Driving in extreme conditions is something we Canadians do on a yearly basis every winter (unfortunately). Snow, ice, slush, white-outs, blizzards, -35 degree weather; we see it all behind the wheels of our winter rides. And so I thought I had it all figured out when I hit the open desert roads in dusty Nevada.
Boy, was I wrong.
Driving in the desert is something I've never done before, and something I won't soon forget either. If nothing else, the scenery that surrounds you on all sides is simply breathtaking. For miles and miles, the dirt stretches off from the darkened tarmac, rising into stalactite-type formations, jutting up into the pristine blue sky. Nary a cloud is to be seen and the sharp contrast of heavens above against the brackish red rocks below is simply stunning. The desert may be desolate and full of death, but it's beyond beautiful (when you're sitting in the A/C and sipping on a chilled bottle of water).
Once you've fully taken in your surroundings, you can focus on the road ahead; and what a road it is.
Unlike our roads here at home, the surface of the tarmac is pristine. Smooth, without cracks, bumps, potholes or any other imperfections, the roads are begging to be driven on at elevated speeds. Add to that the fact that although it's the desert, there are more turns and twists than there are straight stretches (thankfully), and you've got yourself an eventful ride that's thrilling from start to finish.
What's most thrilling about driving in the desert are the blind corners and turns. Never have I been in such an environment where every turn presents the unknown on the other side. It's almost like driving in the dark with no headlights on—and I absolutely loved it.
With a pristine road surface, meaning my car was stuck to the tarmac, I wove my way through some of the most amazing terrain I've ever seen through my windshield; through the Valley of Fire and Nevada's Lake Mead National Park. Untouched nature stretched out in every direction, and I even managed to avoid squishing a few lizards that darted out onto the road in front of me.
If you've yet to experience a road trip through a rolling desert landscape, then I wholeheartedly recommend it. It will truly be one of those experiences you keep with you for quite some time. Just keep in mind; if you choose to do it in a convertible you might want to consider wearing a hat, carrying a cooler of water in the trunk and sporting SPF rated above 50—just sayin'.
Boy, was I wrong.
Driving in the desert is something I've never done before, and something I won't soon forget either. If nothing else, the scenery that surrounds you on all sides is simply breathtaking. For miles and miles, the dirt stretches off from the darkened tarmac, rising into stalactite-type formations, jutting up into the pristine blue sky. Nary a cloud is to be seen and the sharp contrast of heavens above against the brackish red rocks below is simply stunning. The desert may be desolate and full of death, but it's beyond beautiful (when you're sitting in the A/C and sipping on a chilled bottle of water).
Once you've fully taken in your surroundings, you can focus on the road ahead; and what a road it is.
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| Photo: Miranda Lightstone/Auto123.com |
Unlike our roads here at home, the surface of the tarmac is pristine. Smooth, without cracks, bumps, potholes or any other imperfections, the roads are begging to be driven on at elevated speeds. Add to that the fact that although it's the desert, there are more turns and twists than there are straight stretches (thankfully), and you've got yourself an eventful ride that's thrilling from start to finish.
What's most thrilling about driving in the desert are the blind corners and turns. Never have I been in such an environment where every turn presents the unknown on the other side. It's almost like driving in the dark with no headlights on—and I absolutely loved it.
With a pristine road surface, meaning my car was stuck to the tarmac, I wove my way through some of the most amazing terrain I've ever seen through my windshield; through the Valley of Fire and Nevada's Lake Mead National Park. Untouched nature stretched out in every direction, and I even managed to avoid squishing a few lizards that darted out onto the road in front of me.
If you've yet to experience a road trip through a rolling desert landscape, then I wholeheartedly recommend it. It will truly be one of those experiences you keep with you for quite some time. Just keep in mind; if you choose to do it in a convertible you might want to consider wearing a hat, carrying a cooler of water in the trunk and sporting SPF rated above 50—just sayin'.