Death Valley & Environs 11/24-27/06: Trip Report

[kcowyo]

You can move this one to "Completed." :clapsmile

Uber geek here, I found Wi-Fi before a shower. We rolled out from Dumont Dunes this morning and I'm heading north back through the park while everyone else is headed east, west and south.

Great trip, more thoughts and photos follow. A big thanks to Al, he is the consummate trip organizer and leader.

A few starter pics. Hope everyone gets home safely -

:beer:

 

[blupaddler]

We got home last night a little after 11pm :smiley_drive:
As we approached Baker it looked as if someone had hung Christmas lights along the 15 westbound...the traffic was stop and go...
Thanks to Al for his short-cut. We made it home in about 6 1/2 hours. Compared to Yahoo Maps 5 1/2 hours. It would have been a nice drive to see in the daylight.











It was great to see everyone again, and to meet new people.

Thanks to Al again for sharing his time and wealth of knowledge.
:truck:

Here's to Al :beer: (we need a tequila smilie)

 

[Robthebrit]

Looks like a great trip but I have a question for you guys: Did you run goler wash and mengal pass? If so, whats the condition like and more importantly how is the clearance and would my unimog fit? [78 inches wide, 100 inches tall or so)

I am heading out there in a few weeks and was just wondering if it was worth going that way.

Rob

 

[Desertdude]

Just landed back in Sedona - WOW what a great trip!

Al's knowledge of Death Valley, the mines and Ghost towns - the scenery and the nights around the fire ...spectacular

Camping at 6500 ft and 16 degrees...brrrrrrrr - The special Sat Night FRB around the campfire hosted by whitethaiger (Uwe & Srisuda) - The usual late night suspects still hanging by the fire ( you know who you are) ...and after three trips to the Barker Ranch you would think I could find my way...:elkgrin:

Photos coming soon...


Best line of the trip -

"Call the Sheriff and tell him I'm Packin" ...Mike Paterson owner/mayor of Cerro Gordo town/mine

 

[Desertdude]

Looks like a great trip but I have a question for you guys: Did you run goler wash and mengal pass? If so, whats the condition like and more importantly how is the clearance and would my unimog fit? [78 inches wide, 100 inches tall or so)

I am heading out there in a few weeks and was just wondering if it was worth going that way.

Rob

Goler Wash - is a smooth gravel road - it has been completely graded as of last year - stock anything can do it ( still worth the ride up)

Mengal Pass - a few rough spots and one tight corner around a large rock outcropping - ( this would be the only tight spot for your width size) also worth the ride

 

[adventureduo]

Looks like fun!

Yeah Goler Wash was graded when we were there around Halloween too.

 

[Robthebrit]

thanks guys.

Rob

 

[blupaddler]

O.k.
Got some pics.



This was a great trip!
It was super cool to stumble upon Kevin and Jeb (btw Kevin you pulled out right in front of me while going to chase Uwe! I tried to get you on some CB channels, but...)





Al...Thanks again for all your time, patience, and effort put into this trip. :bowdown:
Vince & Heather...Steeeekers! Yeah! Much better than those 4x4 rubbers. :sombrero:
Uwe & Srisuda...Thanks again for the FZB! That stuff rocks! :chowtime:


:archaeolo





1. Lone Pine looking at Whitney
2. The answer to it all seen on the inside of a cabin
3. Lunch time relaxation
4. American Hotel, Cerro Gordo
5. Looking down into Saline
6. Turning up Lippencot mine road
7. Racetrack
8. Cat making the rocks move
9. Tea Kettle junction

 

[blupaddler]

Here's some more...



1.2.3. FZB...Sugar cones on fire, Uwe adding Bacardi 151 to the flamming sugar cones!
4. KC's T100 isn't as big and roomy as one might think
5. Stripped Butte ele 4771' (next trip)
6. The shiny lights on the 15 westbound, as seen from Kelbaker road (Thanks again Al!)

 

[Desertdude]

Great photos Robb :wavey:

 

[VikingVince]

David Letterman's Top Ten Reasons You Know It's Cold in Death Valley:

10. Even the dyslexics admit that 16 doesn't feel like 61.
9. Your first thought is the morning fire and not your morning pee.
8. BX says that both of his feet are cold.
7. After 10 attempts, you still can't say "Feuerzangenbowle."
6. Staying warm is a stronger desire than having sex.
5. If you drink enough Feuerzangenbowle, you don't care if you're cold.
4. Every dead, fallen tree looks like a heater.
3. KC says he can't wait to get back to Wyoming where it's warm.
2. You're still wearing your long-johns at noon, just in case.
----------------
And the number one reason you know it's frickin cold in DV--
1. Yes, it's true...hardcore Al Walters goes to a motel!!!!!...and Death Valley will never be the same:wavey: :wavey: :wavey: :wavey:

 

[Desertdude]

Well done Vince!

one to add...

"you know it's cold in DV. when you have to put items in the fridge so they don't freeze"

 

[VikingVince]

Well done Vince!

one to add...

"you know it's cold in DV. when you have to put items in the fridge so they don't freeze"

:hehe: :hehe: GOOD ONE!! So true...wish I had remembered that one! Talk about a head trip alternate reality, that is it!! I usually turn my fridge off at night to save on the aux battery. I did so in DV without thinking, and YUP...some stuff froze in the fridge.

 

[articulate]

Very nice Vince!

 

[seth_js]

Looks like a good time. Can't wait to get out there one of these days.