Death Valley -- For America, And Us!

OK -- so today we're blogging from Death Valley, the lowest point below sea level in the United States.
We're blogging by special hookup from Furnace Creek, California where the temperature today reached 113 degrees. But, as they would say in Philly: "That ain't nothin, hon." Because the truth is that it has reached as high as 134 degrees here in Death Valley in the summer.
Now, you might be wondering: WHEN did it reach 134 degrees? Was it recently THAT hot in Death Valley.
The answer is "no!"
Despite all the carrying on about global warming and the inevitable end of the planet, the last time it was 134 here in Death Valley was 1913 -- almost 100 years ago. And that was the highest temperature ever recorded here.
It has been sweltering hot throughout the South and Southwest (and parts of the Midwest) this summer in any event.
Today we visited three scenic spots here in the desert: Zabriskie Point (beautiful panoramic views), painter's palette (much like the painted dessert) and the salt flats (the VERY lowest)
point in this low, low place).
Now, we didn't plan to be in Death Valley as the nation ached a new financial low. We didn't mean to be here at such an historic (and low point) for our nation. It just worked out that way. It was an accident of the calendar.
But we will make this rather telling observation: We are among only a few people here (along with most of the staff at our place of lodging) who speak English. Which is to day that we're surrounded by European visitors -- French, Italian, German, Spanish, etc. We're delighted that they're here spending their dough in the USA. America needs that money. We need the business. And August is the month when Europe in on holiday, so we're glad they've chosen to come here.
But we're struck by hips few Americans we see traveling to national attractions like this during this busy travel season.
Even in Las Vegas, it's been mostly Europeans and Brits that we've run into.
So, yes -- it all goes back to the economy. The dollar is weak and that's very attractive to foreign travelers.
And it was the economy that gave life to Death Valley in the first place. In the beginning, mining took hold here and the area prospered from that. Many of us remember 20 Mule Team Borax and the TV show Death Valley Days. Borax was plentiful here and was mined for many years. Later, the area became a resort destination. People came for the desert, the natural beauty and the dry air.
Still later, as travel became easier this developed into the tourist attraction that it is now.
More than 20 years ago when we were in this area in the summer we were warned not to venture into Death Valley as our car might overheat and we might be stranded.
There are better roads now, more facilities, more traffic and new towns closer to the Valley. And, cars are built better and better able to withstand such extreme temperatures.
So, it was no problem for us to venture out here.
This place has an almost mystical, mesmerizing sort of beauty and it is characterized by an absolute stillness that conducive to deep contemplation.
We planning on thinking really big, seismic thoughts here. Oh, yeah . . .
We'll keep'ya posted.