The part B of my California road trip was the Death Valley, where we spent two nights (here is part A of that California trip). Before going in, my preconceived idea of the desert was that of a uniform barren landscape, devoid of life and dominated by dirt, dust and sand. I was not prepared for what I was about to discover.
Although it is true that the valley is dominated by dirt, dust and sand, and that life can hardly survive the harsh conditions, it is not true that it is uniform. Instead, the valley is comprised of a number of pockets of vastly different terrains, from canyons to sand dunes, and from water creeks to salt flats, all the while being surrounded by tall and imposing mountain ranges.
Because of the almost perfectly flat valley, nothing obstructs the view of the mountains which can therefore be seen in their entirety, from base to summit. As a result, the mountains appear much taller than any other mountain I had ever seen before, where the base is either hidden by buildings or other summits. Besides, the lack of vegetation allows us to see the powerful geological forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years, creating a stunning display of beautifully designed lines and delicate colors.
Lastly, the near absence of life in the valley makes it very quiet, and gives the impression that time runs slower than anywhere else. That level of quietness allowed me to enter a meditative state of mind, giving me the opportunity to be lost in deep thoughts, and making me just as quiet as the rest of the desert. This trip was life changing for me, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am to my friend for having been part of it and making it happen!
