, sondern um Rauch handelt. Am Himmel entdecken wir Löschhubschrauber und uns ist klar, dass hier in der Nähe ein großes Stück Wald brennt. Bei der aktuellen Hitzewelle in Kalifornien ist das leider keine Überraschung, die Waldbrandgefahr ist zurzeit extrem hoch. Es ist aber schon ein bedrohliches Gefühl zu sehen, wie der Rauch hier über der Landschaft hängt. Wenig später erfahren wir, dass es sich bei dem Feuer und das „River Fire“ in Mariposa handelt, welches ca. 75 Kilometer von unserem Hotel entfernt ist. Durch dieses Feuer sind bereits 4000 Hektar Waldfläche verbrannt und die Löscharbeiten halten an. In unserem Hotel geht von dem Feuer aber keine Gefahr für uns aus und wir sind auch noch lange nicht in der Evakuierungszone.

Nach über 7 Stunden Fahrt kommen wir dann endlich bei unserem Hotel dem „Chukchansi Resort & Casino“ an. Im Prinzip ist dieses Resort ein riesiges Casino mit angeschlossenem Hotel und einer Vielzahl von Restaurants. 

Unser Zimmer ist sauber und groß und abends können wir von unserem Fenster aus einen fantastischen Sonnenuntergang sehen, der durch den Rauch am Himmel ein ganz besonderes Flair bekommt (die vermeintlichen Wolken auf dem Bild sind nur Rauch).

Zum Abendessen wollen wir in eines der unzähligen Restaurants hier im Resort gehen. Wir landen im „Vintage Steakhouse.“ Das Essen schmeckt klasse und es gibt sogar ein paar leckere vegetarische Optionen.

[petsincollections]

Badwater Bill and His Burro

[23563]

"The eyes of the guests popped, but room clerk Frank R. Witte, 1133 E Knapp Street, took it in stride Friday afternoon when Badwater Bill, accompanied by his pet burro, Nugget, registered in the Schroeder Hotel. It was Badwater Bill's way of telling Milwaukee he was in town to promote the state of Nevada at "The Milwaukee Sentinel" Sports and Boat Show which opens Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Arena and Auditorium."

Wisconsin Historical Society

[seafoamchild]

march 3rd

my mom and i went to death valley and it was really fun. we got off to a bit of a rough start because i barely slept the first night and we got up at 5am the next morning to start the day. i was crabby and irritable and i scared my mom with my reckless driving. felt bad about that. we saw the sunrise which was pretty but i was so tired and groggy. luckily i brought some adderall with me for that very reason so i popped one and it absolutely saved me. we went on an amazing hike on the golden canyon loop. it was beautiful! it felt like we were on a different planet. everything was so pale in the early morning. but then we climbed up and up and saw the red cathedral in the sunshine. we ran up and down steep ridges and saw all these beautiful mountains. they were all different colors and the colors went in zigzag diagonal patterns. we hiked for miles through an ancient riverbed.

then we had lunch at a fancy hotel in furnace creek and it was nice to look at the palm trees and gardens and listen to running water. we went and saw the salt flats in the badwater basin which was incredible, and the temperature was so pleasant and the sun was so bright. we went and looked at the artist's palette which was beautiful even in the harsh afternoon light, although it would have been nice to see it later in the day. and then we went to the sand dunes for sunset. we climbed up one of the taller dunes which was no easy feat. and we both took an edible so we just sat there chilling in the sand for a very long time. the shadows changed so much. it was a very peaceful time. the sun sank lower and before it went below the horizon, a long cloud passed in front of it and everything turned blue for a while. it kind of put a damper on the sunset for a second, but then the sun came out again and everything turned brilliant gold. and then as soon as the sun went away, we looked towards the eastern sky and wondered if the moon was going to come up, and then we saw the HUGEST moon i have ever seen start peeking out above the mountaintops! it was a full moon and it was so big and so luminous and so beautiful and it rose so fast. it was truly magical and everyone around us was in awe. we watched it for so long, until it got dark and we could see our moonshadows on the walk back.

the next day we slept in a little (til 6am lol) and then hiked mosaic canyon. i feel bad for rushing my mom and being impatient with her but she takes so long to get ready. i need to work on my patience. but the hike was fabulous. it was our first slot canyon hike and we had to do some careful climbing to get through it. the canyon was so impressive and we made it all the way to the end. i was proud of my mom for doing it. then we went to the salt creek where there's an actual creek running right through death valley with little fish and birds! it was really fun actually. we hiked far out into the salt flats and just had a very nice time in the sun, looking at the surrounding badlands and feeling like we were on a strange planet. we went to an abandoned mine, looked around for a bit, and could almost hear the sounds of the busy gold mine lost in time. we went to a ghost town too, and that was eerie, especially seeing the strange open air art museum that was also there. it was so cold and windy we could barely walk against the wind.

then we got back to vegas but had somewhat of a disaster in the flamingo parking garage, which i never anticipated would be such a nightmare. there must have been thousands of parking spaces in that garage, but i drove through the entire structure twice, and almost crashed a bunch because there weren't enough signs telling you where to go, and there were so many dead ends and blind corners and just ridiculously poor design all around. and there was not ONE single spot in the whole goddamned place so i wasted over an hour in that thing.

i was so upset and stressed and then we drove to a restaurant and i kept missing the turn and everything was annoying and i was in such a bad mood, feeling like it was my fault

for wanting stay on the strip. but i calmed down eventually after acting like a child and we went and people watched at the bellagio and looked at the art and had an okay time. vegas is trash though. after having not partied in that type of environment for at least a year, i dont have any desire to do so again. overall it was a great trip and i'm so happy my mom enjoyed it too. i really need to work on my emotion-driven behavior and decisions. i unfortunately really take after my dad in that respect. need to use logic instead of feelings! this is very hard for me.

[nationalparkposters]

Death Valley National Park - A Land of Great Extremes

Death Valley National Park - A Land of Great Extremes: Death Valley National Park The Death Valley National Park poster features a view of the sunrise from Zabriskie Point. Established in 1994, Death Valley National Park is a below-sea-level basin and a land of extremes, with steady drought and record summer heat. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and offer refuge for wildlife and humans. With nearly three million acres, Death Valley National Park is the driest, hottest, and lowest point in North America. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley. Death Valley National Park straddles the border of California and Nevada, located east of the Sierra Nevada, it occupies an interface zone between the arid Great Basin and Mojave deserts in the United States. The park protects the northwest corner of the Mojave Desert and contains a diverse desert environment of salt-flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and mountains. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve. Approximately 91% of the park is a designated wilderness area. The second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere is in Badwater Basin, which is 282 feet below sea level. The park is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment. Some examples include creosote bush, bighorn sheep, coyote, and the Death Valley pupfish, a survivor from much wetter times. A series of Native American groups inhabited the area from as early as 7000 BC, most recently the Timbisha around 1000 AD who migrated between winter camps in the valleys and summer grounds in the mountains. A group of European-Americans that became stuck in the valley in 1849 while looking for a shortcut to the gold fields of California gave the valley its name, even though only one of their group died there. Several short-lived boom towns sprang up during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to mine gold and silver. The only long-term profitable ore to be mined was borax, which was transported out of the valley with twenty-mule teams. The valley later became the subject of books, radio programs, television series, and movies. Tourism blossomed in the 1920s, when resorts were built around Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek. Death Valley National Monument was declared in 1933 and the park was substantially expanded and became a national park in 1994. The natural environment of the area has been shaped largely by its geology. The valley itself is actually a graben. The oldest rocks are extensively metamorphosed and at least 1.7 billion years old. Ancient, warm, shallow seas deposited marine sediments until rifting opened the Pacific Ocean. Additional sedimentation occurred until a subduction zone formed off the coast. This uplifted the region out of the sea and created a line of volcanoes. Later the crust started to pull apart, creating the current Basin and Range landform. Valleys filled with sediment and, during the wet times of glacial periods, with lakes, such as Lake Manly. In 2013, Death Valley National Park was designated as a dark sky park by the International Dark-Sky Association. Click here to see the Death Valley National Park poster. Click here to learn about the Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park. https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/death-valley-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

[missionlameturtle]

some of my favorite place names in my area:

Left Hand Ditch Road (it runs alongside Left Hand Ditch)

Table Mountain (a mountain that looks kind of like a table)

Jackass Pass (it’s a jackass of a pass)

the Red Desert (it’s a desert, and it’s...red)

the Loop Road (...I think you know where I’m going with this)

Badwater Creek (hmmm, feelin’ lucky?)

17 Mile Road (in a shocking turn of events, it is not actually seventeen miles long)

Wedding Of The Waters (the river had two names, and instead of picking one they decided to keep both and chose a random point for it to change names)

Togwotee Pass (you probably aren’t pronouncing this right)

the Absaroka Range (you almost certainly aren’t pronouncing this right)

the Popo Agie River (you ABSOLUTELY aren’t pronouncing this right)

Kaycee (a town named after a ranch’s brand, KC)

Lost Cabin (a town named after an incident in which some prospectors, you guessed it, lost their cabins)

Ten Sleep (a town named for being...well. I think you get it)

[travelling-world]

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Day Tour to Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas

What makes Death Valley National Park Unique and Why Visit it?

Death Valley National Park is a unique and breathtaking destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of the most extreme and unusual environments on earth. Here are a few reasons why you should consider visiting:

Unique Geology: Death Valley is home to a variety of unique geological formations, including the Badwater Basin salt flats, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and the colorful hills of Artist's Palette. These formations were created over millions of years of geological activity, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the earth's natural history.

Extreme Environment: Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, with summer temperatures often exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The park is also one of the driest places in North America, with annual rainfall averaging less than 2 inches. Despite these extreme conditions, the park is home to a surprising array of plant and animal life that has adapted to the harsh environment.

Stunning Landscapes: The unique geology and extreme environment of Death Valley combine to create some of the most stunning landscapes on earth. From towering mountains to vast salt flats to colorful canyons, the park's scenery is truly awe-inspiring.

Outdoor Recreation: Death Valley National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and stargazing. The park is also home to several historic sites, including abandoned mining towns and the remains of a 20-mule team borax hauling operation.

Dark Sky Designation: Death Valley is one of the few places in the world designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography.

Overall, Death Valley National Park is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a landscape unlike any other. Whether you're interested in geology, outdoor recreation, or simply marveling at the beauty of the natural world, Death Valley is definitely worth a visit.

What are the Best Things to Do & See on a Day Trip to Death Valley?

If you're planning a day trip to Death Valley National Park, there are several must-see attractions and activities that you won't want to miss. Here are some of the best things to do and see:

Badwater Basin: This is the lowest point in North America, located at 282 feet below sea level. The salt flats are a unique and otherworldly landscape that are well worth a visit.

Zabriskie Point: This overlook offers stunning panoramic views of the park's colorful badlands and is a popular spot for photography.

Artist's Palette: This scenic drive takes you through colorful hills that are naturally striped with various hues of red, green, yellow, and purple.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: These dunes are the perfect spot for a hike, sandboarding, or simply taking in the stunning desert scenery.

Dante's View: This viewpoint offers an expansive view of Death Valley from above, providing a great perspective on the park's unique geology.

Ubehebe Crater: This massive volcanic crater is a sight to behold and offers a great opportunity for a short hike.

Harmony Borax Works: This historic site was once a borax-mining operation and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial past.

Stargazing: Death Valley is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Be sure to check the park's calendar for upcoming star parties and events.

Overall, a day trip to Death Valley National Park offers the opportunity to experience a unique and otherworldly landscape, explore the region's rich history, and take in some of the most stunning vistas in the American Southwest.

Tips for Planning Your Perfect Day Tour of Death Valley from Las Vegas

Planning a day tour of Death Valley from Las Vegas can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect day trip:

Choose the right time of year: Death Valley is known for its extreme heat, so it's important to choose the right time of year for your visit. Spring and fall are generally the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable.

Book your tour in advance: It's important to book your tour in advance to ensure availability and to secure your preferred tour time and date.

Wear appropriate clothing: Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the desert environment, including sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler morning temperatures.

Stay hydrated: Death Valley is a hot and dry environment, so it's important to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Bring snacks: It's a good idea to bring snacks and light refreshments to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Charge your devices: Be sure to fully charge your camera, phone, and any other electronic devices before your tour.

Bring cash: Some of the park's facilities, such as the visitor center and some of the campgrounds, only accept cash. Be sure to bring some with you just in case.

Be respectful of the environment: Death Valley is a fragile ecosystem, so it's important to be respectful of the environment during your visit. Stay on designated trails, pack out all of your trash, and be mindful of the wildlife.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable day tour of Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas with Mytourstory.

Which Are the Best Tours & Operators for Seeing the Highlights of Death Valley?

There are several tour operators that offer guided tours of Death Valley National Park, each with its own unique itinerary and features. My Tour Story is one of them.My Tour Story offers a variety of guided tours of Death Valley, including a full-day tour that visits some of the park's most iconic attractions such as Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Dante's View. They also offer a sunset tour and a stargazing tour that take advantage of the park's status as an International Dark Sky Park.