Yesterday we received in the neighborhood of 6 inches of snow. With all things considered, it really makes you wonder about this "Global Warming" theory.

These are some photos that I took while hiking around and on the dunes today. There is lots to do out here, and when you just want to take some pictures or just enjoy the dunes at a slower pace.

[Update:]

I've been informed that the Golden Eagle in this photo is a resident of Ash Meadows. I've contacted Sharon McKelvey from the Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge and she along with a colleague Carl Lundblad will put together an article on these birds, as there is a pair of Golden Eagles out at Ash Meadows as I understand it. As soon as the article is submitted I'll update the page again with the new information.

Sharon McKelvey
Wildlife Refuge Manager
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Amargosa Valley, NV

On the weekends you will find them quite active with ATV's and RV's that have come from Las Vegas and surrounding areas to enjoy these piles of what looks like beach sand. They are a great place to camp and enjoy the great outdoors and our star filled skies at night. If you like star gazing they offer a great place to view the stars without nearby lights.

Our summers can be very hot here. There are a few things you should have on your check list of things to bring with you.

1. Water. Bring plenty, but know that you can get water locally too at the rest area at hwy 373 and 95 if nothing else.
2. Sunscreen. In the summer, the days are long and there isn't much shade.
3. Cell phone. We do have cell phone coverage here and you can always call 911 if you need the emergency services.
4. Food. We don't have a local grocery store, and there are only a few places to get fast food without having to drive 50 miles one way.
5. Common sense. There are bugs and critters out here that bite and/or sting. If it's dry out here, and it is most of the time, watch your fires. Emergency Services are comprised of few county workers and the rest are volunteer. Response times will vary depending on the situation and whether they are already working on something, so keep this in mind. Las Vegas (Mountain View Hospital) is approx. 100 miles away, and the hospital in Pahrump is at least 50 miles away.
6. Remember the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Enjoy the desert and what it has to offer, it belongs to all of us. With the exception of your tracks going in and out, leave it the way you found it. The locals volunteer to go out and clean the place up. Make their job easier and clean up after yourself.

Now, the new pictures that were taken today will follow!

Last evening we had, from what I understand, a rare visitor to these parts.  We had a Black Witch Moth, which is the largest moth in the Continental United States, that was attracted by the light of the bug zapper. There were many other bugs on the wall it landed on. But by the size of this moth it was far larger than anything else. The wingspan was 5-6 inches. I found some information on it at the DesertUSA website. Needless to say this was a treat for us to see.

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis.

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis.

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis.

Big Dune, is located off of Hwy 95, you can take Valley View Road on the eastern side of the dune, or the dirt road that goes along the western side. It is quite possibly our biggest attraction, depending on what you are looking for.  So get out your dune buggy or your quad and head on out to big dune!

Don't forget to bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water!

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis.

Photo submitted by Chris DeAngelis.

A California kingsnake is not uncommon in Amargosa Valley. They can be found here along with the many other native snakes like the gopher snake . Of course there are the sidewinders too.