Racetrack, Death Valley Group Trip - October 28-31, 2016

[Nimzero]

Ditto to all the above! Steve and Carmen, thank you for setting this meet up. This was my first SMB group adventure and I experienced so much. Met great people, made it through two verses and two chorus' until the damn bridge...messes things up every time. Such a down to earth group of travelers! I appreciate each of you for your kindness. Ron, thanks for guiding me through the clouds, rain, mud, and washouts...unforgettable. Mexico or Big Sur....rally!!

[stevovenice]

Mexico let's do a 7 day trip

[Nimzero]

Maybe a bit of the Pacific for surf then over to the Sea of Cortez for some warm water fishing?? I posted some pics of Racetrack trip in my Albums. Great meeting you SteveO and Ms. Donna.

[KTMRIDER]

Here are a few shots of the trip.

[stevovenice]

Hi all racetrack crew save my # 310-990-5161 please reach out if you ever want to go on a trip
Stevo

[KTMRIDER]

Originally Posted by Brit55

As Eric said, who would have expected to be steering straight but sliding sideways at 10mph in the fog and rain in Death Valley.

Andy

While I was banished to the rear of the group due to not having a front bumper on my van it worked out well for getting the best of the slop after 9 vans ahead of me went through. My passenger captured Andy in action slip sliding around on the super slick muddy road.

[SteveInLA]

SteveInLA's trip report

My wife Carmen and I hit the road early Friday and rolled into Panamint Springs early Friday afternoon. Andy, Simon and Smokey and Nancy beat us there and the rest of the group trickled in throught the day. By evening, the gang was all here and the "van talk" was in full swing. In attendance:

Steve & Carmen (SteveInLA)
Simon (Nimzero)
Andy & Diesel (Brit55)
Ron, Curly & Pinto (Tapatio)
Smokey & Nancy (nandunoon)
Ted & Cinamon (Wearethegoods)
Stevo & Donna (stevovenice)
Ron & Charlene (daytona323)
Eric & Jackson (KTMRIDER)
Tom (i4color)
Ken, Tammy & Lucy (hogphoto)


Saturday morning we gathered at the gas station.


The true heroes of the trip!


We aired down at the start of the Saline Valley Road.


After an hour, we stopped to stretch our legs.


As we approached Teakettle Junction, the washboard got worse and worse. We made a quick stop to let out more air and rattled on.


Group shot at Teakettle Junction.


Sadly, the teakettle we left in 2013 was no longer there. This tradition is in no danger of dying out, it seems.



This year's contribution.


We filled the parking lot at The Grandstand.



The damage from the recent vandalism was sad to see but overall, the playa is in pretty good shape. Time will heal even this wound.


Jackson was the first to summit. It must be the shoes.


Cinamon looking lovely as always.


The Grandstand.

That night we went to sleep to the sounds of strong winds and awoke to the sound of rain, but it didn't last long.




Dramatic clouds overhead as the sun rises. A time-lapse video of the clouds can be viewed here. We packed up and hit the road once again.





On the way back we made a side trip to see the Lost Burro Mine. Some history of this mine can be found here.


As we started up Hunter Mountain, the rain came down. The road was slippery and steep and at the top, very foggy. I terrified Carmen by taking this picture while driving.


Every one of us made it out without a hitch, even Eric with his stock front bumper. Though some of us slipped around a bit, it is always amazing to experience how capable these vans can be. The off-road newbies in the group definitely earned their stripes on this day.





At this point, most of the group departed. A few of us spent one more night at the Panamint Valley Resort and enjoyed the sunset and a starry night.



Monday morning, Carmen and I did a quick hike to Darwin Falls, then left Death Valley for home.

Words can't express how grateful I am to all the people who attended. I feel I made some life-long friends on this trip and can't wait for our next adventure. Thank you thank you thank you all!
Steve and Carmen

[SteveInLA]

One more.

[macmcintire]

Great report and pictures. Sounds like a wonderful event!

[nandunoon]

Thanks for organizing such a great trip. Your photos are fantastic!! It is true, we met some really great people, and their dogs. Hope to meet up with everyone again.
Smokey and Nancy