I'm not saying we should be proud as Americans when our natural wonders are this insane.
I'm just saying we don't need to be ashamed of it.
How hot was it in Death Valley over the weekend?
It was so hot that a European tourist melted the skin off his feet when he lost his flip-flops in the sand dunes, park officials said.
Death Valley is no joke, folks. You walk on that sand with bare feet and you will be feeling it.
The poor tourist — a fellow from Belgium — was reportedly "taking a short walk Saturday in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in 123-degree heat when he either broke or lost his flip-flops, putting his feet into direct contact with the desert ground."
The result was third-degree burns.
And THIS is why I don't think men should wear flip flops.
Brutal stuff. Thankfully, the man was rescued, though it wasn't easy:
Park rangers determined the man needed to be transported to a hospital quickly due to his burns and pain level. Mercy Air's helicopter was not able to safely land in Death Valley due to extreme temperatures, which reduce rotor lift. Park rangers transported the man in an ambulance to a landing zone at higher elevation, which was 109°F. Mercy Air transported the man to University Medical Center in Las Vegas.
Thank goodness it wasn't worse than it was! Let's hope the experience didn't sour that guy on America permanently. Belgian friends, it's not always so hot here!
The National Park Service, meanwhile, drily reminded visitors:
Park rangers recommend that summer travelers to Death Valley National Park stay within a 10 minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle, not hike after 10 am, drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks, and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Also check to make sure your shoes are in tip-top shape!
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