For many people, nothing symbolizes Death Valley more than the famous Twenty Mule Teams. These "big teams" pulled massive wagons hauling borax from the Harmony Borax Works near Furnace Creek to the rail-head near Mojave, a grueling 165 mile, ten day trip across primitive roads. Although the teams only ran for six years--1883 to 1889--they have made an enduring impression of the Old West. This is just part of the road that these wagons traveled on and I thought I would share some of the scenery of this very arid area.

[dcmsox2004]

fine shots bob.... brings to mind, 20 mule team borax...

You Tube

You Tube

[Bob Harris]

Beautiful set Bob. Crisp and colorful.

thanks Dennis, a little bit different than those cotton fields back home.

[Bob Harris]

great shots!

Jim

thanks for looking Jim, I appreciate the kind words. Bob

[Bob Harris]

GREAT color Bob - and they have a nice 3-D effect too!
I also liked the story that went with them. I always heard of "20 Mule Team Borax" when I was a kind, but never knew what the 20 mule team part meant. I sure didn't realize that was actually how it was mined.
I learn something new here almost every time I log on.....

Thanks,

Tim

thanks Tim, glad you found the thread interesting. Can you imagine mining/working in Death Valley during the 120f degree summers. No wonder the miners spent all their money on booze and woman, well some of them did.

[Bob Harris]

haha nice vintage video's Bob and wow great scenery.

thanks Dave, quite a different area than Canada, come on down and take a few shots.

[Bob Harris]

I do remember that series very well.Thanks Bob for bringing that memory back with those shots.--charliezap

The good old days Charlie, Pahrump has a local TV station that has reruns of Death Valley Days and other old shows.

[Bob Harris]

Man that's mean looking country, yet so beautiful. Rich in colour, shape and texture

It is beautiful just like you stated. Not enough rain this year for wildflowers, but we will be back next year to take a look.

[Bob Harris]

fine shots bob.... brings to mind, 20 mule team borax... 20 MULE TEAM BORAX - YouTube

that was fun to watch Dave, those great old commercials. As far as I know, borax is still mined in a huge open pit in the town of Boron, CA. It is a sight to see that big of a man made hole in the desert

[Barnster]

Great shots there Bob.There doesn't to be much water out that way!!

[Bob Harris]

Great shots there Bob.There doesn't to be much water out that way!!

You couldn't tell it by the photos, but there are many natural springs in nearby areas. Bob

[Fries]

Not a area to go hiking I think! Fascinating mix of textures and shapes in these photo's Bob.

[Ash]

Great colours and textures Bob.

[Bob Harris]

Not a area to go hiking I think! Fascinating mix of textures and shapes in these photo's Bob.

You wouldn't want to hike here in the summer Remco, 120f plus temps and easy to get lost I would think. thanks for commenting, glad you like the photos. Bob

[Bob Harris]

Great colours and textures Bob.

Thank you Ash.