BRANDON WHEELER AT THE DOOR TO HELL

We camped here overnight in May of 2019 crossing Turkmenistan’s Kara Kum (Black Sand) Desert. The Darvaz Gas Crater – known to locals as “The Door to Hell” – has been burning nonstop since 1971, when Russian engineers set it on fire expecting it to burn off and it never has. This is a night — and a sight — you’ll never ever forget. My son Brandon can vouch for that! (Glimpses of Our Breathtaking World #44 Photo ©Jack Wheeler)