It makes for a whole new spin—and our apologies to the Psalmist. “Ye, though I walk through the shadows in Death Valley.” The California national park watched as power blinked out on December 23, only to finally be restored Tuesday. A lot of “inconvenient” things happened to visitors.
Death Valley downed grid tests “go off the grid” mentality
Death Valley National Park is known as a place to “get off the grid.” But when the grid goes down, it can test just how much folks are into that kind of thinking. When the power went down, so did cell towers. Conveniences like communications with the outside world went away. That didn’t affect only tourists—there were serious concerns about emergency communications inside the park.
What else runs on the electrical grid? Ah, yes, fuel pumps. If you wanted to gas up in the valley, you could write that off for some 65 hours. And pity the poor EV driver. At least eight Teslas had to be towed out of Death Valley—charge stations were, well, powerless to help them.
The park water system also suffered a hit. Pumps without power pumped no more. Employees with housing at Cow Creek didn’t stink. Showers for them were still available, courtesy of a backup power generator. However, Furnace Creek Inn and Stovepipe Wells lost their precious water. It was more than a “laugh at the tourists” moment. Had a fire broken out, it could have been a serious issue. Park Service officials saw to it enough water was “on tap” at both of the aforementioned locations by trucking it in.
Still no word on the hows and whys of the blackout. The power company, as of press time, was still in the dark on the matter.
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Great article. Love your narrative style. Minor punctuation point? Apostrophes are possessive indicators, not plural. 😉
Thanks, Bob. You’re correct. I mistakenly threw those in in the spur of the moment when I was proofing the post in a rush after it had already been published. I didn’t take the time to think about it, or look it up.🤔 I did now, and corrected them. Thank you! Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Wow! That certainly could have been a disaster in many ways. I am thankful power was restored! Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Happy new year!
WOW the great socialist state of Kookiefornia still can’t keep the power on.
This is why I always try to keep my fuel tank full along with a few jerry cans. Gallons of extra drinking water.
Me too. NEVER let yourself need fuel of any kind when visiting Death Valley! Or water, or electricity. Phenomenal prices there!
Just can’t make up that kind of humor. It’s like it writes itself.