Here are a few things about Death Valley that may surprise you. First, in case you do not know, Death Valley is a National Park -- the largest National Park in the USA outside Alaska -- and is located in Southern California with a little bit in Nevada. It's the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere at nearly a few hundred feet below sea level. And it's very, very hot. In the summer, the temperature routinely reaches 120 degrees. The record is 134.
Did you know that Death Valley has its own fish? It's true. But do not bring your fishing pole, because the Pupfish is about the size of a small goldfish. What is amazing about this little fish is how it can survive in such a harsh environment. Its ancestors occupied Lake Manley, which covered Death Valley. The water probably got warm, but not hot like the tiny pools where the Pupfish lives today, which can be hotter than your evening bathwater. The fact is, the Pupfish can live in water as hot as 115 degrees! Try taking a bath in water like that and you will probably dip your pinky in and utter, "No way!"At the Furnace Creek oasis, you will find a beautiful 18-hole golf course. It's the lowest golf course in the world -- at 214 feet below sea level. For many visitors, it's a big surprise to find a golf course in Death Valley, but there is no problem keeping the grass green because of an abundance of gushing spring water.
Another interesting thing about Death Valley is at the visitor center at Furnace Creek. If you should ever attend an evening nature program, pay attention to the shape of the building. It's not square or rectangular like most buildings. No, this building is unique -- shaped exactly like a coffin. Now doesn't that seem appropriate for a place named Death Valley?
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