With the both of us feeling slightly under the weather, we decided to take it easy. About an hour and a half away from Vegas is Ash Meadows. It is a National Wildlife Refuge established in 1984 that encompasses over 23,000 acres of spring fed wetlands. This Refuge protects several endangered species, some only known to exist here. Water known as fossil water, which comes from over a 100 miles away through a vast underground aquifer, brings this Refuge it's beauty. Springs, small streams, sandy dunes, mesquite and ash grooves make up the landscape of this area. Over 10,000 gallons per minute flow here year round and the water temperatures can reach 90 degrees.
We checked out Devil's Hole, which is pretty much a deep hole in the side of the mountain. Water rises from deep below the valley floor and forms a pool at the base of Devil's Hole. I saw a Discovery channel special on this place some years back and believe it leads to large underground water filled caverns. The entire Population of the endangered Devil's Hole pup fish live here and our said to have been isolated in these waters for 10 to 20 thousand years. Access to the hole it's self is fenced off but there is a great observation platform in which to take pictures from. Another trail leads around the bend and up to a much more ominous looking hole. It is also encaged which is probably a good thing do to the fact it looks like something someone may accidentally stumble into. I swear I heard what sounded like people speaking Chinese coming from it's depths. Jen on the other hand, suggested it was more then likely in my head as the result of a tumble I took down the side of the rock covered hill.
On our way to Ash Meadows we stopped at the Pahrump valley museum. It has a great collection of memorabilia, including the prehistoric settlers to the present day. A very friendly and helpful staff as well as an impressive Abraham Lincoln collection. Very fitting since yesterday was his 200th birthday.
On our way home via US95 at about 70mph, my eagle eyes noticed several bighorn sheep about 100yrds off the road amongst some cliffs.
You need to look into making money off of this stuff! You do a great job in your blog describing your visits. I am being serious too! We are going to be in Vegas the 28th-5th of Mar/April. When are you planning and you guys really can stay with us(we have a downstairs bedroom with it's on bathroom) and save some money. Let me know, the kids will be excited.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a cool weekend. When I am "under the weather" I order pizza and watch Deadliest Catch marathons. Funny how Abe Lincoln memorabilia ended up way out there... I guess it's not all that funny... someone could have driven/flown it.....YOu know what I mean.
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