Trip Report: Racetrack, Death Valley Group Trip (Many pics)

[rob_gendreau]

Dodgers?

Is that a type of van that comes only in blue, costs way too much, and doesn't go that far?

Good trip report; thanks. Thought with all that colored light I'd stumbled upon a Burner website. Surprised the feds didn't notice it and personally escort you out.

On a more serious note, how were the roads? washboard?

thanks again,
Rob

[daveb]

Looks like everybody had a great time. If I could have got Monday off it would have been great to make the trip.

[KTMRIDER]

No problems with closed signs for us....


Pinstripes....


Movin along...


When I grow up...


This guy came running from the rocks and wouldn't let us go any closer...


This guy ran into the rocks....


Thanks for planning this one Steve, what a great time. Nice meeting new faces and seeing old ones.
Eric

[SteveInLA]

Originally Posted by rob_gendreau

On a more serious note, how were the roads? washboard?

Under dry conditions, the roads weren't that bad. The Saline Valley road was once paved in parts but the asphalt is pretty deteriorated. Hunter Mountain Road had some sandy bits and some rocky bits but as long as it is dry, it presents no real problem. The Racetrack Valley Road lives up to its reputation as once of the worst washboard roads ever. Even aired down and driving 30 to 40 mph, it is still a nightmare and I am glad we only had to endure 6 miles of it. The only hairy point was on the way to the Lost Burro Mine. With a spotter, I made it through with no problem. We had to fill in a big hole with rocks for Tim to get his 2WD through, but again, no problem.

Steve in L.A.

[Christopher Thwaites]

Anybody know what kind of snake that is. I had to stop to keep from running him over. I've never seen this color before and can't find anything similar on the web.

[rob_gendreau]

Originally Posted by Christopher Thwaites

Anybody know what kind of snake that is. I had to stop to keep from running him over. I've never seen this color before and can't find anything similar on the web.

I was thinking gopher, but the color and length-to-width seems wrong. More likely a coachwhip I'd guess.

[woodbee]

Originally Posted by Christopher Thwaites

Anybody know what kind of snake that is. I had to stop to keep from running him over. I've never seen this color before and can't find anything similar on the web.

Hi All,
The snake is a Coachwhip, they are common in the area.
I got home on the 12th with lots of pictures, videos and pictures of sunrises and stars at night (time lapse). I will post when I get caught up.
Steve, great pictures and thanks again for putting this all together.

Talk to you later,
Woody

[Christopher Thwaites]

Thanks Woody. It was a beautiful snake. 5+ ft long. Very fast when it decided to move off the road.

[SteveInLA]

Originally Posted by woodbee

Steve, great pictures and thanks again for putting this all together.

It was a pleasure getting to meet all of you. I look forward to many more trips together.

Steve in L.A.

[woodbee]

My first day out 10/01 I spent the night at The Alabama Hills just outside of Lone Pine.











I explored the area between highway 190 and Grapevine Canyon at the south end of Saline Valley until the meet up at Panamint Springs campground.





Lee Flats.







Panamint Valley.



Panamint Springs Campgrounds.



We moved on over Hunter Mountain to Teakettle Junction, The Race Track and spent the night at the camping area several miles south of The Race Track.









I left the group and went on my own to the Saline Valley Hot Springs for the remainder of the trip.

Looking north into Grapevine Canyon and beyond is Saline Valley.



My first morning at the springs, I watched this beautiful sun rise while drinking my coffee.



My parking spot and the view for the remainder of my stay at the springs.







Finally, the landscape around the Lower Springs.



What a wonderful area to visit.

Woody