I endured daily highs that exceeded 120 degrees Fahrenheit during my 53.5-hour journey... It wasn't the first time I've run across Death Valley, but this trip was more personal. I was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer a few years ago and knowing that I could get out there and do something like this after recovering from chemo was empowering.
Four days before starting my journey, I arrived in Death Valley National Park with the primary purpose of trying to adapt to the heat. It was serious preparation. I also wanted the opportunity to scout certain sections of the desert before actually embarking on the trip.
There was a 10-mile section in the latter part of my planned crossing that I knew could be flooded. Sure enough, I got trapped by these lakes encrusted with salt brine. I was breaking through, sinking up to my knees in mudwater that felt like it was boiling.
It's easy to get lost in the mountains. Up there, in the mountains, it's very easy to take the wrong turn, which can lead to dangerous situations, especially when one is alone.
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