Chris Bigaj – Medium

Chris Bigaj

Ode to the Sacred Datura

The Sacred Datura is a common decorative plant native to the Mojave. Despite its pleasant appearance, it is arguably the most dangerous…

2h ago

Ode to the Sacred Datura

2h ago

Building Utopia in the Desert

For over a century, idealists and outcasts alike have flocked to the California desert with dreams of constructing perfect utopian…

4d ago

Building Utopia in the Desert

4d ago

Death Valley’s Sailing Stones

In a remote corner of Death Valley National Park, there is a place where large stones miraculously sail across a barren salt flat. The…

Apr 8

Death Valley’s Sailing Stones

Apr 8

The Death Valley Germans

In July 1996, a family of four German tourists stopped for an impromptu camping trip in the heart of Death Valley. Their bodies were found…

Apr 5

The Death Valley Germans

Apr 5

Ode to the Joshua Tree

No other plant exemplifies the Mojave Desert quite like the Joshua Tree. But until relatively recently, it was almost completely…

Mar 30

Ode to the Joshua Tree

Mar 30

The Most Haunted Town in the Desert

Death Valley Junction was once among the most illustrious and extravagant mining towns in the California desert. But in the years since its…

Mar 23

The Most Haunted Town in the Desert

Mar 23

The Ghost Towns of Route 66

California’s Route 66 once supported around a dozen towns across a 100 mile stretch of the Mojave Desert. But in 1972, Interstate 40…

Mar 16

The Ghost Towns of Route 66

Mar 16

Why are There Fake Towns in the Desert?

The California desert has more than its fair share of ghost towns. Less well-known are the towns that were never meant to be lived in.

Mar 5

Why are There Fake Towns in the Desert?

Mar 5

Did the Colorado River Ever Have Crocodiles?

The Nile River has been home to large populations of native crocodiles for millenia. Why aren’t there any in America’s own Nile?

Mar 1

Did the Colorado River Ever Have Crocodiles?

Mar 1

Ode to the California Fan Palm

How a palm tree native to a small corner of the California desert conquered the West Coast.

Feb 9

Ode to the California Fan Palm

Feb 9

Chris Bigaj

Chris Bigaj

All things California desert, plus occasional thoughts on philosophy, politics, or whatever else crosses my mind. https://buymeacoffee.com/chrisbigajx

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