How'd They Do That?

One of the great mysteries of the National Park System is how the rocks in a far off corner of Death Valley National Park manage to scoot along the ground.

Unfortunately, due to the teeth-jarring, rig-wrecking washboard road you have to negotiate for 27 miles to see the Racetrack, not many folks actually get to ponder this mystery while gazing at the rocks and their trails.

Among the possible answers: When the playa on which the rocks rest gets wet, it also gets incredibly slippery, and when the high winds howl, well, they just might push these rocks around.

Now, if you do want to visit the Racetrack and are interested in snapping some photos (this shot was taken pretty close to high noon, which, obviously, is not the optimal time), the best time for pictures is either early in the morning, which is best accomplished by heading out the day before and camping out, or late in the afternoon, which could entail a dark, jouncing ride back to civilization.

Another benefit of making this trek, though, is passing aptly named Teakettle Junction, which will be featured in another photo of the week sometime down the road.