Where's the Best Dirt?
Oct 23 '99 (Updated Nov 17 '99)
If you're like me, you like to walk barefoot outdoors, and perhaps make the occasional sand castle or dirt pile. And when you're traveling, those feet get to happily toe-grab exotic dirt from different continents. So, naturally, the question comes to mind: where's the best dirt?
Let's look at Europe for starters.
ENGLAND: The south central region has rich, springy, wonderfully aerated soil. Avoid toe-grabbing the dirt in the south west areas of extreme Cornwall, however; there tends to be quite a few rocks. The beaches of southern England provide excellent sand for sandcastles, though it's a bit on the coarse side.
ICELAND: This place has the strangest dirt I've ever seen. Black from the volcanic activity, and fairly silt-y in some areas. Be careful when toe grabbing or sandcastle-making here - you never know when you might stumble upon a fresh lava vent.
MALTA: The worst when it comes to sandcastles. Forget it. Most of the shoreline is rocky, treacherous, and not conducive to toe-grabbing either. Inland is pretty rocky as well.
SPAIN: Excellent sandcastle-making material. And fine for dirt piles and barefoot-walking, particularly near Gilbraltar and the tiny village of Nerja.
GERMANY: Pretty average dirt here. Southwest Germany has some good patches here and there.
CYPRUS: Gorgeous dirt here. The official Cyprus site reports that the soil reaches a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius in the July, and only 10 degrees Celsius in January. Yowza! Whether you're looking for dirt piles or sandcastles, Cyprus has got you covered.
And outside of Europe, a few places worth noting:
MALAYSIA: The area around the Malacca Straits has some of the finest dirt and sand I've ever seen - it's more like silt. Impossible to grab onto. Reminds me of quicksand in some places; be sure your traveler's insurance is current before venturing out in the Malacca Straits.
MISSISSIPPI, USA: Rich in clay, this soil is good if you're feeling artistic. Watch out for all the sticks in the clay, however.
MINNESOTA, USA: Most of the dirt in Minnesota was formed by glacial activity, so it's coarse and grainy. However, if you find yourself near Square Lake, you'll find some of the best sandcastle-making material in the upper midwest - coarse, heavy and dense, it's good for structures of all kinds and great for partial self-burial too.
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Member: Ariana French
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