Tom Anderson sharing his joy of national parks with the group
Ellyn Biggs and Linda Harvey
On July 23 the club had the pleasure of hearing from and seeing photos of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park and Death Valley National Park. The presentation led by Tom Anderson introduced the club to the concept of combining a visit to a national park with a trip to a tropical paradise, as well as visiting a park that is otherwise not on your list of destinations.
As a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands for seven years, Tom explained that the Virgin Islands are located 40 miles east of Puerto Rico and consist of three large islands and many small islands. The main islands are St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix with St. John being the largest. With the national park covering about 70 percent of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands NP is home to a dense forest, archeological ruins of a sugar cane plantation, and rock drawings of the Ancient Taine tribe. There is also a dynamic tropical underwater ecosystem that supports endangered species. An underwater trail can be snorkeled with signs to guide the way.
Another point of interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands includes a park dedicated to Secretary of Interior Stewart Udall, who was responsible for expansion of the National Parks System. He was born in Arizona and served as a congressman from the state in the 1950s.
After hearing Tom talk about the beautiful Caribbean park, people were shocked to learn that Death Valley was actually Tom’s favorite national park.
Death Valley is the hottest (132 degrees) and lowest (282 feet below sea level) of all the national parks. Located in California and Nevada, it is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas.
There is so much to see and enjoy from the colorful ecological clay formations to the glorious sites at Dante’s Peak. The area known as Bad Water got its name from salt water. It is now a dry lake bed of crystallized minerals that stick to the soles of shoes. Devil’s Golf Course surrounds Bad Water. It’s really not a good place to walk, much less play golf.
Slot Canyon is great for hiking. Flash floods carved out the rocks making them suitable for climbing and seeing magnificent views. Tea Kettle Junction is easily recognizable by the tree that seems to grow tea kettles. It is actually a place for visitors to trade out one tea kettle for another.
Other places to see include Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dune, and Racetrack Playa. From the old Borax Twenty Mule Team Factory to other historic and amazing sights, there are many gifts at Death Valley to visit and enjoy.
The next event of the SBR National Parks Club is planned for Sept. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. to be held in La Mesa Room. Check the link provided in the Monday Reminders for updated information.