More Mud and Crusty Stuff

[Jeffrey]

In my continuing search for a place in Death Valley called Cottonball Basin (I've never found it), I discover other interesting phenomenon. This area is just a bit north of Furnace Creek and a walk across the vast valley. I believe these shallow saline pools are fed by springs, but it could be accumulated rain runoff. So many crystalline minerals interacting with mud. It's only after you scrub the dried mud off your boots later in the day that you find them cut up from the sharp edges.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

The shapes of the salt formations provides a strong foreground for this image.

 

[AlanLichty]

Fascinating patterns and shapes in this stuff and a nice takeaway image for your efforts.

The mineral deposits almost look like a light snowfall but that is one of the least likely places to experience snow I can think of. I would not have expected your comments about the crystals cutting up your boots.

 

[JimFox]

Love the look of this Jeffrey! There is so many cool shapes out there in that area.

I have been to Cottonball Basin a few times. A couple of times I could not get all the way out there as my feet just started sinking into the ground. So it's a touchy spot in that you don't want to have had any moisture for a while. I believe it was April when I found it best.

Let me know if you need help finding it. From your description you were going the wrong way.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

In my continuing search for a place in Death Valley called Cottonball Basin (I've never found it), I discover other interesting phenomenon. This area is just a bit north of Furnace Creek and a walk across the vast valley. I believe these shallow saline pools are fed by springs, but it could be accumulated rain runoff. So many crystalline minerals interacting with mud. It's only after you scrub the dried mud off your boots later in the day that you find them cut up from the sharp edges.

View attachment 45169

That is cool, Jeffrey. It looks like swash on a beach.

 

[Timmeh]

That shape in the foreground is excellent! I have my Death Valley boots for wandering in salt and mud and my newish boots.