2012 E DITION

Transcription

2012 E DITION

A
V I S I T O R ’ S
2012
G U I D E
EDITION
T O
To
Lone Pine & Bishop
The Gateway to Death Valley
Begins Here!
“Big City” accommodations
with surprising affordability
Comfort Inn by Choice Hotels
Ridgecrest
507 S China Lake Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 375-9731
www.choicehotels.com
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Ridgecrest
113 East Snydor Avenue
(760) 446-1630
www.marriott.com/iyksh
Best Western China Lake Inn
Ridgecrest
400 South China Lake Blvd
(760) 371-2300
www.bestwestern.com
250 Humachuaca Street
Pahrump, Nevada
Across from Saitta-Trudeau
Car Dealership
Call (775)
www.tommasinos.com
Open 7 Days a Week 4 pm to Close
751-8221
for Reservations
This is why Tommasino’s is the Best Place in
Pahrump for Dining, Gaming, Live Music and Great Atmosphere.
Enjoy our Separate Bar with Gaming and Big Screen TV’s EconoLodge Inn & Suites
Ridgecrest
210 Inyokern Road
(760) 446-2551
www.econolodge.com/hotel/ca294
Maturango
Museum
100 E Las Flores Ave
(760) 375-6900
www.maturango.org
To
Lancaster
&
Los Angeles
Carriage Inn
Ridgecrest
901 N China Lake Blvd
(760) 446-7910
www.carriageinn.biz/Inyo
Hampton Inn & Suites
Ridgecrest
104 East Snydor Avenue
(760) 446-1968
www.ridgecrestsuites.hamptoninn.com
Our Menu is Not Italian Only, Enoy the Best Steaks, Fish and Sea Food
Live Music and Dancing Featuring
Tom Saitta, Tommy Deering and Autie Goodman
U.S. Naval Museum of Armament
Heritage Inn & Suites
andTechnology
Ridgecrest
One Pearl Harbor Way (On Base
1050 N Norma Street
China Lake, CA 93555
(760) 939-3530
(760) 446-6543
www.chinalakemuseum.org
www.heritageinnsuites.com/homepage
To
San
Bernardino
Ridgecrest Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-847-4830
www.visitdeserts.com
See All of You at Tommasino’s Seven Days Per Week
OUR COVER
A
V I S I T O R ’ S
2012
G U I D E
T O
EDITION
racetrack Playa
No one knows for sure or has
recorded how these rocks, some
weighing hundreds of pounds,
move from ten to hundreds of
feet wandering across this dry
lake bed. Theories abound on
the causes of this extraordinary event. We do know that
when wet, this playa lake bed
becomes very slick. With winds
reaching over 90 mph, it might
be possible for these rocks to
perform a geological phenomenon and slide across the lake
bed. All that we know for certain is that the linear tracks left
by these “sailing stones” is proof
that they do move. Racetrack
Playa is 28 miles (on a rough
unpaved road) southwest from
“Ubehebe Crater” If you are a
photographer or just like to enjoy strange natural wonders, the
Racetrack Playa, which is 3608
feet above sea level, will soon
become one of your favorite
places.
2012 VISITORS GUIDE
Golden Gate Media Group
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RIDGECREST REGIONAL FILM
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LONE PINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BISHOP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LAKE ELSINORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HANFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PORT HUENEME CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DELANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
(310) 872-7395
Nevada’s Winery since 1990
A SUPRISING JEWEL IN THE DESERT
Wine Tasting & Tours / Open 10:30 AM
Nevada’s Oldest Winery, Established 1990
Nevada’s 1st Commercial Red Wine “Nevada Ridge”
Nevada’s 1st Gold Medal Winning Wine
Over 260 National Wine Awards since 2004
Tours Most Days 11:30 / 1:30 / 3:30
Upscale Casual Dining at Symphony’s Restaurant
Featured by NBC Today Show, CNN & LA Times
Death Valley Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 15 • Tecopa, CA 92389
Telephone: 760-852-4420
www.deathvalleychamber.org
Email: [email protected]
INSIDE
2 OUR COVER
4 FURNACE CREEK INN HISTORY
8 DESERT CUISINE
14 PANAMINT SPRINGS
16 BIRDING
20 DEATH VALLEY MAP
Pahrump Valley
Winery
& Restaurant
“B RINGING G OLD
TO
T HE S ILVER S TATE ”
3810 WINERY RD. - 775-751-7800
WWW.PAHRUMPWINERY.COM
The Death Valley Chamber of Commerce wishes to
thank the County of Inyo for their financial support
of the “Visitor’s Guide to Death Valley.”
Published By
GOLDEN GATE MEDIA GROUP
(310) 872-7395
[email protected]
The information in this directory was carefully compiled to insure maximum accuracy. The Death Valley Chamber of Commerce and
Golden Gate Media Group cannot and do not guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete
absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed. Reproduction of any material
from this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from the publisher. © 2012 Golden Gate Media Group.
2
2012 Death Valley Visitors GuiDe
3
ley was not yet a National Park
or a National Monument. It had
no protected status whatsoever.
The Borax Company was the only
game in town. Not only did this
company, (best known for mining and producing a laundry
soap additive) have to build the
hotel and all of the accompanying services, it had to also build
the roads, the scenic turnouts
and points of interests for the
tourists to enjoy once they arrived. All this, in a place with a
frightening sounding name. The
Borax Men were risk takers of the
highest level.
The Borax Company did not
Continued on page 6
FURNACE CREEK INN HISTORY
An early look at Furnace Creek
By David Woodfruff
I
n 1926, after 26 years, the Pacific Coast Borax Company decided to move their borax
mining operations out of enigmatic Death
Valley. It wasn’t because they had run out of
this “white gold of the desert”. The decision was
based purely on economics. The Borax Company had discovered a new deposit in the Kramer
district...100 miles closer to their refining opera-
tions in San Pedro. Transportation costs would
plummet and profits should increase. The question now was, what would the Borax company do
with their vast land holdings in Death Valley and
with the railroad line they had built to haul the borax out?
After much discussion, the bold executives of
the Borax Company thought that if they built a
Photo Courtesy of Rio Tinto Borax
nice hotel in this beautiful land
of mystery and lore, people
would come to see and stay in
the great Valley and use the old
Borax railroad to get there. They
were half right. People flocked
to Death Valley to take advantage of seeing this land of stories
and tales from the comfort of a
world class luxury hotel right from
the start. However, the railroad
never caught on. People wanted
to drive their own cars to the Valley of Death.
The “Borax Men” truly were
visionaries. In 1926, Death Val-
The Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of
Film History
Hollywood’s favorite movie location
since 1920 and California’s newest
Film Museum
4
760.876.9909
For Information about Museum Upcoming Events visit our website
www.lonepinefilmhistorymuseum.org
5
Continued from page 5
spare any expense when hiring
an architect to design their hotel.
They chose Albert C. Martin from
Los Angeles, already well known
for his work on the magnificent
art-deco style Los Angles city hall
as well as Ventura County’s elab-
6
orate county courthouse
The Inn at Furnace Creek
opened in February of 1927 and
an ambitious plan for expan-
sion was developed. The Inn increased in size during the 1930s
to 66 rooms. It is interesting to
note that this expansion took
place during the darkest part of
the Great Depression. A large
portion of the hotel was built with
adobe bricks. It is thought to be
one of the largest adobe buildings still being used in the world.
Rooms were only rented from
October to May with summer being much too hot to try and operate for the guest. The only electricity at the time that existed in
Death Valley came from a small
hydro-electric project that took
advantage of the large flow of
water from the nearby springs.
A diesel generator replaced the
hydro project in the 1930s with
this being the sole source of power until an electric line was finally
erected in 1963.
Business was so good that the
Borax company decided to also
build accommodations for the
more casual Death Valley traveler. In the early 1930s, cabins
and buildings were brought in
from a nearby abandoned mining camp, and from the housing project at newly completed
Hoover Dam. These buildings
were remodeled and improved
into tourist accommodations
and opened as the Furnace
Creek Ranch. Modern facilities
greet the Death Valley Traveler
here today.
In 1933, six years after the
Inn opened, Death Valley National Monument was created,
and help arrived to develop and
maintain the park roads. Today,
the National Park Service does
an excellent job making travel
safe on roads throughout the
Park. But who knows? Had it not
been for the visionary dream of
some risk taking Borax miners so
very long ago, the concept of
tourism in Death Valley may nev-
er have developed. Today, you
can enjoy the Furnace Creek
Resort in all of its splendor and
charm. For information or reservations call (760) 786-2345.
7
DESERT CUISINE
Great Dining Opportunities in Out of the Way Places
By David Woodruff
Photos By Joseph Anthony
T
he Death Valley region is one of the least
populated areas of the United States.
The savvy traveler might not think of this
area as a likely spot to find exceptional culinary
fare.
It should be no surprise to visitors or travelers to Death Valley to learn that exceptional
cuisine, delicious house-made comfort foods,
the freshest of ingredients are offered at several great area restaurants For this issue of the
Death Valley Guide, we traveled the length and
breadth of this vast region, prospecting and researching. We hit pay dirt as we learned this
is one sure place to enjoy a great meal. Now
we’ll share our jackpot of culinary secrets and
surprises that we have found.
the Dining room-at the inn at Furnace Creek
The Inn at Furnace Creek sits grandly on
a small mesa at the mouth of Furnace Creek
Wash. It glistens in the sunlight like a precious
stone, beckoning the Death Valley traveler to
come inside and see what treasures will be revealed.
“The Dining Room” as the restaurant located
at the Inn is called,
offers breathtaking
views of the legendary Valley of Death
and
mountains
beyond.
Lighting
at breakfast and
lunch is particularly
favorable for feasting upon the scene.
Chef
Michelle Chef Michelle Hanson
8
“Mike” Hanson has been the Chef at the Inn for
12 years. She worked previously in Las Vegas
and fell in love with the desert. She moved on
to the Central Valley of California, where she
worked at famed Harris Ranch for a number of
years
habanera-orange glaze.” said
Chef Mike. “And to top off the
evening, we’ll send you home
with a hand dipped chocolate
truffle.”
The Inn is open from midOctober to mid-May and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner
along with a Sunday Brunch.
Food service is also available at
the Oasis Lounge. Reservations
are accepted and strongly suggested for dinner and brunch.
Evening
Call (760) 786-3385
dress code is casual, no shorts
or t-shirts.
tommasino’s
Tommasino’s Italian Restaurant in Pahrump
Ten years ago, owner Tom
Saitta and his wife Alice moved
to Pahrump, Nevada and partnered in opening a car deal-
Chef Michael Parascandolo
Calamari with Fresh
Cherry Peppers
perform, than an accomplished
and talented singer and trumpet player...like Tom?
A restaurant to go with the
nightclub was decided upon
and Tommasino’s opened its
doors in July of 2009. The dinner house has quickly become
known for offering some of the
best Italian-American cuisine in
the Death Valley area. Executive Chef and General Manager Michael Parascandolo brings
a wealth of skill and talent with
him, having previously worked
at Wolfgang Pucks, Sfuzzi, and
Nana B’s in Las Vegas. Chef
Michael and his staff display
Continued on page 10
Filet Minion Alla Mama
WORLD FAMOUS HOT SPRINGS
“Delights”
Strawberry Barbecue Salmon: wild caught
salmon, grilled with California BBQ sauce, fresh
vegetable and wild rice.
The menu style is eclectic, with cuisine ranging from California and Pacific Rim to classical
French and Italian. “I love to cook and if I see
something or dream about something, I go create it” says Chef Mike. “My favorite dish and
the most popular item on our dinner menu is
the thrice cooked Muscovy Duck, served with a
ership. As he settled in to his
new life in the quieter environs
of southern Nye County, Tom
found there might be opportunity in offering live music to
the local scene. A nightclub...
where musicians could perform
and audiences could tap their
feet seemed just the right thing
to open! And who better to
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9
their mastery of Italian cooking with such traditional offerings as Chicken Parmesan, Linguini Carbonara and Cioppino.
However, their talent doesn’t
stop there. The extensive dinner
menu also features tender and
flavorful steaks, fresh seafood
and house made desserts.
The portions are substantial
and all entrees are served with
your choice of soup or salad.
Here’s an insider tip...try the calamari. It’s fresh and served with
hot cherry peppers and a marinara sauce.
And let’s not forget Tom’s
original endeavor here, the All
That Jazz Nightclub. Offering
live music 6 days a week (dark
on Sundays), Tom brings in an assortment of talented musicians
to add variety to his own musical
skills. From Frank Sinatra classics
to New Orleans style jazz, the
entertainment will leave you
looking forward to your next
visit.
Tommasino’s is open 7 days
a week for dinner and opens at
4 pm and reservations are suggested-(775) 751-8221.
the Crowbar Cafe and saloon
There was a time when
Shoshone was thought of as a
quiet place to stop and get fuel
Chef JaCob blankenship
or a quick bite to eat while on
the way to somewhere else.
Times have changed! With the
recent introduction of eco-tourism and the 2005 creation of the
Amargosa Conservancy, Shoshone has become a “destina-
tion” town in its own right. And
at the hub of this newfound activity, is the Crowbar Cafe and
Saloon.
The Cafe is one of the oldest
continuously existing restaurants
in Death Valley country and has
been serving delicious meals to
travelers and locals since the
early 1930s.
The Crowbar Cafe and Saloon has become known far
and wide as the place to enjoy
homemade Americana fare.
The restaurant features hand
crafted soups & sauces, made
with fresh ingredients.
The
Crowbar is not only a favorite
among locals, but draws guests
Mexican Combination - Taco, Enchilada, Beans, Rice and Salsa
from as far away as Las Vegas.
Specialties of the house include
Prime Rib Dinner and Steak Diablo. Handcrafted Mexican fare
including nachos will also tempt
the discriminating palette.
The Crowbar Cafe is open
8:00 am to 9:30 pm seven days
a week. For more information
about the Crowbar Cafe and
Saloon call at (760) 852-4224.
symphony’s restaurant at
the Pahrump Winery
“Fine wine is bottled poetry” said famed novelist Robert
Louis Stevenson. When you visit
Symphony’s Restaurant at the
Pahrump Valley Winery, you
Chef DaviD hutChison
Tournedos Saint James - Filet Medallions with crab stuffed
mushrooms, sauteed shrimp & lobster Creme Sherry sauce.
may well find yourself inspired to of the dining room have been
given rave reviews by food critcreate your own verse.
At the center of their award ics and travel writers nationwinning winery, Owners Bill and wide. The real tributes, however,
Gretchen Loken, have created are offered by the many guests
Symphony’s, a gourmet restau- who come to dine at the winery
rant named after their popu- again and again.
Chef David Hutchison has
lar “Symphony” white wine, a
sweet fruity wine made from been performing at Symphonys
for over 7 months. He has an exspecial and rare grapes.
Symphony’s offers fine food, tensive history, having worked
beautifully served in an atmo- at numerous fine dinner houses
sphere of quiet elegance. The in Las Vegas over the past 16
quality of the cuisine, the superb years.
Continued on page 12
service and serene ambience
Western Gateway to
Death Valley National Park
All Amenities
Center of Town • Pool & Spa
Golf • AAA & Senior Discounts • Smoke Free
Major Credit Cards • Wi-Fi • 24 hour Coffee Shop
Shoshone Development
P.O. Box 76 • State Highway 127
Shoshone, CA 92384
10
760.852.4224 • Fax: 760.852.4250
[email protected]
shoshonevillage.com
11
Bill and his wife Gretchen
have been operating this southern Nevada masterpiece since
2003. “We cater to travelers and
locals alike. Tourists on their way
to Death Valley have heard of
us and will stop. Pahrump Valley
locals will come in for a special
occasion or simply to enjoy a
great meal.
The restaurant is open for
lunch and dinner, seven days a
week. “We are a fusion of modern American and Continental
and are driven by what we like
to eat” says Bill.”
Charlie’s Pub & Grill and Café
Potpourri at the Carriage inn
The
Carriage
Inn
in
Ridgecrest was born during the
boom years of Ridgecrest in the
1950s.
This modern facility became
very popular with contractors
working at China Lake Weapons
Center as well as travelers to the
Ridgecrest area, and soon developed a reputation for offering excellent food in their restaurant. Since those early days, the
town of Ridgecrest has grown
and become more urbane...
and so has the Carriage Inn.
Now offering two great restau-
Chef John broyles
12
12
Orange Glazed Duck on a bed of rice with fresh vegetables.
rants along with numerous other
amenities, the Carriage Inn has
become a destination in the
western Death Valley region.
Executive Chef John Broyles
and his staff are known far and
wide for their diversified culinary
fare. Open for breakfast and
lunch, Café Potpourri offers a
wide selection of hearty meals
and popular dishes. Its breakfast buffet (offered Monday
through Saturday) and Sunday
Brunch are very popular, offering guests the opportunity to try
several of Chef John’s creations.
Café Potpourri is open 6 am (7
on Sundays) to 2 pm.
Next door to the Café is
Charlie’s Pub and Grill. Open
at 5 pm for dinner seven days
a week, the restaurant features
unique aircrew memorabilia
donated by squadrons from
around the world. Offering a
full bar and extensive wine list,
Charlie’s also features their own
Charlie’s Pub Ale from nearby
and award winning Indian Wells
Brewery.
Chef John has been the Executive Chef at the Carriage
Inn for over 8 years. He brings
with him a wealth of experience
having started in the restaurant
business when he was just 15
years old. Chef John’s expertise in wines is quite evident by
the sophisticated wine list at the
Carriage Inn. He enjoys creating combinations of flavors using featured dishes and selected wines. Every night Charlie’s
Pub & Grill offers two dinner specials, each paired with selected
wines.
No matter whether you’re
a longtime Ridgecrest area
resident, just passing through or
spending a few days to see all
of the local sites, the Carriage
Inn and its fine food and excellent service can make a perfect
place to stop and enjoy your
next dining experience in this
area of the Death Valley region.
Pastels restaurant
If you’ve ever been to Tecopa Hot Springs, you’ll know it
takes a little effort to get there.
It’s a few miles from a main road,
but the detour will be worth it
when you’re in the Death Valley
area.
When you arrive, you’ll find
a little jewel known as Pastels
Restaurant that glistens brightly.
Pastels serves “unpretentious,
affordable gourmet food in a
funky little bistro” as written by
one well known food critic.
Owners David Washum and
Chef John P. Muccio have partnered to bring a first class dining
experience to this remote location. Chef John is a professional
chef, having graduated 1st in
his class at the New York Culinary and Management School.
He enjoyed a very successful
career in Las Vegas, having led
two different restaurants to high
praises and recognition. Chef
John was recognized by The
American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for his culinary
skills with their Five Star Diamond
award as one of America’s best
chefs.
Both David and Chef John
are interested in natural, great
tasting, healthy eating for all the
nature lovers, hikers, campers,
and more who visit.
“There is something for every
taste bud” says Chef John. “We
use the freshest fruits and vegetables.”
Currently, Pastels is open
Thursday 6:00 pm - 10 pm and
Friday through Monday 10 am10 pm. Hours change seasonally so best to call ahead and
confirm before you make the
trip. For information call (760)
852-4420.
13
PANAMINT SPRINGS
Something a little off the beaten path
Panamint Butte
At the base of the Argus Range, on the western edge of Panamint Valley, sits Panamint Spring
Resort. This small resort offers some unique experiences for those looking for something a little off
the beaten path.
Panamint Springs Resort is easily accessible
as it sits right on Highway 190. This small family
owned and operated rustic resort is completely
surrounded by Death Valley National Park. The
views from the restaurant patio are stunning.
Panamint Butte, with its twisted and bent strata
towers above Panamint Playa and Lake Hill. To
the north one can see the Panamint Sand Dunes
in the distance.
Aside from the restaurant, Panamint Springs
Resort has a 15 unit motel, a gas station with a
convenience store and a campground that offers everything from RV campsites with water and
power to tent camping sites.
The campground at Panamint Springs is one
of the least expensive developed campgrounds
in Death Valley National Park. Tent sites are currently $7.50. It is also one of a few campgrounds
that offer showers. These are Included in the cost
of the campsite. There is also some desirable
shade available in this campground.
Spring is the most popular time for American
visitation to Panamint Springs Resort. The spring
offers mild temperatures and often times a spectacular display of desert wild flowers. If you plan
to visit in the spring be sure to bring a variety of
clothing options especially if you are interested
in exploring some of the higher elevations in the
park. Many visitors will take day trips or a single
overnight from Las Vegas or Los Angeles. For avid
wildflower enthusiasts you will want to allow your14
self several days if possible as there are many endemic species in Death Valley National Park that
are isolated in more remote areas.
Summer visitors need to be more careful than
visitors at other times of the year due to extreme
heat and a brutal sun. In contrast to the heat of
the days, the nights are amazing. Summer nights
at Panamint Springs are warm and the night sky
is especially dazzling.
The winter months of November, December and January are in many respects the best
time to visit Panamint Springs and the Panamint
Valley. Aside from the Holidays of Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Years, Panamint Valley sees
the least amount of visitors in the winter. The winter provides a great opportunity for long hikes
and excursions in the lower altitudes of the park.
At Panamint Springs the temperature rarely gets
below freezing and the days are frequently in the
high 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit).
Panamint Springs provides Thanksgiving Dinner free of charge to all comers. Panamint does
accept voluntary donations to assist with the cost
of the event, but all are welcome donation or not.
To reserve a room for Thanksgiving weekend call
10 months to a year in advance.
To be sure of a tent campsite reserve 1 to 2 months in advance.
For the period between Christmas and New Year reserve 2 to
3 months ahead of time. Other
than that a week or two should
be sufficient to secure a room or
site.
Panamint Springs also offers a
great base camp or jumping off
point for those interested in exploring the remote and exciting
Saline Valley, Hunter Mountain
with amazing views of Panamint
Valley and Lee Flat with its numerous Joshua trees.
If you are interested in a family camping trip, getting together with your buddies for a ride,
testing yourself and your rig on
a remote desert road or having
a great meal, Panamint Springs
may be the place for you.
Clothing
Hikimg &
Camping Gear
“Outfitting Your Desert Adventure”
760-876-4560
150 S.Main St • (Hwy 395 & Whitney Portal) • Lone Pine, CA
www.sierraelevation.com
Photo by Lidja Grazulis www.grazulis.com
11447 Kernville Road • P.O. Box 397 • Kernville, CA 93238
1 (866) Kernville (866-537-6845) • www.KernvilleChamber.org
CALL FOR YOUR FREE ADVENTURE MAP
Sunrise at Panamint Restaurant
15
BIRDING
In the Shoshone/Tecopa/Amargosa Region
By Len Warren
T
Photos By Colin Wooley
he Amargosa River and its tributaries
provide water, food, and habitat for an
amazing, and diverse group of birds. 320
species have been recorded in Shoshone, Tecopa, Amargosa Canyon, and China Ranch. Bird
watching or “Birding” is excellent year round.
Amargosa birds are either year-round residents, winter residents, tropical migrants that
come here to breed, or migrants that stay for a
while then move on.
Amargosa bird watching is becoming more
and more popular as an interesting, challenging, and rewarding desert activity. Birds of all
types seem to have a knack for discovering the
most beautiful places. Birders from all over the
world are consistently surprised and impressed
with the quality of birding, and natural beauty
along the Amargosa River.
One of the local year-round bird specialties
is the Crissal Thrasher. They are secretive, and
easier heard than seen. A California Species of
Special Concern, they thrive in the dense thorny
Mesquite along the Amargosa River. They usually stick to the ground and don’t stay in the open
for long. Close up views and photos of Crissal
Thrashers and their large curved bill, are highly sought after by birdwatchers and Shoshone
Village is one of their westernmost outposts in
North America.
They are sometimes easily seen around the
town and neighborhoods of Shoshone Village,
foraging below shrubs, and against buildings.
Lucy’s Warbler, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and
Phainopepla are also local specialties. In 2011
Shoshone Village and Tecopa hosted at least
7 breeding pairs of Long-eared Owls. There are
16
GREATER ROADRUnnER (BABy)
marked walking paths for birding throughout
Shoshone Village and Shoshone Wetlands.
The trails are often very “birdy” all year
round. Shoshone Village hosts a free weekly
“Bird-walk” at 8 am each Sunday.
Many rare birds arrive in the Amargosa region, particularly during spring and fall migration. Some bird species are native, but just rare,
like the brilliant Vermillion Flycatcher, the sight of
VERDin
which has hooked many previously apathetic birders. Their brilliant vermillion red plumage can
be seen for great distances on
sunny days. Another native rarity is the Federally Endangered
Least Bells Vireo.
China Ranch, with an estimated 30-40 breeding pairs, is
a “source population” for the
Bell’s Vireo. Since the recent removal of the invasive Tamarisk
and other habitat restoration
measures have taken place,
the Shoshone Wetlands and the
Amargosa Canyon in Tecopa
now both host small productive
Bell’s Vireo populations under
shady Mesquite canopies.
Vagrants are rare birds that
have lost their way somehow
and often stay long enough for
birders to report their sightings to
online groups. Vagrants are birds
that experienced birdwatchers
usually seek. Online birding, has
now taken the place of hotlines.
Before internet, birders finding
or seeking rarities used 800 numbers to post sightings and listen
to regional or national rare bird
sightings.
The Amargosa River habitat in Shoshone and Tecopa is
naturally dominated by dense
groves of Mesquite, and Willow, and an understory of shrubs
like Quaibush, Arrow Weed,
and Baccharis. Water plants
like Three-Square Bullrush, are
crucial to good water flow for
Amargosa River Pupfish, and the
endangered Amargosa Vole.
Mature Gooding’s Willows and
Cottonwood trees form a cool
shady canopy over a few precious areas with springs. These
habitats are unique, and create
an island like oasis in the middle
of thousands of square miles of
desert, crucial to thousands of
wild birds all year round.
In Tecopa, the Amargo-
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort
Arts & Crafts,
Lodging • RV • Camping • Labyrinth
Star Parties • Well being Services
Bistro Restaurant
BLACk-TAiLED GnATCATChER (MALE)
sa River merges with Tecopa
Marsh. Tecopa Hot Springs overlooks the marsh .The hot springs
are still tributaries and create microhabitats for breeding marsh
birds like the long legged waders American Avocet and Blacknecked Stilt.
These delicate looking shorebirds join in colonial defense
against aerial predators like
Northern Harrier (Marsh Hawk),
another California Species of
Special Concern. Tecopa Marsh
is patrolled daily by raptors
Continued on Page 18
Also Home of the
Chamber of Commerce
(760) 852-4420
PhAinOPEPLA
deathvalleychamber.org
P.O. Box 25, Tecopa, California 92389 • www.tecopahotsprings.org
17
Continued from Page 17
like Prairie Falcon, and a male
Northern Harrier, a polygamous
species. In 2011 he had two females, in separate territories and
probably a nest in each territory
(only one nest was located in
2011). A fascinating behavior
to observe is the “mid air food
toss” from male to female during
breeding season. The male arrives near the nest area carrying
prey, a rodent or small bird, and
as the female cries out and rises
from the nest area towards him;
he tosses the prey to her and
catches it quickly disappearing
into the tall marsh vegetation.
To the south of Tecopa
Marsh, the Amargosa River flows
openly for miles. Songbirds like
Bell’s Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Blue
Grosbeak, and Lucy’s Warbler,
and Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher
breed here along the river. Redtailed Hawks and American Kestrels, our smallest falcon, nest on
the walls of the Amargosa Canyon.
The canyon is a little known
LUCy’S WARBLER
PhAinOPEPLA (MALE)
bird habitat masterpiece. Amargosa birdwatchers can experience a rare day of, shady, cool,
desert birding in wilderness.
Of course no Amargosa
bird watching trip is complete
without checking China Ranch
date plantation. China Ranch
is a popular birding destination,
known for rare birds and date
shakes, a tough combination to
AnnA’S hUMMinGBiRD
compete with.
The list goes on and on.
The lives of Amargosa birds are
complex, and their intricate stories are fascinating and endless. The river provides intriguing
challenges for all interest levels,
from birding beginners to professional ornithologists. The California Audubon Society has long
designated the Shoshone-Tecopa area an official Important
Bird Area (IBA), one of only 6 in
Inyo County. More and more
birders have become believers
and have started to use the Shoshone-Tecopa area as a prime
destination. Recent rarities such
as Wood Thrush, Dusky-capped
Flycatcher, Black-throated Blue
Warbler, and Magnolia Warbler,
have further enhanced Shoshone-Tecopa as an amazing desert bird watching location.
Protecting the Land, Water and Beauty of the Amargosa
Come visit the California Outback to see what
makes people from around the world fall in love
with this wild and diverse corner of Inyo County.
Working to protect the Mojave Desert
conservationlands.org
BURROWinG OWL
18
CRiSSAL ThRAShER
Death Valley Junction • Shoshone • Tecopa • China Ranch • Amargosa Canyon • Kingstons
amargosaconservancy.org • 760.852.4339 • POB 63, Shoshone, CA 92384
19
395
267
6
Mammoth’s Boutique Hotel Experience
95
BISHOP
168
BIG PINE
PALISADE.
GLACIER
DEATH
395
SIERR
INDEPENDENCE
MT.
WILLIAMSON
El. 14375
ADA
A NEV
MT.
WHITNEY
El. 14494
The
Mammoth
SCOTTYS
CASTLE
VALLEY
374
BEATTY
Creek
INN
LATHROP WELLS
WHITNEY
PORTAL
LONE PINE
136
Comforts of the Mammoth Creek Inn:
95
STOVEPIPE
WELLS
Renovated and upgraded rooms
Feather Comforters & Luxurious Linens
FURNACE CREEK
190
CARTAGO
OLANCHA
PANAMINT
SPRINGS
NATIONAL
BADWATER
190
Plush Robes
178
TRONA
INYOKERN
Kitchen Suites Available
LAS VEGAS
Indoor European-Style Dry Sauna & Hot Tub
Billiard Room
Free Cable and On-Demand Movies
PARK
PEARSONVILLE
Honor Baskets
PAHRUMP
INYO COUNTY
COSO
JUNCTION
160
DEATH
VALLEY
JUNCTION
Free Wi-Fi Access
SHOSHONE
Well Behaved Pets are Welcome
TECOPA
HOT SPRINGS
Complimentary Ski/Board Storage
TECOPA
Recently Renovated Indoor European-Style
15
178 RIDGECREST
Dry Sauna and Hot Tub
New Fitness and Steam Rooms
Extraordinary Setting & Views
14
127
395
BAKER
Steps to the town’s free Shuttle Access
Conveniently located in town
Complimentary shuttle service to and from
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
ASK ABOUT OUR YEAR-ROUND SPECIALS
20
Toll Free 866-466-7000
663 Old Mammoth Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Ph: 760-934-6162
www.MammothCreekInn.com
Deluxe Accommodations • World’s Lowest Golf Course • Tennis • Hiking
Massage • Spring-Fed Swimming Pools
Jeep Tours • Bike Rentals & Tours • Horseback Riding
Restaurants • Banquets • Group Facilities • 3,000-foot Airstrip
Sunday Brunch (Some services seasonal)
For reservations, call toll-free 800-236-7916
or visit furnacecreekresort.com.
Beautiful places on earth.®
xanterra.com

2012 E DITION

Transcription

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