April 15, 2024 Part 2 - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

After setting up and talking to the camp host, Marion, we set off for the Visitor Center.

I wanted to learn more about this valley:

In the visitor center, we saw a wonderful video on the history of this area.   

In its forming stage a geological event happened.  The mountains cracked and turned like a see-saw.  That explains many of my pictures of the levels.  Over time, weather conditions pushed all of the rich soil to the valley floor.  Those cracks absorbed the rain and created springs and aquafers.  Thus became this rich oasis in the middle of the desert.  (That was the simplified version.)

So the springs start at Hiko Spring and move their way down the valley.  

The valley provided food and water to the animals, the natives and to the pioneers that followed.

One of the springs:

We decided to take the one mile loop hike to see the two cabins on the property.

The railroad tie cabin:

The backside of the cabin - those cottonwood trees were HUGE!:

The Petroglyph Cabin:

Check out the face:

They have no idea why it was there and what was its use.  They can only surmise.

Love those cottonwoods:

On our way back to the truck:

Since we can have a campfire, we went looking for wood.  We ended up getting a bundle at a little shop in Ash Springs.  The little town near us in Alamo was out but they will be getting more tomorrow.  

Here we are:

Life doesn't get any better than this!

Tomorrow we are going to try to find aliens so stay tuned and enjoy today.