marc's DVR report Jan. 09

[Marc]

You know it just seemed to good to be true that for once it looked like the co-piolt and I would make our scheduled departure time of 1200 hrs. on Friday the 16th, or so at least we thought As seems my lifes story, unexpected circumstances prevented us from leaving untill Sat. morning, Urrrrrr!!!. At any rate, without any further a do we were on the hwy early and were making good time.

Around 0800 I decided to stop and top off the tank in Ridgecrest and re-check the map. From here we were off moving N by N/W down hwy 178 @ a good clip untill the town of "Trona" came into view. I have to say that this is one of the most depressing looking towns I have come across and one look @ the town's High School pretty much sums it up. From Trona we bee lined it for Stove Pipe Wells to meet up with the rest of the gang. Upon arrival it seemed as though we were the 1st ones there, so with day light to burn we were off to the Dunes.

After a short hike we headed back to Stove Pipe and awaited for the rest of the Wander's to show up. A little later I was joined by Simimike, Patrick & Carrol as well as Lawnmower man. We all got aquainted rather quickly and shared in story telling untill the rest of the group arrived. Around 1630 the rest of the gang arrived and everyone started jocking for position to where they would put down for the night. You had to be there. The followig shots are of the store @ Stove Pipe, followed by Suni's fine rig with GF Jessica and dog Gunner and a group shot.

 

[Marc]

Morning came early, and with everyone eager to hit the trail, maps were gone over and suggestions were made. In the end it was decided that we would do the Leadfield Trail and Titus canyon to begin with. The first shot is of Lawnmower man & Sunman going over the days route followed by the group airing down and Ted & Suni saying "lets get this party started".

 

[Marc]

Once everyone had aired down we were off and moving again with Ted & Lawnmower man leading the charge I think we should call them SPEED RACER and RACER EX. I sure felt sorry for anyone who decided not to air down. Here we see Deltarat, Leadfield ruins and some Leadfield history.

 

[Marc]

After navigating Titus Cyn. we were off to the Ubehebe Crater and then to Tea Kettle Junction.

 

[Marc]

From Tea Kettle Junction we made camp for the night a few miles down the trail and prepared for what was to be a great night of food, libations and more story telling. I think Lawnmower man gets the "Polar Bear" award for standing off the cold with a mere fleece pull over and short pants. Did I mention the temps were dipping into the low 30's with a wind chill on top of that. Burrrrr. Once again mention has to be made of Suni's culinary skills with the Iron Skillets.
Three words have to sum up his tacos, Umm, Umm, Good. The next day found the group breaking off as some needed to head back for work ,while others took different directions. Myself as well as Sunman, DD, Camel Racer, Pvstoy and Deltarat headed for the Race Track and beyond.

 

[Marc]

At the Race Track goodby's were said to Deltarat, Sunman and Lawnmower man. The rest of us, DD, Camel racer Pvstoy, and myself decided to make a run @ Lippincot pass and Saline Valley Road later on that day. The following pics are of Camel Racer, DD showing off his driving skills on a narrow portion of the Lippencott, views from Saline Valey Rd.

 

[Marc]

At the bottom of Saline Valley Rd we aired up and it was decided upon by the group that we we would try and get a spot at the Furnace Creek campground. Once @ Furnace Creek we were able to grab a few sites and made camp for the night. The following morning we ran into Simimike who was staying across the way and said goodby as he was heading out. We had a yummy breakfest @ the Furnace Crek Inn and did a tour of the Borax Museum, neat stuff. At this point we said our goodby's to Camel Racer & Pvstoy. From here DD and I did some of the touristy stuff and visited Bad Water as well as the Artists Palet.

 

[Marc]

The rest of the trip consisted of visiting the old mining town of Darwin, (kinda Creepy) followed by a detour of the Cerro Gordo Mine, (way cool) and a stop in the Alabama Hills.
All in all this was a great trip and I would like to thank DD for initiating such a venture. And to all my new WTW family ... Aaron, Suni, Jessica, Patrick, Carrol, Bob, Pam, Ted, Russel, Dick, Mike and Craig I look forward to crossing trails with you in the future.

marc

 

[DirtyDog]

Thanks for the pics Marc! I think that photo of me on Lippincott was about where I broke off a chunk of my stock running board . Those things gotta go. I'm glad you could stick around a couple extra days Marc - good times for sure.

 

[SunMan]

Great report Marc, nice pics too. We had so much fun. Thanks.

 

[LAWNMOWERMAN]

Hey DD-Trail damage?I'm jealous!Great pics Marc.Lippencott sure was fun.

 

[pvstoy]

Hi Marc,

Enjoyed your trip report, pictures, and company.

Funny that all the reports show similar pictures and words but with different views. I like it. See you in a future outing.