Delamar Dry Lake, Nevada

Delamar Dry Lake is an ancient dry lake — a playa around 3 miles across and 1.5 miles wide. It's BLM land so access is open to anyone. Established in 1943 as an emergency landing site for the X-15 and other military aircraft, NASA also staged and tested projects here. A nearby ghost town was used for mining minerals — this place has seen everything from ancient history to modern technology.

It's BLM land — you can drive your car right out on the lake. After driving a mile we encountered wide tire track marks where the runway must have been. The ground has a baked glossy clay alkali floor — cool underfoot despite the heat. Solitude and surroundings are spectacular.

Tank — not interested in the heat — got to experience freedom running at will when the sun went down. Mars glowed red in the night sky. Around 5,000ft elevation so it gets cold in winter. Can't wait to come back. A perfect escape into obscure Nevada.