The Wild Donkeys of Beatty Nevada #travel #adventure

Located on the crossroads of Hwy. 95 and State Route 374, Beatty sits like a tiny jewel offering easy access to Death Valley National Park. Situated in Oasis Valley, Beatty offers a respite from the rolling deserts of sand, rock, and left behind salts from the great Lahontan sea. There is off roading, bird watching, hiking, ghost town exploration, camping, photography, filming, star gazing, geocaching, and the list goes on.

Beatty is a small town that fills with travelers from all over the world. Most of them are filled with a passion for geology, paleontology, and amateur rock, fossil and gem hunters. Everyone I ran into has a story to tell, from the tiny but well stocked museum, to our next door neighbor in our dog friendly motel.  One of the most interesting people I had the opportunity to meet was the young woman who helped Ghost Adventures, Zak and his crew investigate the Clown Motel in Tonopah, NV. She told me how funny it was to watch someone as big as Zak run from a room filled with clowns. Then there were more stories about what happened after the segment was filmed and they partied throughout the night, but those I will not repeat.  

My husband and I went to see the flowers, the wild donkeys, the ghost towns, and to see if we might be lucky enough to find that just perfect piece of rock to add to our collection. The town is filled with double-wides, two and one half motels, and the once thriving cat house sits just outside town, now falling into disrepair. Area 51 is across the street from where we stay and if we are lucky, we get to see a jet or two fly by but so far no UFOs. 

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This year we had to leave Death Valley early due to a family emergency, but this is a blog I started in April when we went to visit the area. There is nothing quite like Death Valley where life springs eternal from a dry and dusty desert. The mystery that surrounded us geologically and militarily can make a person with an active imagination a little crazy. Not referring to myself of course, but if you ever get the chance, I suggest you visit. Don't expect sumptuous surroundings unless you love the night sky. And don't expect fancy restaurants, unless you consider the packed lunch from Subway in your car.