It’s Death Valley…of course

CHALLENGE Answered

The picture is distinctive enough to provide many clues. For those that need more, this location holds a North American record at 282. Enough said. This one is easy enough…

Where is Son of PugsleyTonks?

It’s Death Valley…of course

As the title suggests, Son of PugsleyTonks is standing in Death Valley National Park. Specifically, he is standing in the middle of Badwater Basin. As with most national parks, there is a lot of varying terrain throughout the park. It’s not one big valley. There are big mountains too. However, Badwater Basin is the “Death Valley” of Death Valley National Park. Badwater Basin has recorded some of the hottest temperatures on Earth (130 degrees plus). Furthermore, at 282 feet below sea level, this is the lowest spot in North America.

Low, Hot, and Salty…?

Beyond being the lowest and hottest spot in North America, Badwater Basin is also quite salty. Quite surprising, Death Valley has some water. But, due to the salt content, the water is very non-potable (i.e. “Badwater”). The white ground in the pictures is all salt. The basic process is that the basin gets underground water from the mountain runoff surrounding the basin. The water forces it’s way to the surface, then evaporates in the heat…leaving behind lots of salt. Thus, all the white that you see on the surface is salt. I even gave it a lick test to be sure. Now, let’s switch our angle of view a bit…

From Low to High

The picture above shows the entire valley of Death Valley National Park. Furthermore, the little blue dot towards towards the center is the approximate location of Son of PugsleyTonks in the previous Badwater Basin picture. This bird’s eye view was taken on at Dante’s View. After visiting Badwater Basin, you can drive out of the valley and up the mountain. Following a short uphill hike, you can arrive at the highest vantage point in the park. The vertical transition from Badwater Basin to Dante’s View was well over a mile (-282 ft below to 5,500 ft above). The temperature dropped 25 degrees during this change of view. Additionally, the arrow in the upper left is pointing to Telescope Peak. This beautiful snow covered peak is always in view and reaches heights of 11,500 feet (not accessible, nor part of of the park).

My son and I really enjoyed our stop at Death Valley. We were there for a full day during which time we were both cold and hot, depending on time of day and elevation. This place is definitely worth a visit between October to March. Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “It’s Death Valley…of course” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Here is another remote national park… https://travelingwithpt.com/tired-of-crowds-try-dry-tortugas/

If you want a bit more on Death Valley National Park, here you go https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm