I’m a huge fan of the desert. The other-worldly formations of sand and rock. The earthy hues. The struggle for the living to survive in the harsh environment. The archaeological remnants of those who settled in the area or just simply traveled through. The solitude that is so easily found. I love it all. So much so, that I made it a resolution to visit it every weekend in April (I ended up going three of the four weekends). All in all I visited the Mojave Desert seven times before it got too hot (and before I started this 100 hikes resolution). My favorite spots are Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.
Lava tubes found in the Mojave Desert
I’ve been chomping on the bit to get back out there and explore new areas. I’m already planning a few trips into the desert, but I’m waiting for the temperatures to drop below those found on the surface of the sun.
I was introduced to the Mojave Desert in 2000, when a few friends and I headed out to Death Valley National Park in May. Despite our ignorance of the incredible heat during that time of year, I was hooked on the desert environment. I’ve since been back to Death Valley nine times, each time I find something new and completely unique to the desert.
So what is there to see other than a lot of dust and sand you ask? Well the fine people of the Death Valley Natural History Association have commissioned a video to show you. The non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational, interpretive, and scientific activities of Death Valley National Park hired two extraordinary documentarians to capture the essence of the park in all seasons. If Living Death Valley is anything like its trailer, I’m most likely going to gain weight on all the eye candy.
The DVD costs $19.95 plus shipping & handling. All sales of the DVD benefit the Park. It can be ordered from bristleconemedia.com.