Exploring Hot Springs on a Cold, Winter Morning
What better time than a cold January morning to go out exploring one of Nevada's geothermal springs, located just off U.S. Highway 95 and within the Walker Lane Fault Zone.
The area is known as Lee-Allen Springs, where just a weathered and almost unreadable sign with scull and crossbones warns of Danger Hot Water--185°f. (85c)
The primitive, undeveloped geothermal system was thought to be discovered in 1912 by road workers that were hand digging a pit.
Today, Lee-Allen Springs or Lee Hot Springs appears to be just a desolate reminder of the volcanism that formed part of Nevada's landscape thousands to millions of years ago.
Strange rock formations are strewn throughout the area that appears to have been spawned from deep within the earth's mantle.
Almost appearing like a rugged form from Stonehenge or having been sculpted by the abstract hands of nature.
The small alkaline stream that is probably no wider than 5 feet across flows up from an under ground well, possibly being heated from where the fault line reaches close to the surface.
From the entrance to the stream's bend is approximately 8 feet.
With an additional 16--20 feet as it narrows to seep back into the grass.
Algae grow in the alkaline water and thrive from the heat and direct sunlight.
On this cold sunny morning with temperatures below freezing and snow still clinging to the distant mountains, steam rises up from the hot springs creating a surreal effect.
Sand and silt have gained a foothold on most of the area, but erosion from wind and rain help to reveal glimpses of the violent history.
Some boulders lie cemented with coral like features or Tufa: a type of limestone or calcium carbonate that precipitates when calcium-rich water seeps into an alkaline lake.
Gas bubbles or vesicles became trapped and preserved in time as the lava cooled.
An opening in one of the rock formations could have been where lava flowed from a vent.
Recent footprints lead off in to the distance reminding me that I am not entirely alone in this desolate landscape.
For additional reading:
Allen Springs, NV
http://www.hotspringsenthusiast.com/Nevada.asp
Lee Hot Spring | Fallon Nevada Hot Spring Trails | Trails.com http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailId=HGS271-030#ixzz2pI5MIzmS
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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