🌵💦 Who would've thought? Death Valley, one of the driest spots on Earth, is now home to kayakers! Thanks to record-breaking rainstorms, California's Death Valley has transformed, filling up Lake Manly and turning desert into an unexpected oasis.
Normally, Badwater Basin is a dazzling, bright white salt flat. But as Park Ranger Nichole Andler shares, \"This year, it's a lake!\" 🌊 With over 12.45 centimeters of rain in the past six months—more than double the usual annual amount—the transformation is nothing short of epic.
Death Valley, famous for scorching temps that can soar above 54°C 🌡️, is now attracting adventurers eager to paddle through its rare waters. \"It's the lowest point in North America, so it's going to collect water,\" Andler explains. \"But to have as much water as we have now—this is extremely uncommon. If it's not once-in-a-lifetime, it's nearly.\"
Kayakers are making a splash in waters up to 0.3 meters deep, but don't wait too long! ⏳ The lake is expected to stick around for a few weeks, maybe into May if we're lucky. After that, it'll return to its iconic salt flats.
🚣♀️ For enthusiasts like Heather and Bob from Nevada, it's an opportunity not to be missed. \"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kayak Lake Manly,\" says Heather. The couple reminisces about standing on the chalky flats years ago, now paddling over the same spot.
Currently stretching about 10 km long and 5 km wide, Lake Manly isn't quite the colossal lake it was during the Ice Age. But hey, it's still a jaw-dropping sight! 😮
\"It could be another 20 years before boaters return,\" Bob muses. \"But with climate change, who knows, maybe this will be the new normal.\"
So, grab your paddles and head to Death Valley—Mother Nature's full of surprises! 🌎💙
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
