Well, as some of you know, I'm planning to head out to Death Valley during the week between Xmas and New Year. Going to explore, photograph a few things and what not. Some folks have mentioned that they might be interested in going, so I thought I'd post up.

What I have in mind is an expedition-style run through the north end of the park. No real itinerary or schedule, not hardcore wheeling, just fun, open country exploring. Kind of like a 4X4 photography workshop, if you will. Don't know where I'm going, but at the end of the week, I'll know where I've been.

Is anyone interested in this? Mind you, this is a type of run where carrying extra fuel, water, food, parts and tools will be mandatory. Weather can be unpredictable in the park, but past trips at this time have been quite temperate.

Not sure of the exact dates yet, but I plan on starting off by gassing up at Scotty's Castle (last place, really), heading out to the racetrack, shooting there, staying at the primitive campground at the end, shooting the sunrise, heading down the Lippincott mine trail (steep and rocky, but fun, nice pucker factor last year) and the dropping into the Saline Valley before picking up what passes as a road to head north. After that, who knows.

Post up or call me if you have any thoughts or reccomendations.

My schedule is open from Dec 18-26. I'd be totally into a Death Valley trip if you're planning on going between those days...

if my work schedule permits, id love to go

I might be in. I'll only have a couple of days so I'll have to be quick. The road through the Saline Valley will not be passable at the Northern end though. It gets above 7000 and I'm guessing will be closed due to snow.

I'd love to come, but I don't think I'd want to go without her. she currently has to work on thursday and friday after xmas but she's gonna ask her boss about getting those days off. so we're up in the air.

Last year at that time, the road was open. I'll have to check on what the possible road closures might be.

Travis, I'm planning on the week after Xmas because that's the only time I have off.

Bobby,
I have that time off too. I may join you for some exploring. I've never made it to DV but would like to. I'll keep checking in for details.

I'm off that week. I'll be thinking about it.

It's all good. I look forward to some great pictures!!

I may have family visiting, but if not, I'm definitely up for this.

I was already considering a trip to Death Valley that week with some of my backpacking group. Let me know as you get more definitive plans and I may meet up for part or all of it...I am thinking about leaving on the morning of the 28th and returning the 31st.

A few quick thoughts...

1. Gas is temporarily unavailable at Scotty's Castle due to construction. I'm checking to see if it will be up and running by then, but I doubt it. This means double checking all prospective routes for distance and carrying extra fuel will be of even greater importance.

2. A few of the roads (sic) I'm thinking of have been graded recently, such as the road to =Racetrack Playa and Saline Valley.

3. Currently, road closures due to snow, conditions, etc. are minimal. That, however, could change on a daily basis.

4. Bought a new book on DV, and it has some neat stuff in there that I never heard of. Also found a message board that seems populated by some knowledgeable folk about the area. Am checking that for some ideas as well.

Catch you later,

Bobby

What is the title of the book Bobby?

unfortunately, im off right BEFORE xmas
i really wanted to go. have fun everyone!

I'm off work from now until Jan 2.

If I can't get to DV after Christmas, I'm half considering going sometime next week.

It's called Death Valley SUV Trails by Roger Mitchell. It has some places, directions and reference points I've been looking for.

Are you planning on the 26-30th or something like that? I might be able to rearrange my schedule to go as long as I’m back before the 31st of Dec.

That's what I'm thinking.

Well, the DV morning report is starting to list more roads w/snow and ice, recommending high clearance 4X4 vehicles WITH chains for increased snow and ice in remote/higher altitude areas.

A link to the DV morning report may be found on the middle of this Web page:

http://www.nps.gov/deva/

Bobby,
Any alternative destination thoughts? Just in case...

Well, I honestly hadn't really given any alternative destinations any thought.

I'm not that worried about cold, snow and ice and all that. I just drove through a bunch of that. It was good.

I'm open to ideas, but DV is just so awesome that time of year.

All I know is that if I don't get away from my job soon and get some dirt under the tires, I'm going to go nuts.

BTW Tom, the cracks are growing around the hood latch. Doh!

Hey Bobby,
Kim and I are thinking about heading down to Baja for a few days of camping. Check out the link.
http://www.guadalupe-canyon.com/

Check it, its a 35 mile off-road trek to the campsite. Its not DV, but it looks like a good alternate.

Cheers,
Larry

Sounds fun! Are there sites available?

The family and I really dug Baja a few years back when we went over Thanksgiving.

Definitely hit the Race Track!! Its like 26 miles of off-road but its worth the trip!

I dropped an email last night to check on availability. No word as of yet....

I have some friends that really like that place.

I can't remember the name of it, but as you pass through the Guadalupe Valley on the way to the springs, there are a bunch of wineries. Most are kind of lame, but there's one run by some expats that is really sweet. It's like a restored villa with a handful of rooms, horses, a pool, killer courtyard and more. I shot my friends wedding there a few years ago. We've always talked about going back.

Damn I have duty on the 26th. Let me know if your dates change I may be able to go with all of you.

Still no word on availablity. Bobby, how were your ribs last night. I was running w/SJ and saw your X out front of the rib company.

If we dont here from this guy regarding campsites, we may just bonzi down anyway just to check it out. We can always find a place to camp, especially in Baja.

Dude, was that you calling on his phone? I couldn't hear anything; sorry 'bout that.

Actually, I was in Limericks having a pint and a big 'ol double burger slathered in rashers, bleu cheese, spicy slaw...sorry. having a moment. (pausing to wipe a tear of joy from my eye caused by that memory.)

Ok finally got word, they are all sold out until 1/23/07. According to Rob (the reservation guy), there are plenty of camping spots close by. He recommended stoping by and perhaps taking a hike into the falls, or just come by and check things out. If it looks good, it would make for a great club run.

Yeah, that was me calling. That burger sounds good, espcially after drinking down in Sunset last night.

So anyone up for a Baja run????

Bobby,
I need a road trip! Mud! Snow! Yes! Details - post details! 619 244-8806.

Also on the "cracks" - do you notice the windshield washer/squirter things on the hood shaking around? The hood latch is cracked because of the broken body welds at the corner panel/engine compartment/front cab connection.

And Larry, I was camping just outside of Guadalupe Cyn for last year's CODE races. I wheeled into Guadalupe Canyon and it is a fun place but the guy working the shack/Tecate bar told me to avoid holiday times.

Hey Bobby, I might be up for a mini-expedition. I've been keepin' an eye on this string to see where the bottle stops spinning. Let me know where were going and when. Haven't made arrangements at the salt mine, but I don't think they'd mind.
Randy

Hey Tom,
I am right there with ya, I need a little R&R, camp, off-road, something. Thanks for the advice on the canyon. Still craving a Baja run though. Might just head south for a day or so and wherever I end up. Campo Relaxo..

Speaking of cracks....I've got one working its way up on the plastic on my speedometer cluster. Anyone heard of that???

All right peeps. Yes, I called you peeps.

I'm still feeling DV. While the thought of Moab had crossed my mind and not completely escaped, I really do love DV this time of year. Or any other, for that fact.

The plan is still fast and loose. Leave the 26th, come home when the mood hits, 30th, 31st, something like that. Maybe earlier.

I'm still thinking roaming and staying out in the backcountry. Though, I'm not opposed to heading to Stovepipe if the weather starts to really suck and base camping there (near the bar).

Tom and Randy, you still thinking of going? Frank, have you landed that big deal and freed up a bunch of time from the man? Anyone else feel like photographing the great outdoors?

Another thought. Have spoken to a few others who have to work that week but might be into something Fri and Sat. Might be fun to come back early and head to Big Bear, run Rattlesnake Canyon or 3N08 in the snow? Hmmm.

I'm Xmas shopping and doing a pre-flight on the X tomorrow. Call me or check in here if you've got any thoughts.

B.

Bobby, I won't be going. You have fun and be safe.

Dan, say it ain't so.

So far it's looking like Tom, Randy and me.

The plan is shaping up to look like a meet in Baker around two-ish on 12/26. From there, head into DV from the south. Start checking things out, head from place to place and maybe dinner and final supplies in Stovepipe.

Will post more as things pop up.

Bobby, as much as I wanted to go on this, I don't think I'll be able to this time. That deal I've been struggling with at work is cratering, but I still need to be there at least Tues and Wed. At least some good news this week: I finally got my front tow hook situation resolved.

Hoping to head out to Anza Borrego tomorrow for a bit of exploring. It's the one year anniversary of buying my X, seems appropriate.

Have a great time, looking forward to seeing some photos.

Bobby
Tried phoning you today...still goin'? Tom still goin'?
I'm planning on leaving here around 1030hrs.
Let me kow what's up.
Cell: 619-347-1490
2m: 144.33 simplex
70cm: win system
frs: 12-24
Randy

Trip is on. Rolling from LB around 10-ish. Just have to hit the store in the a.m. and I'm ready to go.

Great trip! Here's a link to the photos.
http://web.mac.com/tom.dlugo/iWeb/Site

Tom,....."that's amaaazing!" Huell would be fond of....I mean proud of you! I had no idea you took so many pictures. Nice shots too!
Randy

Great pictures Tom. I have a question. In the picture titled "Start of Goler Canyon" there is something in the sky. What is it? First the Oroflamme Mountain Ghost Lights and now the Goler Canyon UFO. Paranormal activity seems to follow you around dude. Anyway, if the photo is hi-res blow it up and check it out.

Mitch,
Paranormal/abnormal, I welcome it all! But I did have this freaky feeling that every night something was watching me.
Maybe it was extra strong in Goler Cyn because of Charlie and his clan.

Could be, rumor has it that Charlie was out there looking for a secret passage to an underground world where he could hide until the race war was over. Pretty creepy stuff.