<p class="ql-block">Death Valley，位于美國加利福尼亚州和内华达州交界处，是北美洲最热和最干燥的地方之一。它以险峻的地形和极端的气候条件而闻名。这片谷地全长约225公里，宽度在6到26公里之间，总面积约为1408平方公里，近乎于整个北京市的面积。两侧的悬崖峭壁让这片区域更显凶险，仿佛是一座天然的堡垒，阻隔着外界的侵入。这里曾创下地表最高温度记录，达到134华氏度（约57摄氏度）。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">在1849年淘金热的狂潮中，一支满怀希望、奔向加利福尼亚金矿的队伍不幸误入了这片死寂的谷地。原本以为只是短暂的穿越，谁料却陷入了生死攸关的困境。酷热与干旱渐渐耗尽了他们的体力与意志，大部分人未能抵挡住死亡谷无情的考验，永远留在了这片荒凉的土地上。只有少数幸存者奇迹般地逃脱了这片地狱般的沙漠。当他们最终脱险时，满怀痛苦与失落，不禁感叹道：“Goodbye, Death Valley”（再见，死亡谷）。从那一刻起，这片土地便被冠以“死亡谷”这个恐怖的名称，成为一段悲惨历史的象征。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">即使在今天，死亡谷依然是一个令人心生敬畏的地方。每年，它的极端环境都会考验着那些勇敢的探险者和旅行者。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">不久前，我们有幸开车顺利穿越了这片令人胆寒的谷地。对于穿越此地的人来说，充足的抗热防护是必不可少的，尤其是汽车的制冷设备必须时刻保持良好状态。在这片无情的沙漠中，任何机械故障都有可能带来致命的后果。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">就在我们顺利穿越死亡谷后的短短一周后，我们看到了一个悲剧性的新闻：一位美国游客由于汽车故障被困在死亡谷中，最终因无法抵挡酷热而丧命。这一事件无疑为“死亡谷”这个名字增添了更加恐怖的现实意义。</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">想到此，我不禁再次对我们所驾驶的 2024款雪佛兰 Trailblazer（开拓者）充满感激之情。它无畏沙漠的炙热和崎岖的地形，连续三周表现出色，带领我们穿越山地、沙漠和丘陵，没有一次出现故障。另外，更值得称赞的是我们经验丰富的司机兼导游Mr Gadd，他的专业和冷静引领我们一路前行！</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">同时想起易学大师曾仕强教授说过的一句话：“任何事情的成功都离不开 天时、地利、人和 ，另外还有一项特别重要而往往被忽视的因素：神助！（这里曾老應該指的是宇宙自然与个人运势之间的无形力量）”</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">我想正是在这一切良好因素的助力下，以及对天地宇宙的敬畏之心，我们才得以爽心悦目有惊无险地欣赏到美西大地的一座座壮丽的自然景观。</p> <p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">在旅游中心的空调展厅停留了四十分钟，对此地的历史与地理环境多了一些了解。同行的 地理老师和 地理课代表 非常感兴趣！😀👍</p> <p class="ql-block">驶行三个小时才穿越此区域，途中我们只下车拍了几张照片就匆匆逃回车里了，否则很快就要被烤熟了🥵😀</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">一望无际的沙漠公路，很壮观！车外热火朝天！</p> <p class="ql-block">车内显示屏上的车外气温不断上升114 °F，116°F，117°F..我们在行驶的过程中，预测，最高能达到多少。我们每人说一个数字，但最后显示都没猜对，最高达到了124°F=51°C！</p> <p class="ql-block">玲珑说她的防晒喷雾剂金属瓶 包装上写着 如果在120°F高温下，小瓶子就有可能会爆炸。吓得我让她立刻停止使用，并把那瓶子千万不要带到车外。第二天，我们就把这瓶防晒喷雾剂留在了拉斯维加斯的酒店房间，离开时也没带走。</p>