The geographical name of this mysterious place is known, perhaps, even to the most inattentive schoolboy. Why? Think about it ... Death Valley, USA ... There is something sinister, mysterious and terrible in this combination of letters.
Once you pronounce it, and before your eyes immediately come to life pictures from mystical detectives and shots from the famous, chilling horror films. What really hides this place in itself?
Death Valley, USA. General description of the area
In general, the Death Valley in the United States is a huge desert located in the southeastern part of the country, just at the border of two states, Nevada and California. And she got her name due to the unusual location.
The fact is that, according to scientists, this territory can be considered the absolute champion of the continent in three categories at once. It is the driest, hottest and lowest place in all of North America. Creepy, right?
The name of this national park, as it were, warns tourists in advance about what they can expect in a difficult trip. A harsh and very hot desert, the daytime temperatures of which sometimes simply become deadly for all living things.
Many compare Death Valley to real hell on earth. Indeed, almost immediately the impression is created that this ascetic, lifeless and frightening place has left the pages of the Old Testament.
However, not even hundreds, but thousands of travelers flock here every year. Fans of extreme sports are usually attracted by the opportunity to test themselves and their will in difficult cycling and hiking routes. The romantics are striving to take stunning pictures against the background of cracked and richly salty crust of earth, sand dunes and dizzy canyons, which contrast markedly with the snow-capped mountains that go high into the sky.
Death Valley USA. Natural Monuments and Local Attractions
This national park is rightfully considered one of the largest legally protected plots of land. An area of more than 5 thousand square miles includes both valleys and mountainous areas in the north.
Walking here, you can be surprised to discover both sand dunes and a colorful mosaic of almost marble canyons. And in places, as if by accident, blocks of stones grow from the earth, which are nothing more than the craters of long-extinct volcanoes.
But not everything is so lifeless. Rare palm oases are home to numerous representatives of the fauna and flora, which, it should be noted, are endemic, i.e. not found anywhere else on the globe.
Death Valley (California) ... It is hard to imagine that the stone formations of this place appeared more than 500 million years ago, and now we can not only see them with our own eyes, but even touch or take pictures against their background. Scientists believe that the limestone and sandstone, abundantly covering the valley, once served as the foundation of the seabed, and then, as a result of the movement of earth plates, were thrown out.
It is probably difficult to even think that some locals, and especially people, can dwell in this forgotten place of God. But this is true! Several ancient tribes moved here many centuries ago and have been the guardians of this harsh land since then. Unfortunately, the number of inhabitants decreases every year, and now only a few families from the Timbis tribe live near Fernis Krieg. Just a few years ago, another village, located at Scotty Castle, was considered inhabited, but now Maahunu is completely empty.
Death Valley USA. Damn place?
For travelers, this place has a long glory. Due to unclear circumstances, people have repeatedly disappeared here. A little later, cars were untouched and in good condition, and there was no trace of the travelers.
Many tried to blame everything on the military, blaming the fact that they say they are experiencing new bacteriological weapons in these parts . For a long time, the military denied everything, considering such stories as rumors and stories of representatives of travel agencies.
And more recently, the soldiers themselves had to face the mystery of the Death Valley. The Mexican military conducted exercises in a place that can be tracked on a map with an accuracy of several meters. However, on the fourth day, communication with the group unexpectedly ended. It was decided to send an entire squad of paratroopers to help. A few hours later a service jeep was found. The car was not far from a huge stone boulder. The engine is on, the radio works. But not a single person from the group performing the task was found.