Teds Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Starting to plan an UNOFFICIAL Death Valley trip from Friday March 27th through Tuesday March 31st or possibly longer. Preliminary planning starts us near the southern end of the park, working our way northwest to exit DV on 190 near Panamint Springs. Looking to follow some trails we have traveled in the past along with a few new sites. Friday night, plan to meet in Barstow, staying at a motel and getting our last warm shower Saturday morning. (Sacramento to Barstow is 6.5 hrs. San Jose to Barstow is 5.5hrs.) Saturday: Early departure, following 15 to 127 and entering the park on Death Valley road. Check out Warm Spring resort and have a dip in geothermal spring then continue on to Striped Butte and stay at one of the cabins (Geologist, Stella or Russell) Sunday: Head up Mengel Pass, stop by Barker ranch made famous by Charles Manson, over Goler wash and check out Briggs cabin. Head into Ballarat to see Rocky and then either stay at Briggs or head to Minnieta Mine or Osborne cabin on the other side of the canyon. Monday: Head out to Panamint springs for gas (showers available), find Darwin Falls, stop by the Charcoal Kilns and explore Defense Mine. Bring your headlamps and driving skills for Defense Mine trail, the hardest trail of the trip. At the top, we can explore the abandoned mine. Tuesday: Head back to Panamint Springs and home but I may be up for staying a few more days. I would like to visit the Cerro Gordo ghost town and find the U2 monument for the infamous Joshua Tree used on the album cover. Family oriented, fun trip, without extensive driving. Trails aren't too challenging, the toughest section being Mengel Pass. Recommend larger than stock tires with some protection underneath but otherwise a stock LR should be able to make it through. Defense Mine is much more difficult but is a side trip and not mandatory. HAM is highly recommended as I don't have a CB in my truck with FRS as backup. Bring water, gas and food, portable toilets, spares as we will have no resources for a few days. Participants:Ted and Ella (6) in a P38, lifted, armor, winch on 33s; Rob, Tracy, Sam (8) and Isabella (11?) in a P38, lifted, winch on 33sBeaver in a DiscoII, lifted, winch on 32s. Let me know if you are interested in joining. This is NOT an official trip. Link to descending Mengel pass a few years ago. We will going up this year. https://vimeo.com/64366345 https://vimeo.com/64366731 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeWare Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Starting to plan an UNOFFICIAL Death Valley trip from Friday March 27th through Tuesday March 31st or possibly longer. Preliminary planning starts us near the southern end of the park, working our way northwest to exit DV on 190 near Panamint Springs. Looking to follow some trails we have traveled in the past along with a few new sites. I so wish I could join you guys .... a trip that has been on my list for years, but never seems to work out. Next time maybe ..... have fun. Regards, Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHappel Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 Interested, but far from committing at this point. I'll look into the schedule more when I get home next week. DV is on the 'list', I just never seem to make it happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desertcrawler Posted March 17, 2015 Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 There won't be an "official" trip this year -- maybe you should make this one "official". Mobraten's are out because we are heading up to Oregon on college visits that weekend -- doing the McGrew trail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psykokid Posted March 17, 2015 Report Share Posted March 17, 2015 For any of you that cant make DV for whatever reason John Short from SCLR is leading a two day trip on Mojave Road on April 3&4, leaving from Avi at 9am on Friday. Death Valley sounds like fun but I've got a lot of commitments the weekend of the 28-29. My kids are off of school on spring break from 3/30-4/3 so we're going to get them out for a little bit. Driving out and staying at the Hotel at Avi Casino on Thursday night. Here's the link - http://sclr.org/calendar/event/211 Cheers, Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHappel Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Yeah....love to go but can't make it happen that quickly. I'll get there one of these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teds Posted March 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 I miss your DV trips Chuck. Trying to keep the tradition going since it will be Ella's 5th year trip. Sorry for the late notice, so busy with work time slipped by. Don, Graeme, once u go, you will be addicted. So much to explore. Mojave road is on my bucket list but not sure I can hangout down there for that long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psykokid Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Mojave road is on my bucket list but not sure I can hangout down there for that long. Yeah, stretching it out from Tuesday till Friday might be a bit much. I know the last few trips that Frank in SCLR has led out there they head up Echo Canyon to Inyo Mine then out of the park fill up on gas in Beatty, NV. After filling up on gas they head up to Gold Point which is a "ghost town" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 The 2013 DV trip started at Gold Point. We were there for a couple of days and visited the McClellen(?) Mine and Hard Luck Castle (which is a must see). Take the tour and be sure to visit the pipe room for the organ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teds Posted March 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 We did Echo canyon a few years ago.8 Can be challenging in a stock vehicle and my rear bumper took a beating. I really like Gold Point and have spent a few nights there with the 'Sheriff Stone'. He cooks up a mean breakfast and steak dinner. Lots to explore over there. Since we don't have a lot time, we are going to concentrate on the southern parts of the park this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRover Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 Hey Ted; I want to eventually make it out to Death Valley but alas, we have plans that weekend. Have fun out there. Added this event to the calendar (with RSVP): Death Valley Trip -Jared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted April 4, 2015 Report Share Posted April 4, 2015 Crazy man! Glad you guys made it an adventure. Now you know why I have so much crap on my truck...fear! Nice to see people helping take care of each other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teds Posted April 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 My toolbags are getting a complete re-organization and I bought every JB weld product available! Sure glad I brought plenty of water and coolant. Thankfully, I was never too worried since I know the trails well and had plenty of food/water if we got seriously stuck. But I am going to be purchasing the DeLorme InReach before the next adventure. Satellite texting/ search and rescue is a good backup in case of a real emergency. and that roof top tent really rocks! so easy to set-up and take down and quite comfortable. It wasn't a planned purchase, but well worth it. I think it will get Cara back on the trails but then I will probably end up on the ground again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 Yeah I love my Delorme in reach. I got the one that syncs w the pn 60w handheld GPS. When I open my laptop I'll post up my list of stuff I carry. I recommend making a list and laminating it. Saves me from having to dig through everything to see if I have it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 OK here is my spares list, way too much stuff but it helps me sleep at night. Tuffy Center Consolefuses all sorts and amps (glass)Tire deflatorssunblockmapswheel chockLED magnetic work lights x2C batteries x4AAA batteries x6wine openerHoo-Ahhs field towelsToilet paperear plugsDefender Handbookinsurance and registrationMaps (USA, CA, SF, Oakland/Berkeley, N CA, DV)Pad of paper and sharpieTools (Flathead, Philips, Crescent Wrench big and small, Needle nose and caliper pliers, needle nose vice grips, 10/13mm open, 3/8:7/16 box) Roof Box18 in 175lbs zip ties24 in 175lbs zip tiesduct tapeelectrical tapesilicone taperadiator tapeleather work glovesglow plugs x4Thrust starting fluidbrake cleanerWD40liquid wrench lubricating oilliquid wrench penetrating oilhylomar blueultra blue RTV silicone gasket makerultra black RTV silicone gasket makerEpoxyJ-B weldmuffler sealersteelstick puttysiliconeshop ragssuper siphon Large Black Boxglass and bladed fuses all ampsBosch relays x3crimp on electrical connectors R/B/Yinline fuse holders x3small gauge test/jumper cables x2battery terminal cleanerred/black power wiresilicone rescue tape x3 inline fuel filterWD40 stickwire brushbattery powered solder gunwire crimperT-stat x2temp sender 200Tditeflon tapehanging wirebattery terminalJBL battery terminal parts and Allen wrenchesHella Keys x2Small Clear Boxhose clamps assorted sizesrubber gommets assorted sizesspare indicator bulbs x4crazy gluecotter pinswashers assorted sizesbolts and nuts assorted sizeshose connectors (join 2 hoses together)interior trim fir treese clips small x5small screwsEyebrow plastic rivetsfuel line 3/16in x2 ftmisc fuel line (possible brake line)cloth fuel line multiple short piecesvacuum hose 1 foot (for turbo)surgical tubing x2 long lengthsrocker cover gasket rubberwasher fluid hosefan belt 13A0725C-6800fan belt 11.9x1025Laemergency fan beltone shot swivel housing greasefilter wrenches multiple sizesbrake light covers x2ARB tire repair kitLacrosse stick handle aluminumtraction thingies x21ftx1ft light weight plywoodhuge blue tarpemergency flashers x2jumper cablesextension cord wiper blades front pairFluids (under passenger seat)oil 15-40wtDOT 3 Brake fluid90 weight gear oilpower steering fluidk seal sealantradiator stop leakdiesel water wetterinjector cleanerRedline MT Fluidviscous fan wrenchhub nut wrench with barFunnels upper and lower rad hose Partswater pumpstarter brake linefuel filteroil filterair filter Recovery GearHi Lift Extreme 48 inHi lift baseTow strapTree saverD shackles x3Snatch blockWinch with wander leadWinch line dampenerSand Ladders x2AxePick AxeShovelRope 100FtSnow shovels in winter x2traction thingies in cargo boxCDF shirtSpares not on truck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teds Posted April 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 Impressive list. I will inventory my gear and spares as well. I have been scaling down on my gear and not bringing anything I haven't used in awhile. In fact, this trip was the lightest I have packed for any trip and just included the essentials. I found I was overpacking kitchen supplies and nick-nacks and am no longer taking them. Made my camping set-up and takedown much easier, along with not having to deflate sleeping pads, stuff sleeping bags and load boxes on top. Once I get my trailer dialed in, it will be easy to basecamp. But that will be a long work in progress and I need to modify my bumper to properly tow it. The current frame mounts are OK for the bumper, but not stout enough for towing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeWare Posted April 5, 2015 Report Share Posted April 5, 2015 OK here is my spares list, way too much stuff but it helps me sleep at night.... Chris, So looks like I have to bring various size rubber hose (heater, power steering), drive shafts, axle shafts, trailing arm, and food, and just follow you .... Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Yup, i got it all. Of course there is that guy Murphy and his law that despite what I carry I won't have what I need to fix what breaks. I too have been paring down my kit. I was carrying all my tools as it was easy to keep everything together. I know have cut out at least 20 pounds just in tools. I'm going to slim down the spares list as well. I don't need WD40 and 2 kinds of penetrating oil. I can't even use starter fluid on my engine . The sand ladders are already off. Ted: I too have tried to cut back on the gear I take. Weight is one concern (although the CT is running the best it ever has) and I just don't need all the "what if x happens then I'll have this thing" things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHappel Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Yup, i got it all. Of course there is that guy Murphy and his law that despite what I carry I won't have what I need to fix what breaks. I too have been paring down my kit. I was carrying all my tools as it was easy to keep everything together. I know have cut out at least 20 pounds just in tools. I'm going to slim down the spares list as well. I don't need WD40 and 2 kinds of penetrating oil. I can't even use starter fluid on my engine . The sand ladders are already off. Ted: I too have tried to cut back on the gear I take. Weight is one concern (although the CT is running the best it ever has) and I just don't need all the "what if x happens then I'll have this thing" things.I guess it just depends on where you're going. Up to the Sierras or some other place just a few hours from home (i.e. within AAA or 'phone a friend' distance) then that's a little overkill. But say Baja, or even further afield and it starts to make sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Yeah I've always wanted to "be prepared", the Boy Scout in me. Also, I can't share spares with most peeps so I have to carry my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRover Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Ted, nice writeup - thanks for sharing the adventure and the photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomOwen Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 Great trip Teds!; note to self: Buy some JB Weld! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHappel Posted April 7, 2015 Report Share Posted April 7, 2015 Note to self - no need to pack spares, tools, or medical stuff. Just follow Chris! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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