Return to Shoshone

During our stay in Barstow, we drove north and east to Shoshone.  This is one of my most anticipated journeys.  There is something about the hot springs and the feeling of being in an area that again is a true oasis on the edge of Death Valley that intrigues me.  This year we learned about the Shoshone Pupfish they have discovered in small pools of warm spring water near the RV Park we inspect in Shoshone.  These fish herald from the Ice Age and are found nowhere else on earth because this species is on the verge of extinction.  The male fish is a beautiful blue hue we viewed in a five minute stroll up a path located near the swimming pool to see them.  (Sorry you can't see them in the pool pictured below.  Check out this link to see them.)

The other thing I learned is that the early Native American Paiute settlers in this area grew bountiful crops they were willing to share with migrating American settlers who came to the area in 1910.  The current population of 31 maintains the town consisting of a general store, a Post Office, a Museum, an Inn, a café, the RV Park and five birding trails where up to twenty varieties of birds can be seen during the year on a thirty-minute walk.

I want to return here again and stay longer for more exploration and to make a day trip to a portion of nearby Death Valley National Park.  I want to leave early enough to see the sun rise over the lowest point in North America at Badwater.  Then continue further north to find Natural Bridge-a rock formation where erosion created a span across canyon walls and finally follow a nine-mile route along Artist’s Drive to catch an afternoon view of Artist’s Palette where minerals in the rocks create a striking array of colors.  For that I will bring you photos.  Lots of them!

Here also we discovered the world's tallest thermometer in Baker, California.  It was a sight to behold.