Death Valley National Park T-Day 2010

[FishPOET]

Tracy and I left Norco at 10am on Wednesday 11-24. We gassed up in Trona and headed up to Wildrose Campground where our group of 6 were to assemble. Tracy and I were in camp by 2pm. Scott, Amy & Chloe in the green JK w/trailer and Mike, Shirley & Nieco in the blue TJ w/trailer arrived around 4pm. Mike, Sharon & Louise in the green TJ w/trailer, Chuck, Alycia & Cody in the black CJ and Kurt in the maroon TJ arrived at 8pm. Roger in the black CJ joined us on Thursday night. The lows at Wildrose Campground overnight dropped to 19°.

Wildrose Campground


Our goal on Thursday 11-25 was to reach Eureka Dunes. We went through Panamint Valley, Lone Pine & Big Pine before re-entering DVNP.

Tracy & the Black Pearl at Father Crowley Point looking down on Panamint Valley


Lunch at Big Pine gave us this view of the Eastern Sierras. Photo courtesy of Chuck McInnish.


We arrived at Eureka Dunes at 3pm leaving us with plenty of time to explore before dark.





Camp






For dinner we deep fried 2 turkeys




Tracy made dutch oven Mac N Cheese


The others contributed potato souffle, pineapple glazed ham, southern style dressing, mashed potatoes, Chuck's pan of goodies (Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Mango Chutney, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Pumpkin Seeds), corn, fresh cranberries, cranberry walnut salad, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, brownies....

Dinner was amazing!


Roger arrived around 8pm. We sat around the campfire until 10pm. The overnight low dropped to 8°.

to be continued....

[FishPOET]

We met up with Chris and Ginger in their Sportsmobile on Thursday and they decided to follow us through Dedeckera Canyon and up Steel Pass on Friday.

Leaving Eureka Dunes


Entering Dedeckera Canyon


Dedeckera Canyon


Dedeckera Canyon


Mike, Shirley & Nieco climbing a step in Dedeckera Canyon


The Black Pearl climbing a step in Dedeckera Canyon


Chris & Ginger playing on a step in Dedeckera Canyon




Chris & Ginger turning on the lockers, climbing the step and squeezing through


Mike Anderson's video of Dedeckera Canyon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_QvlnFduQ

Top of Steel Pass


Mike sitting in the Marble Tub


Going Down Steel Pass into Saline Valley


Upper Warm Spring in Saline Valley


Wild Burros in Saline Valley




We camped about 1/4 mile away from Warm Springs Campground in Saline Valley


Overnight lows dropped to 26°

to be continued......

[FishPOET]

Saturday morning we left Warm Springs Campground at 9am. Our first stop was Bat Rock Road


We headed down to the Salt Tram








Saline Lake








And over to Big Silver Mine




On our way out of Saline Valley Mike A's trailer lost it's axle


Chuck has a Ready-Welder and the rest of us chipped in nuts & bolts and we were ready to roll in less than 2 hours.



Up in South Pass Mike D's trailer had a spring mount break. Once again Chuck's Ready-Welder came out and we got Mike back on the road.

Tracy and I spent Saturday night in Wildrose Campground. Temps dropped to 22°.

Sunday morning we were on the road by 9am. On the last turn climbing the Trona Pass my trailer dropped onto the shoulder and blew both passenger side tires. It was over 1/4 mile to a turnout and by the time I limped there both rims were shot.


I carry 2 spares and it took about a half hour to put the spares on and we were on our way. We got stopped for a train stopped on the tracks at Kramer Junction and were home by 1:30pm.

Even with the cold temps and trailer troubles it was still a fantastic few days with good friends in DVNP.

[cruiserlarry]

Awesome pics of a fantastic Thanksgiving - seems you couldn't be in a more beautiful location, despite the temps and trailer issues...

Great report - thanks for sharing...

[BorregoWrangler]

Looks like you had quite the adventure out there. I'm still looking forward to get out to Death Valley and Panamint Mountains one day. Thanks for the trip report!

[DennisDawg]

Nice trip! We were in the Eureka Dunes/Warm Springs area last month potting around looking for things. It is a favorite! Probably will not make it back until Spring, maybe just a Butte Valley trip to scout a few things I have missed in the past.

Often, or at least for many years, the Panamint springs Resort has free Thanksgiving dinner.