Shoot XVI - "Wheels of Borax"

And, the state of the week was "South Carolina!" I, too, thought Georgia was the Peach Capital!!! Heard from Milt, Michelle, Peyton, Vicky, Mike Di (he continues to get closer to the actual state), Elaine (and her grandsons), and Beth.

"Wheels of Borax"

Do you remember the fifties TV show, "Death Valley Days" and its sponsor, Twenty Mule Team Borax? Well, this would be one of the wagons that were pulled by those mules! Borax was big business in Death Valley. 

Today, the park has rescued some of the original equipment used to mine borax. Considering the heat I experienced when I was here, I do not know how the men survived - especially without any of today's creature comforts.

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

Growing old is mandatory; 

growing up is optional. 

~ Chili Davis.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of being the:

birthplace of former QB Steve Young, comedienne Roseanne, Loretta Young, and Butch Cassidy

site of the nation's first department store. It was established in the late 1800's. It is still in operation today as ZCMI.

has five national parks (and, I have been in them all)!

only state whose capital's name is made of three words. 

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

           I always wanted to be somebody, 

but now I realize I should have been more specific!

Shoot XVI - "Sunrise on Mesquite Dunes"

And, the state of the week was "South Dakota!" We know the Statue for Democracy better as Mount Rushmore! The potato reference had some people thinking Idaho. Showing up last week were Michelle, Peyton, Beth, Deana, Milt, Mike Di., and Carol.

"Sunrise on Mesquite Dunes"

One of my first stops within Death Valley was the Mesquite Sand Dunes. There were only about two miles from my lodging so getting back and forth from there was probably the easiest shoot I had. 

The most difficult issue I had was finding an area without the evidence of foot traffic! I guess Star Dune was just a little too far for the two legged visitors to trek to so it was clean of footprints. 

What caught my attention was the combination of the deep shadows and the contrasting mountains behind them. There was almost a sensual sway to Star Dune. 

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

When you throw dirt, you lose ground. 

~ Texan Proverb.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of being the:

birthplace of James Brown, Vanna White, Chubby Checker, and Joe Frazer

home of the largest Gingko farm in the world.

place with the  oldest minor league stadium in the nation.

Peach Capital of the World

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

One nice thing about egotists: 

they don't talk about other people.

Shoot XVI - "Mosaic Canyon"

And, the state of the week was "Ohio - the Buckeye State!" Good to hear from Mike Di., Milt, Peyton, Beth, Elaine, Carol, Michelle, and Lisa! 

"Mosaic Canyon"

When one thinks of Death Valley, images of barren, dry, and colorless areas come to mind. One of the trails in this national park was the Mosaic Canyon. I managed to get to the parking lot just before dawn and had the lot, the trail and the canyon to myself! Walking in the dark, I was not prepared for the canvas Mother Nature created! At first light I saw the image above. The colors were amazing! 

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

A blind person asked St. Anthony: 

"Can there be anything worse than losing one's eyesight?" 

He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of being the:

birthplace of Cheryl Ladd, Tom Brokaw, and Terry Francona

home of the Shrine to Democracy which took took 14 years and cost a mere $1 million!

Potato Capital and one of its cities is home to the world famous Mashed Potato Wrestling contest.

home of the world's only Corn Palace.

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. 

We haven't met yet!

Shoot XVI - "Ghost Rider"

And, the state of the week was "Maine!" I think the clue of the one-syllable was a big help - however, you probably started to think of many states before coming to "The Pine Tree State." We double our correct responders last week to a grand total of four (4) - Mike, Milt, Elaine, and Carol!

"Ghost Rider"

A side trip from Death Valley was to the ghost town of Rhyolite, NV. However, you would be cheating yourself out of a real experience if you drove by the Goldwell Museum!

On the grounds there are several sculptures created by various artists. Szukalski in 1984 left his mark on the area with "Ghost Rider" and "The Last Supper." Originally meant to last about two years, this plaster-soaked fabric continues to grace the museum.

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

Life is like riding a bicycle. 

To keep your balance you must keep moving. 

~ Albert Einstein.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of being the:

birthplace of Hallie Berry, Clark Gable, Th. Edison, Dean Martin, Steven Spielberg, Paul Newman, Annie Oakley, Arsenio Hall, and Neil Armstrong!

place where the first electric traffic lights were invented and installed in 1914

place where the first ambulance service was established in 1865.

place where pop-top can was invented the pop-top can and the cash register in 1879 to stop patrons from pilfering house profits.

home of the world's largest basket. It is located at Basket Village USA.

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

 I asked God for a bike, 

but I know God doesn’t work that way. 

So I stole a bike and asked for His forgiveness!