DV in April

[PaulD]

Okay Guys & Gals,

 

Working with Don to round-up an itinerary. Questions:

 

1. Who's all-in for the trip?

 

2. Any particular "must see" wish lists to help us with route planning?

 

Cheers,

 

Paul

[Mffoster]

Leigh Anne and I are in, planning to drive down on Friday and meet up wherever. Just looking to have a nice trip, probably drive up some trails/canyons, possibly stop/camp at one of the hot springs to swim or soak. Would be nice to be able to leave our tent and stuff at one place for a day or so so we wouldn’t need to pack each morning.

 

 

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[NickK]

I’m a firm yes. Would love to hit a hot spring.

[yokrieger]

I'm absolutely in.  Not having been there before it'll all be good.

[Nickbubz]

I'm in - by happenstance, I'm in Las Vegas next week for another event anyway. Depending on what time that wraps, I may end up waking up early and driving to meet the group in the AM.

[DHappel]

Gentlemen!

 

I know it seems like I've abandoned you, but as they say, the rumors of my demise, yada yada....

 

I do have an itinerary mapped out.  I've driven most but not all of it in the LR3 in the past, though parts of it were about 5 years ago.

 

Sat 27 - To Gold Point, NV via 88, 395, 168 .  Approx 370 mi

This is our first transit day, almost entirely highway other than the last bit to Gold Point.  I need to contact the caretaker there to arrange for gas, so will need a solid head-count in advance.  Since we will have people coming from various parts of the bay and Sac areas, we can meet in Lodi at the Starbucks at the junction of 99 and 12 (Kettelman).  There is gas here as well.  We'll grab lunch and gas on the road as needed.

 

Sun 28 - Day at Gold Point. (gas)

Gold Point is a very interesting old ghost town with showers, a bar, and possibly even a hot breakfast (though don't count on that yet).  You can explore the town, explore the trails around town, or possibly we'll head down to the Hard Luck Mine Castle - I'll have to see if he is open.

 

Mon 29 - Gold Point to Saline Valley Warm Springs.  Approx 80 mi

via Eureka Dunes, Dedecara Pass, Steel Pass

The actual warm springs are closed I believe due to the Rona, but it's still an interesting place.  If it's crowded for some reason, there are a number of alternative campsites within a couple miles.  If by chance the springs have re-opened, be aware they attract a rather...interesting (read clothing optional)...crowd.  

 

Tue 30 - SV warm springs to Panamint Springs.  approx 102 mi + options  (gas)

via Lippincott Pass, Racetrack, teakettle junction

Panamint Springs offers (pay) camping with hot showers, gas and general store, etc.  If we don't want a developed but not interesting campground, we can move on a few more miles and stay at some alternate areas I have mapped out, but regardless we'll want to fuel up here as we'll have covered nearly 200 miles.

 

Wed 31 - Panamint Springs to Briggs Cabin.  Approx 36 mi + options

via Ballaratt

Today we have an option for a challenging run up to Defense Mine, though it may prove too crawly depending on what trucks are on the trip.  I have not done Defense Mine myself, only viewed videos.  There are definitely some crawling lines, but also some by-passes.  We can start up the trail and make the call on the fly; possibly park and walk the last mile or just head back.  We can also do the Lookout City loop in the same area.  Again, a loop I have not driven myself.  You might however get a chance for an ice cream in the ghost town of Ballaratt on the way.  Briggs Cabin is probably the #1 cabin in DV and can be hard to get which is why I've put it down for mid-week.  If it's taken, there are several other cabins we can chose in the area.

 

Thurs 1

Briggs Cabin loop - optional.  Approx 30 mi

Briggs is amazing; assuming we can get it on Wed we'll stay here an extra night.  There's a fire pit, running water, lights, a huge deck, even a hot shower if you bring your own propane - google it!  You'll have the option to hang out in camp, or to make a loop run up over Chicken Rock (sketchy!) and back around past Ballaratt.  

 

Fri 2

Briggs to Geologist Cabin.  Approx 30 mi

Via Goler Wash, Keystone Mine, Baker Ranch, Mengal Pass

If Geologist is taken, we can stay at Russel, Stella, etc.

Geologist cabin isn't as built up as Briggs, but it's very nice.

 

Sat 3

Geologist to Baker.  Approx 110 mi

va Stripped Butte, Warm Springs, Jubilee Pass

We have a couple of options here depending on what we want.  If we need gas we can go over to Shoshone.  Out of the way but only about 60 miles to fuel instead of the 100+ to Baker (there may be fuel sooner than Baker but I don't know for certain)

We can also skip Jubilee Pass (paved) and head south on Harry Wade Rd toward Baker which would be a bit shorter but again, a road I haven't driven or at least don't remember.

 

From Baker we head for home - approx 450 miles.  As it will be a very long day to get all the way home that night some may elect to find a stopping point along the route.  Dealer's choice you might say.

 

 

I have all the routes in Gaia.  I'll see about creating a folder and sharing it this weekend.

[DHappel]

Obviously, you'll need a range of at least 200 miles.  I think any Rover can manage this though I do recommend brining extra fuel just in case.  We'll be everywhere from below sea level to above 7000 ft, so pack accordingly!  Most of the trip is not especially technical but there are a few areas that will challenge stock vehicles.  I do recommend a minimum of good AT tires 31"+, one locker or other traction aid, basic skid plates and armor, etc, as well as spares and tools specific to your vehicle and a spare tire.  You'll also be airing up/down several times so an air source will be needed.  Don't expect cell coverage for much of the trip.  

 

The whole reason I started this trip was at the suggestion of Michele who hasn't been to DV but on the way home from the Mojave trip in Jan suggested she'd like to go.   Naturally, work has now conspired to prevent her from coming so looks like I'm traveling solo in the LR3 again.  Bummer for both of us. 

[pilotgabe]

Sad to miss this one fellas, I’ll catch the next one!

 

 

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[ndamico]

Fgi the NPS ordered the tubs filled at SVWS do you should be good for a soak!

 

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[PaulD]

Good job Don!

 

So we have:

 

-- Arfmuro

-- Mmfoster

-- Nickbubz

-- gotrover

-- NickK

-- yokrieger

-- jaimymac

-- RobertDingli

-- me (PaulD)

 

Anyone else?

 

Lithium1330? MrBlueSky?

 

We are already beyond the supposed 4-truck DVNP limit, so pretend we just happened to meet each other on the way, Lol.

 

--Paul

Edited March 18, 2021 by PaulD

[SLOHybrid]

Obviously, you'll need a range of at least 200 miles.  I think any Rover can manage this though I do recommend brining extra fuel just in case.  We'll be everywhere from below sea level to above 7000 ft, so pack accordingly!  Most of the trip is not especially technical but there are a few areas that will challenge stock vehicles.  I do recommend a minimum of good AT tires 31"+, one locker or other traction aid, basic skid plates and armor, etc, as well as spares and tools specific to your vehicle and a spare tire.  You'll also be airing up/down several times so an air source will be needed.  Don't expect cell coverage for much of the trip.  

 

The whole reason I started this trip was at the suggestion of Michele who hasn't been to DV but on the way home from the Mojave trip in Jan suggested she'd like to go.   Naturally, work has now conspired to prevent her from coming so looks like I'm traveling solo in the LR3 again.  Bummer for both of us. 

LOOKS  like an awesome trip guys & gals.. I as usual have transfer box issues and am bowing out   I want vids of Don doing the Defense mine waterfall.. you could really do it Don

[jaimymac]

Good job Don!

 

So we have:

 

-- Arfmuro

-- Mmfoster

-- Nickbubz

-- gotrover

-- NickK

-- yokrieger

-- jaimymac

-- RobertDingli

-- me (PaulD)

 

Anyone else?

 

Lithium1330? MrBlueSky?

 

We are already beyond the supposed 4-truck DVNP limit, so pretend we just happened to meet each other on the way, Lol.

 

--Paul

looks like I’m out for this one, trying to get my new meds dialed in & having some issues! I hope you all have a great trip!

 

 

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[Mr.BlueSky]

Good job Don!

 

So we have:

 

-- Arfmuro

-- Mmfoster

-- Nickbubz

-- gotrover

-- NickK

-- yokrieger

-- jaimymac

-- RobertDingli

-- me (PaulD)

 

Anyone else?

 

Lithium1330? MrBlueSky?

 

We are already beyond the supposed 4-truck DVNP limit, so pretend we just happened to meet each other on the way, Lol.

 

--Paul

 

Theresa and I are out as well. Sadly, I need to focus on being an adult and I'll be spending this week getting my roof completed. 

 

That said... if anyone wants to learn about sheet metal roofing systems and drink free beer.... 

 

I know a guy.

[RobertDingli]

Sorry guys. I am also going to have to pull out. I have a work event where I will be part of a virtual discussion panel.

[NickK]

Sorry guys. I am also going to have to pull out. I have a work event where I will be part of a virtual discussion panel.

Doesn’t virtual mean “can be done from anywhere?†I think you just need to want it more.

[DHappel]

Man, they're dropping like flies!

 

 

Some links for information:

 

Gold Point  https://www.goldpointghosttown.com/facts-about-gold-point-ghost-town/

Camping here is $5/night.  Breakfast is $14.  Cash only.  I'll plan to call this weekend and make reservations and arrange fuel once we have our final headcount.

 

Panamint Springs  https://www.panamintsprings.com/

Camping here is $15/night unless we decide to move on and remote camp

 

Briggs Cabin  

 

Geologist Cabin  

 

Saline Valley hot springs  

 

TrailRecon tour from just this year.  3-part series where they run much of the same areas we'll do.  

pt 1  

pt 2  

pt 3  

 

 

 

Eureka Dunes  https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/eureka-dunes.htm

[DHappel]

LOOKS  like an awesome trip guys & gals.. I as usual have transfer box issues and am bowing out   I want vids of Don doing the Defense mine waterfall.. you could really do it Don

 

I suspect we won't be doing the full trail in as it sounds like we will have some smaller trucks on this "overlanding" sort of trip.  Heck, I'm only taking the LR3.  That doesn't necessarily mean I won't try it though...it's been quite a while since I did any crawling in the 3!

[DHappel]

FWIW, Paul has been officially 'deputized' as co-leader of this trip.  He doesn't know that yet, but he'll find out when he reads this  

 

Looks like 6 trucks currently?

[DHappel]

DEPARTURE TIME 0800 SATURDAY

 

Where:  Starbucks, 99 and 12, Lodi, CA

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Starbucks/@38.1164644,-121.2677157,15z/data=!3m1!5s0x80907551167a93fb:0xd1093161aec4225a!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x809aa1d926c53835:0x8eade498bb6ce846!2sLodi,+CA!3b1!8m2!3d38.1341477!4d-121.2722194!3m4!1s0x0:0x1c52a75d3037412e!8m2!3d38.1166154!4d-121.2550843

 

Plan to arrive early and fuel/coffee/bathroom as needed and be ready to roll out at 8:00 AM

 

It's roughly 8 hours to Gold Point with gas/lunch stops, so we'll want to get a move on given we'll be traveling at 'Rover Speed' (ie about 5 over)

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Starbucks,+1139+E+Kettleman+Ln,+Lodi,+CA+95240/Gold+Point,+NV/@38.2785499,-120.5404541,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8090755116947c2f:0x1c52a75d3037412e!2m2!1d-121.2550838!2d38.1166156!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bed9d44e4704fb:0x31069b2da7720259!2m2!1d-117.3650767!2d37.3546527!3e0

 

I'll plan to have my radio on 146.460 as well as my cell 510-825-5056  Let me know if you plan to join the convoy down or if you expect to head down on your own.

[PaulD]

Ugh...

 

1. I wish freaking idiots would NOT post vids of the jewels of DV. The whole damn point is to "discover" these fine places with hard work, and research.

 

2. Don: Deputy Dunn here!

 

3. I am counting 8 rigs: Arfmuro, Mmfoster, Nickbubz, Gotrover, NickK, yokrieger, myself and you.

 

Other Goodies:

 

-- 3/28 layover day at Gold Point: I will be heading up to the pass West of GP to check out some trails that circle back to GP. Hoping some other peeps want to join me. This is a fantastic area that i have been googlemap stalking for well over a year. Depending on recent weather, it may have to be cancelled. We'll see.

 

-- Bring firewood! As much as you can carry! 2 bundles each minimum... Oops! Officially, I guess there is no fires allowed in DVNP... Am I wrong here...?

 

-- The bar at Gold Point is not officially a registered place to serve alcohol, so if you wanna drink, you make a "donation" to the GP Preservation Society or something like that, and voila...! A drink appears in front of you...! So bring cash - a lot of small bills...!

 

-- DV can have some serious night winds. Be prepared for blowing sand and "profile reduction" strategies for your RTT or whatever.

 

-- You can NEVER have enough fuel. Especially in a Land-Rover. Bring Jerry cans and plan to stock-up on dead dinosaurs.

 

I'm sure there will be more as we get closer to launch date.

 

Cheers,

 

--Paul

Edited March 19, 2021 by PaulD

[DHappel]

OK, let's see if this works.  I just spent hours moving routes and waypoints into a separate folder so you guys wouldn't have to see the massive clutter of crap I have on my maps.  Try this link

https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/folder/74db1db8-4b57-493e-852c-48045edd46b4/?layer=usfs-2016

[DHappel]

You know Paul, there's a ton of stuff I haven't explored/visited in the park.  Maybe you'll have to plan a trip there for next fall/winter!

Edited March 19, 2021 by DHappel

[PaulD]

Have to admit... This AdventureTaco dude from Seattle has really opened my eyes to what's possible in DV. Most of it -- on foot...!

 

But this trip is perfect in that it hits many of "DV's Greatest Hits." Plus a few other fun bits. Butte Valley is a must see for ANY human on this planet. It is amazing... and if we don't get a cabin in near Striped Butte, there are some super-cool camp spots nearby that are cool.

 

-- Paul

Edited March 19, 2021 by PaulD

[afmuro]

Super bummed but gonna have to bail out. Something about a vaccine appt at that time.

 

Plus I still don't have those diff guards ordered much less installed. Anyway, jealous. Like really jealous.

[Mr.BlueSky]

Yeah I am bummed we are gonna miss this one. Been hoping to get down there for a long time now.

 

DV just isn't as fun in a RWD Sport Trac....

 

Guess I better do my "chores" so I can go play with the fun kids on the block!