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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Listen to the above podcast episode on the Sailing Stones in Death Valley, California. I interviewed Brian Dunning from Skeptoid Podcast who has been researching strange phenomenons for years. His podcast is an award-winning podcast that reveals the science behind the weird occurrences we hear about.
What are the Sailing Stones?
Death Valley is home to the Sailing Stones. These boulders are rocks that appear to be moving on their own in dry, cracked mud, leaving a trail behind them. Theories have circulated that they move via aliens, a vortex or simply that the wind pushes these rocks. The rocks vary in shape in size. As small as fists and as large as two or three feet big.
Brian’s First Experience with the Sailing Stones
The first time Brian Dunning saw the Sailing Stones he got there and was disappointed that they covered in water. As they got there, the wind was blowing a giant puddle across the playa, and as they looked out sheets of ice were covering most of the lake and they were moving as well. They could see the black specs moving. Those black specs were the rocks.
Solving the Mystery of the Sailing Stones
Until 2014, it was said that no one had ever seen the rocks move and there was no evidence, but Brian had the evidence (on an extremely low-resolution camera) and didn’t realize that what he had seen for the first time was such a rare phenomenon.
In 2014 Brian got a permit to do scientific research to prove what was happening. He started a crowdfunding campaign and another paper was published by another author shortly after proving the ice when the water comes in is what moves the sailing stones. Close but no cigar!
Why Should you Visit the Sailing stones?
First off death valley is absolutely stunning and an unworldly experience. These rocks are famous and even though the mystery is solved, it is a breathtaking experience. Plan on spending a minimum amount of three hours with the sailing stones in Death Valley.
Top Sites to Visit in Death Valley (other than the sailing stones)
- Bad Water (the lowest point)
- The Artists Palette (astounding colors) for sunset
- Dante’s View
- Ghost towns
You can easily spend about three days there, make sure you check out all the sites!
What type of Vehicle Do you need
You need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with clearance. If you don’t have this, you can rent a Jeep in Furnace Creek.
Where to Fly into and where to stay?
The closest airport is Las Vegas–which is about 3 hours away. You can stay in Furnace Creek or Stove Pipe Wells, which is a bit closer to the Sailing Stones.
How Much Does it Cost to see the sailing stones?
The cost per car is approximately $25. Getting to the racetrack requires no extra cost. Make sure to be prepared with extra fuel for yourself or potentially others.
When Should you go to see the sailing stones?
Go any time of year. It’s busiest during the Summertime. If you want to go when the conditions are “moving the rocks” the chances are slim you’ll be able to see this, but January is the most likely time to view this phenomenon. Note that it is illegal to go out on the playa when there is water.
What if you have limited mobility?
Those with limited mobility may have a difficult time with a wheelchair, and to get out to where the rocks are, except to walk about a mile and a mile and a half. The park rangers have moved a few rocks close to the parking to bring the experience closer, but just know those have been placed there and are not part of the rock formation.
What Should You Bring with you to the Death Valley to see the Sailing Stones?
- Hat – take the sun seriously!
- Sunscreen
- Plenty of water
- Extra Fuel
- Warm clothes (in case of snow), there are large elevation changes!
- Camera
- Your sense of adventure!
Where to Find Skeptoid Podcast & Brian Dunning
Follow Skeptoid on Social Media
Brian’s Social Media
