Death Valley... Snow, Sun, and Stars 11/22/2013
After having just left Racetrack Valley for Eureka Dunes via Big Pine road we entered back into familiar Death Valley conditions... No snow, dry, and cool for the time of year. It's over 40 miles from Ubehebe road to Eureka Dunes on Big Pine, the road conditions can vary from relentless washboard that take a toll on your vehicle and lower back to a freshly graded dirt road allowing you to be a bit less sparing with the gas and race against sundown. Needless to say we arrived at the Dunes to set up camp in the dark and for me a aching lower back from all the washboard.
Quick photo break at Crankshaft Junction...enjoying the views.
The trail traveled is always a beautiful view.
The sun quickly set on us and we embarked the rest of the way to Eureka Dunes with just the lights of our High Beams and my Hella 4000's. This was my second indicator for this trip that my rig in particular was not adequately prepared for safe night time travel. Maybe my speeds were a little faster than what they should have been, but I definitely know an improvement in lighting can be made. The temps were cold that night, not freezing though... we enjoyed our beverages around a very toasty fire.
We made a decision that morning to heed the Rangers personal orders of not traveling Steele Pass and to reroute back the way we had traveled earlier. It would be nearly a hundred miles traveled and close to the end of the day till we reached the gate of west side road. Our ambitious plans were to reach Geologists Cabin together, but due to numerous stops to enjoy the views, have lunch, and talk to folks along the way I parted paths with my bud at the creek crossing on West Side road. Luck would have it that I'd meet 3 ADV MC riders with the sweetest BMW's and follow paths to Warm Springs Cabin. We stopped multiple times to make sure we'ed all make the path and at WSC they asked if I'd camp here but, decided to continue on to Geologist Cabin solo in all of Death Valley's glorious of night's. Traveling solo... wether out at sea or through a lonely trail at night in Death Valley brings out your inner soul that only shines when alone. I wasn't able to appreciate the big picture as I entered Butte Valley that night... only seeing what was ahead of me. At a distance I could see a shadow from the many stars of the perfect clear night... Geologists Cabin up on the top of a very well off cambered and washed out rutted trail. That night it was simply speechless to see such a place that welcomed me home.
Leaving Eureka Dunes... on Big Pine. I LOVE these open roads.
Butte Valley, Geoligist Cabin taken the next morning.
I awoke that morning around 8 am to pure silence... just a cool gentle breeze and the warming morning sun. Coming from my household in LA this is the type of morning that is just God sent. That night was spent enjoying spirits amongst the spirits of times past... very enlightening. I brewed my morning coffee in my new SnowPeak titanium french press... my "highlight" of glamping gear and spent the rest of the morning enjoying the cabin.
Don't be afraid... I had a glass of the Captain... seemed only natural. Everything was very well cared for... lots of items left for future travelers to read and use. I wouldn't recommend sleeping in the cabin unless your exposed to extreme weather conditions due to the health warnings from rodent droppings. This is just another example of one of many of Death Valleys hidden jewels... places like this just reinvigorate your life.
WELCOME IN THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD WEST PLEASE LEAVE IT BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT
I did my part and took 5 minutes before I left to police the area and collect trash that was left behind... lets help and keep places like this free of trash. I was bummed by the amount found not in the cabin, but in it's surrounding vicinity.
The
Death Valley NP: Historic Resources West Side was one of the best reads I could find on Geologist Cabin and Butte Valley. I will leave this site for the History.
Stay tuned for heading Home.
