Sports
In this show, we explore the largest American wilderness area in the contiguous 48 states. Because of the fresh perspective someone from a contrasting climate could provide, we sent England-born Rachel Hopkin to explore the Death Valley Wilderness, located within the vast expanse of California's Mojave Desert. Rachel watches the sunrise with Barbara Durham, historic preservation officer of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, the first people to live in Death Valley. She visits Scotty's Castle and talks with National Park Service ranger, Abby Wines, about the 1920s-era house built by Albert Johnson, a wealthy businessman. She takes a short walk while talking with the Park's wilderness coordinator, Charlie Callagan, to find out what there is to explore in the more remote recesses of the Park's wilderness. After seeking Ranger Callagan's advice, Rachel sets out on a hike to explore the dry falls of Fall Canyon. She ends her day trip by exploring the night sky above the Park with park ranger and night sky specialist, Dan Duriscoe. While it's possible to explore the wilderness solitude of Death Valley by car, there's even more to explore by going beyond the limits of roads and deeper into the wilderness. Before going, backcountry campers and backpackers should check out the National Park Service's Death Valley backcountry camping web site. For those with limited experience in desert wilderness travel, we recommend discussing your plans with Park staff before setting out. The additional music was Pshaw, Pretty Melody, and Solar Gain, by Podington Bear.