Day 9: Marta and Mikey!
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The night before Mike arrived at the Amargosa Hotel and quickly checked in, afterwards he drove out into the desert to take advantage of the awesome "Dark Sky" of Death Valley. a "Dark Sky" is a term used to describe areas with minimal light pollution, allowing for clear views of stars and the night sky, with organizations like DarkSky International promoting the protection of these areas.
Death Valley's Amazing StarScape!
Once out of reach of everything, Mike got a chair and was able to sit and marvel at the brilliance of the Milky Way!
Morning at the Amargosa Ranch!
Next morning, Mike was able to take a tour of the absolutely amazing life's work of Marta, her attention to every detail from the art to the furnishings truly reflected her art and passion!
Marta's Works of Art!
The tour included a view of the theatre where Marta would perform her ballet!
Marta's theatre to perform dance for whomever was there!
Marta Becket was 87 years old when she gave her final performance on February 12, 2012, stopping because she could no longer dance en pointe, though she continued creating shows from a chair in what she called her "Sitting Down Show" until her retirement at the ripe old age of 88! After the tour, Mike headed out.
The Outside Grounds of the Theatre
After the tour, Mike check out the desolate surroundings of the Amargosa in Death Valley Junction!
Death Valley Daze!
The Death Valley Junction Historic District is a preserved company town in California, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring 26 adobe buildings from the 1920s, built by the Pacific Coast Borax Company to support nearby mines, with the iconic Amargosa Opera House as its centerpiece!
Requiem for Marta's Special Friend - Daniel!
Daniel Britton, buried in Death Valley Junction Cemetery in California, was a man known for his unique artistic spirit, befriended by dancer Marta Becket who immortalized him in her book 'To Dance on Sands', and is remembered for a distinctive, thoughtful headstone in the quirky desert cemetery. He lived in Death Valley Junction, a small, historic railroad town, and was known for his connection to the arts community there, despite his relatively short life, passing away in 1987 at age 32.
Heading back on the Road!
Mike then hit the road, or the road less traveled!
He went for a hike in Death Valley!
Mike's solo hike through Death Valley
His hike took him near places he went with Bone back in 1988, and even though it was February, it was definitely a pretty darn warm day! With the westernmost objective checked, Mike headed east to Las Vegas and a visit with Mikey!
Mike and Mikey in Mike's solo hike through Death Valley
