<p class="ql-block">Death Valley,位于美國加利福尼亞州和內(nèi)華達(dá)州交界處,是北美洲最熱和最干燥的地方之一。它以險(xiǎn)峻的地形和極端的氣候條件而聞名。這片谷地全長約225公里,寬度在6到26公里之間,總面積約為1408平方公里,近乎于整個(gè)北京市的面積。兩側(cè)的懸崖峭壁讓這片區(qū)域更顯兇險(xiǎn),仿佛是一座天然的堡壘,阻隔著外界的侵入。這里曾創(chuàng)下地表最高溫度記錄,達(dá)到134華氏度(約57攝氏度)。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">在1849年淘金熱的狂潮中,一支滿懷希望、奔向加利福尼亞金礦的隊(duì)伍不幸誤入了這片死寂的谷地。原本以為只是短暫的穿越,誰料卻陷入了生死攸關(guān)的困境。酷熱與干旱漸漸耗盡了他們的體力與意志,大部分人未能抵擋住死亡谷無情的考驗(yàn),永遠(yuǎn)留在了這片荒涼的土地上。只有少數(shù)幸存者奇跡般地逃脫了這片地獄般的沙漠。當(dāng)他們最終脫險(xiǎn)時(shí),滿懷痛苦與失落,不禁感嘆道:“Goodbye, Death Valley”(再見,死亡谷)。從那一刻起,這片土地便被冠以“死亡谷”這個(gè)恐怖的名稱,成為一段悲慘歷史的象征。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">即使在今天,死亡谷依然是一個(gè)令人心生敬畏的地方。每年,它的極端環(huán)境都會(huì)考驗(yàn)著那些勇敢的探險(xiǎn)者和旅行者。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">不久前,我們有幸開車順利穿越了這片令人膽寒的谷地。對(duì)于穿越此地的人來說,充足的抗熱防護(hù)是必不可少的,尤其是汽車的制冷設(shè)備必須時(shí)刻保持良好狀態(tài)。在這片無情的沙漠中,任何機(jī)械故障都有可能帶來致命的后果。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">就在我們順利穿越死亡谷后的短短一周后,我們看到了一個(gè)悲劇性的新聞:一位美國游客由于汽車故障被困在死亡谷中,最終因無法抵擋酷熱而喪命。這一事件無疑為“死亡谷”這個(gè)名字增添了更加恐怖的現(xiàn)實(shí)意義。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">想到此,我不禁再次對(duì)我們所駕駛的 2024款雪佛蘭 Trailblazer(開拓者)充滿感激之情。它無畏沙漠的炙熱和崎嶇的地形,連續(xù)三周表現(xiàn)出色,帶領(lǐng)我們穿越山地、沙漠和丘陵,沒有一次出現(xiàn)故障。另外,更值得稱贊的是我們經(jīng)驗(yàn)豐富的司機(jī)兼導(dǎo)游Mr Gadd,他的專業(yè)和冷靜引領(lǐng)我們一路前行!</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">同時(shí)想起易學(xué)大師曾仕強(qiáng)教授說過的一句話:“任何事情的成功都離不開 天時(shí)、地利、人和 ,另外還有一項(xiàng)特別重要而往往被忽視的因素:神助?。ㄟ@里曾老應(yīng)該指的是宇宙自然與個(gè)人運(yùn)勢(shì)之間的無形力量)”</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">我想正是在這一切良好因素的助力下,以及對(duì)天地宇宙的敬畏之心,我們才得以爽心悅目有驚無險(xiǎn)地欣賞到美西大地的一座座壯麗的自然景觀。</p> <p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">在旅游中心的空調(diào)展廳停留了四十分鐘,對(duì)此地的歷史與地理環(huán)境多了一些了解。同行的 地理老師和 地理課代表 非常感興趣!????</p> <p class="ql-block">駛行三個(gè)小時(shí)才穿越此區(qū)域,途中我們只下車拍了幾張照片就匆匆逃回車?yán)锪?,否則很快就要被烤熟了????</p> <p class="ql-block">**Crossing Death Valley**</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Death Valley, located at the border between California and Nevada in the United States, is one of the hottest and driest places in North America. It is famous for its rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions. The valley stretches approximately 225 kilometers in length, with a width ranging from 6 to 26 kilometers, covering a total area of about 1,408 square kilometers, nearly the size of the entire Beijing municipality. The steep cliffs on both sides make this region even more treacherous, resembling a natural fortress that seems to block any intrusion from the outside. This place once recorded the highest surface temperature on Earth, reaching 134°F (about 57°C).</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">During the Gold Rush in 1849, a hopeful group on their way to California’s gold mines unfortunately strayed into this desolate valley. What they initially thought would be a brief crossing turned into a life-and-death struggle. The intense heat and drought gradually drained their physical strength and willpower. Most of them could not withstand the relentless challenges of Death Valley and perished in this barren land. Only a few survivors miraculously escaped from this hellish desert. When they finally made it out, filled with pain and loss, they couldn’t help but exclaim, “Goodbye, Death Valley.” From that moment on, this land was given the terrifying name “Death Valley,” becoming a symbol of a tragic history.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Death Valley's extremely dry and scorching climate made it the final resting place for countless gold seekers, and this name became even more widely known. Even today, Death Valley remains a place that inspires awe. Every year, its extreme environment continues to test those brave adventurers and travelers who dare to visit.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Not long ago, we were fortunate enough to successfully drive across this fearsome valley. However, this successful crossing was by no means accidental but rather the result of our careful preparation. For anyone attempting to cross this area, adequate heat protection is essential, especially ensuring that the car's cooling system is in good working condition at all times. In this unforgiving desert, any mechanical failure could have fatal consequences.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Just one week after our successful crossing of Death Valley, we came across tragic news: an American tourist, stranded in Death Valley due to a car breakdown, ultimately succumbed to the intense heat. This incident undoubtedly added a more horrifying reality to the name “Death Valley.”</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">This experience made us deeply realize that even in today's era of advanced technology, Death Valley remains a dangerous place. In such an environment, thorough preparation and constant vigilance are key to survival.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for our 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer. It fearlessly withstood the desert’s scorching heat and rugged terrain, performing excellently over three consecutive weeks, guiding us through mountains, deserts, and hills without a single breakdown. Additionally, our experienced driver and guide, Mr. Gadd, deserves special commendation for his professionalism and composure that led us safely through our journey.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">I’m also reminded of a quote by the Yijing master, Professor Zeng Shiqiang, who said: “The success of any endeavor cannot be separated from the right timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony, along with another particularly important yet often overlooked factor: divine assistance! (I believe here, Professor Zeng refers to the invisible forces between the universe and personal destiny.)”</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">I believe it was with the help of all these favorable factors, and our reverence for the universe and nature, that we were able to enjoy the magnificent natural landscapes of the American West without any danger.</p> <p class="ql-block">一望無際的沙漠公路,很壯觀!車外熱火朝天!</p> <p class="ql-block">車內(nèi)顯示屏上的車外氣溫不斷上升114 °F,116°F,117°F..我們?cè)谛旭偟倪^程中,預(yù)測,最高能達(dá)到多少。我們每人說一個(gè)數(shù)字,但最后顯示都沒猜對(duì),最高達(dá)到了124°F=51°C!</p> <p class="ql-block">玲瓏說她的防曬噴霧劑金屬瓶 包裝上寫著 如果在120°F高溫下,小瓶子就有可能會(huì)爆炸。嚇得我讓她立刻停止使用,并把那瓶子千萬不要帶到車外。第二天,我們就把這瓶防曬噴霧劑留在了拉斯維加斯的酒店房間,離開時(shí)也沒帶走。</p>