P.S. I went to Death Valley a week and a half ago. What an amazing place that is! In view of the tallest point of the lower 48 united states and with the lowest point of the western hemisphere. Dry, dry dry (well, except for after the rain, so it was actually a little wet and cloudy) with amazing geology. (see a picture taken from Dante's View here.) I want to start an alluvial fan club! Only gneiss people can join. You know, the kinda people that don't give you any schist! ; )