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Old 01-05-2014, 10:02 PM   #1
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NYE in Death Valley

Wrapped up a fun trip to Death Valley with a fellow Forum member, high school friend and my family (less the oldest son and dog).

Met at Trona Pinacles Sunday night.



Check out a Bubbli here: http://on.bubb.li/165160ahnfqy2j4g7us7iuu

Attempt at star streaks. Not too bad for first attempt. Really need a shutter release as holding the button down for 10 minutes was a bit much.


Trona Pinacles sunrise


The travelers:

My wife and I in drove our van


Chris & Ruth (and Lulu) Thwaites (forum members) in their van


My son and his best friend drove my Jeep


A high school friend and his wife (Mike and Connie) in their FJ


Monday morning we headed over Slate Range in route to Goler Canyon


Lunch break before heading up Goler Canyon


and into the canyon


Many of you know of a dry waterfall not far from the entrance of the canyon. I hate to report that it has been completely filled over with native earth and graded to nothing more than a ramp. Very disappointing.

Just past Mengel Pass is the rocky section. The owner of a stock Toyota Tundra TRD and his significant other were deer in headlights as they stared at the rocks. Chris did a superb job at spotting them through the section without any metal on rock!


The rest of us with no problems. I'll add this is my son's first time really 4 wheeling (as the driver) and he did great. Added some pin-striping to my somewhat virgin Jeep, but no dings.





Camped at the flat spot just above and to the south of the Geologist cabin. Perfect size spot and fantastic views. Weather couldn't have been better.


NYE day saw a bit of exploring by some of us and relaxation for the rest.






NYE evening brought out the animal in a few of us



A different kind of partying happening in Las Vegas far to the east


NY day we went our separate ways. Chris and Ruth to Las Vegas, Mike and Connie back to Phoenix, me and my family back out the way we came. Boulder section again was no problem.



That night we stopped at Red Rock Canyon State Park. First time there and we actually liked it (even though I'm not the campground kind of guy). My son and his friend spent every available moment climbing all over the unique cliff features.


Another Bubbli (but not sure what happened to my wife's head!): http://on.bubb.li/adr8835yndu8seca7

Next day, we headed home.

A great trip with good people and many good times.

Mike posted this video of the trip. http://youtu.be/B21OxUhG2g0

Can't wait for the next trip. They are too few and far between.

Happy 2014!

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Old 01-05-2014, 10:15 PM   #2
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Great report and pics. Thanks!!
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Old 01-05-2014, 10:57 PM   #3
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Awesome.
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Old 01-06-2014, 07:51 AM   #4
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

NV
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Old 01-06-2014, 08:36 AM   #5
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Thanks for the great report. Makes we want to head out today.
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Old 01-06-2014, 11:35 AM   #6
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

No bocce balls Chris?
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Old 01-06-2014, 03:04 PM   #7
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Nice trip report, thanks for sharing !
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Old 01-08-2014, 11:49 AM   #8
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Nice job. I love that run but like you it's too bad they cleaned up the dry falls in Goler Wash. Maybe the rains will fix things
I was with a buddy of mine kinda south west of you guys and saw the beam of light out of Vegas

During our trip I had some tractions issues and instantly made me think of Chris and Ruth. When we met a few months back I thought I might have broke an axle and I had Chris watch my rear tires. Nothin wrong then and nothin wrong now so I'll save my dumbass issues for my trip report.

Glad you all had a good time.

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Old 01-11-2014, 03:06 PM   #9
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Noticed my rear driver side tire a bit low when I was out trying to get the brake lights working. Must have picked this up in DV. Must be one heck of a pointy rock on the other side to have penetrated the tire. Once I figure the brake lights out, it's off to Les Schwab.



It's always something ....
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Old 01-15-2014, 03:18 PM   #10
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Re: NYE in Death Valley

Thanks Phil...I forgot to take any pictures! Sorry Ron but it was too cold to break out the bocce balls. Everyone just wanted to hug the fire pit I brought as soon as the sun went down. After 3 trips to DV in 24 months with 2 being the Pinnacles,Slate Range, Mengel Pass run I think I'm finished with DV for awhile or until someone comes up with a route I haven't traveled. It's a loooong drive from Santa Rosa. I do love the high desert though. Las Vegas was LAS VEGAS...a wealthy Chinese developer has purchased the mountain range that borders all of Henderson. He has terraced the hillsides with massive amounts of stone to create building sites for the ultra rich. It's a spectacular view north across the Las Vegas skyline. Typical over the top Las Vegas style. Thanks for not posting the shot of me in the Rat Head twerking...whatever that is.
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