Deserts and Dinos
Waking up everyone was reminded of the funny events that took place the previous night. With a long drive ahead we knew it would keep us laughing for hours. However, we also knew that the road ahead was going to be one of wastelands.
Heading back to the market we stocked up for what we believed to be one nights supplies. Jamie and I strolled through the market looking for supples but while also secretly taking pictures, three pics to be exact. First, we snapped on of me buying a drink, then one of a can of Pringles, and third one of some ladies cleaning. Within not even a minute multiple men came up to us demanding our phones. Trying to shrug it off was no use. Jamie was caught red handed with some pictures that showed practically nothing The men continued on until he finally deleted them. For the rest of our shopping we were followed around being watched.
Off on the road it hit us fast and strong just how the trek across the Karakum Desert was going to go. Long, Hot, and Sweltering Hot. After passing one last stretch of identical marble housing unites we entered the desert. With temperatures quickly climbing above 115 I clutched onto my one ice water bottle for dear life. Very little conversation took place as we all were too hot to even think.
After a few hours we reached our first town and stop. In the midst of the rubble of fallen Soviet shacks, deserts homes, and trash stood a small Soviet monument and broken trucks.
Exploring a little further we found one building with life forms. A tiny shack had ice cold water and ice cream. We all cleared out the store grabbing as much as we could.
Outside the building more life appeared. This time in the form of tons of camels strapped down to a giant truck bed. This country is getting more and more strange as the time goes on.
The hours passed and the heat continue to rise. Our once frozen was now nothing but boiling hot water that we tried to make more desirable by adding tea bags or lime. Finally, somewhere in the middle of the desert our goal was finally reached as we came across the 3 craters.
First, the water crater. It is still debated whether this was a natural occurrence or the mistake in lack of technology during Soviet gas drilling.
Second, the mud crater. This was very similar to the first just without the water and add in a bit of mud and fire.
Finally, we reached the Darvasa Gas Crater and our main goal of the drive. Parking the truck a bit away due to heat reasons we began our hike over to the crater. As we approached the waves of heat came towards us with the wind. Boy was it hot. Add a giant burning gas crater on top of the desert heat and I felt like I was going to be cooked straight through. Arriving at the edge I was totally blown away.
Here in the middle of nowhere is a crater that the government claims no longer exists. Partly to cover up the fact all of this gas is leaking from the ground and burning and partly because, well it's Turkmenistan. I assure you that it does exist in all of its burning glory.
Standing near the edge when the wind blew the right way was basically like being cooked alive. Super pumped I grabbed my Dino suit and ran around the crater. Of course Dinos and craters go together!
That night we went back to our truck and cooked dinner quickly then enjoyed a great night chatting next to the worlds largest campfire! I have way better pics of the Dino costume but waiting to get them off of some other people!
The crater was originally created in the 50`s while Soviet Union engineers were looking for gas. While being in this spot the ground gave way under the heavy machinery and collapsed revealing the giant crater. Not wanting to move the town nearby, the solution became to light the crater on fire and burn off the gas that would otherwise poison the town. They estimated that within a week or two the gas would be used up and the flames would die down. Needless to say that was not the case and is still burning bright to this day!
Starring at this crater in the middle of the night it is no wonder that they call it the "Gate to Hell" or "Door to Hell." The flames grew in the darkness consuming all of your attention making it hard to look away.
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