June 29, 2013 - DEATH Valley

[SPUCK]

Not the usual cellar picture but I thought it would interest the gang. In case you haven't heard the west is having a major heatwave. Triple digits for most of the southern half of the state clear to Mexico.

Please note the current temp when this picture was captured. Nasty! But worse... Look at the time!! (bottom of top center column).

I've been thru Death Valley in the summer on a hot day. Unfortunately it was in an overheating Renault 10. We could not shift out of first gear or it would immediately overheat. No AC naturally. We improvised using a five gallon Jerry Can of water that we'd pour pints of over our heads every few miles. Everything that landed on the seats would be completely gone in minutes.

The most notable event of the trip was feeling the raw energy of the heat. It was very similar to opening a hot oven's door and feeling an almost painful heat physically assaulting you.

If you ever get the chance, go to Death Valley when it's seriously hot. Just drive thru. Takes an hour or two. Stop and get out in Furnace Creek. Bring lots of water..

BTW DV has the world record at 134.1F(56.7C) July 10th 1913.