Environs and History

Immerse yourself in the desert mystique of the Armagosa Valley, gateway to Death Valley National Park, where The Ranch House Inn and Hostel offers a collection of lodging options for the adventurous desert traveler. Visit a valley ringed with mountains, red and golden in the desert light, where the Armagosa River cuts through a dramatic desert canyon rich with wildlife. Sheltered by rolling mud hills, the remnants of an ancient lake, the quirky and artistic small town of Tecopa is home to world-class mineral hot springs and plenty of local flavor.

DESERT CALLS

The desert calls forth
the Silence
crying to find the space
for words to rest
and meanings to emerge—
compelling urges,
those unnamed
motivating sighs
which let us know
that yes is possible
in a world of no's
and bird songs
date bread
and Cynthia's vision
of home and healing
hearth full
hearts and bellies
in the eves and morns
of China Ranch—
retreat for refugees
from abundance
and over-sated
electronic palettes.
The emptiness
fills our senses
with non- sense
and dreamy stillness.
The desert calls forth
an oasis of Silence
which expands
the Space for Infinity
and the sweet expectation
of the next breath.

Lael Belove
April 5, 2003
Cynthia's Ranch House Inn
at China Ranch California

Photos by
Mary-Suzanne Peters

Astronomical Photos by
Chad Zalunardo

Slideshow by Peter Rashkin

Slideshow by
Photo One Studios