In and Around Furnace Creek--Geocaching!!

There is a bike trail from Furnace Creek Campground to Harmony Borax Works, about a mile one way. the

Harmony Borax Works

trail also goes south to Furnace Creek Ranch, passing the Visitor's Center. And Lindy found an Earthcache  at Harmony Borax Works--learning more about the history...--so of course we had to get our bikes out and ride!

This was Wednesday afternoon, the 29th, and it was in the low 80's as we rode along the trail. However, there was a breeze, so it was comfortable weather for riding.

The Harmony Borax Works was in operation for five years. But, they discovered that their process did not work effectively when the temperatures reached 120 degrees, so operations were suspended in the hottest days of the summer. They refined the Borax there, as more efficient
for transport. Still, two wagons carrying 30 tons across 165 miles to the train was an awesome feat! Attached to the two huge wagons was an iron water tank--for obvious reasons! The wagons were usually pulled by 18 mules and 2 large draft horses, hence the term "20 Mule Teams". In reality, the number pulling wagons did vary.

There are so many rich stories behind all this history--stories of how man adapted, adjusted and persevered, seeking a way to earn money from various finds:  precious metals such as gold and silver to borates although none were as "rich" as that of borax.

Trains were used from the late 1880's to the very early 1900's, and by the 1920's  plans were already underway to make Death Valley a tourist destination. Hence, the construction of Furnace Creek Inn, on the hillside overlooking Furnace Creek. By that time the area was designated as a National Monument and the CCC spent nine years

building campgrounds, roads and hiking trails. The restroom at Texas Springs Campground is a rock structure built by the CCC and is still in use today.

We have enjoyed exploring the sights, especially with all the Earthcaches and Virtual caches that are available. With these caches, you do not seek a physical cache, rather seek information regarding the specifics of the area. It really is a fun way to learn more about an area, and "get something" for you work! Geocaching is free, all one needs is to create an account, and start!

Devil's Golf Course is a good example of an Earthcache. The information on the Earthcache tells

Devil's Golf Course. Walking is difficult! 

you about the area:  a large salt pan in Death Valley National Park. There is rich information on the cache which you can either print out, or read on line digesting the information. There are questions which must be answered and sent to the cache holder for credit.

It was windy the day before we were there, and it was hard to find white salt crystals. We finally did! Look inside for the bit of white!

White Salt Crystal at Devil's Golf Course

Do you see the crystal?

Natural Bridge was another great sight and you guessed it, an Earthcache! It is a huge natural bridge carved out of the canyon by water and faults (simply put!).  It was a short walk up to the Bridge from the parking area, about a half mile. Vertical chutes could be seen, much like there is in western New Mexico: El Morro National Monument, the Grand Canyon for a few,

Natural Bridge 

Here is Badwater, Don't Drink the Water, up close. Yes, there IS water there. No, it is not good water--hence its name.

Badwater....

And to the right of this picture 282 feet above the highway, was a sign that said "Sea Level". Of course Lindy did NOT get a picture. Do you "see" it?!

Lindy at Badwater Basin

We have this picture....! You'll see more of the salt pan behind the sign.

There is much more we did not see--all the better for our next trip here! That notion, that we can return, is one of the many positive aspects of full-timing. We have time to enjoy where we are, the now, and the knowledge that the "now" is always with us and we can take that "now" where we want to go!

So long, Death Valley National Park. Until our next visit!

Roving Riders   Go Seahawks!!!!!!