Death Valley, Dec 2016

[Lighthawk]

We were fortunate to make another annual foray into DV over the holidays.
Here's Part One of a three part series.

 

[Happyjax]

A very good tale Lighthawk. Had me on the edge of my seat during some of the driving stories That's a big empty magnificent desert you visit and I wonder if you ever get scared out there alone.......

 

[XJINTX]

Headed out there in March... was worried about taking my truck and FWC and not my Jeep. Looks like truck will be fine? Waiting on part 2

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Sounds like it took some creative path finding to just get away from home. Nice report! Great photos! My favorite is the monochrome!

Which trail is photographed? That looks like it gets/got some serious use.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Lighthawk]

A very good tale Lighthawk. Had me on the edge of my seat during some of the driving stories That's a big empty magnificent desert you visit and I wonder if you ever get scared out there alone.......

I hope I didn't exaggerate the driving conditions! But not to worry, my fine and reliable traveling companions, Susan and our dog Callie kept me in check! We are familiar with the route, and up until now have never thought to drive in at night. This time I allowed that we could do the night drive after clearing North Pass at dusk.

 

[Lighthawk]

Sounds like it took some creative path finding to just get away from home. Nice report! Great photos! My favorite is the monochrome!

Which trail is photographed? That looks like it gets/got some serious use.

Thanks for sharing!

Those are burro trails, WS. Those little hooves can make a groove in the desert rocks until the bajada gets rearranged by a major flood.
Thanks for admiring the B&W. In truth the extreme contrast fried the colors, adding a weird bluish cast to the mountains, so I punted and went for the monochrome.

 

[ski3pin]

More, more, more!

 

[Vic]

Such a great place - thanks for the report!

 

[Lighthawk]

Part II is now posted. It's short, but I hope you will enjoy.
There will be at least two more posts to complete the journey.

 

[XJINTX]

LightHawk, I have to ask... what is the red looking handle hanging on the back of your FWC? I could not find a picture on your blog with the detail

 

[Lighthawk]

LightHawk, I have to ask... what is the red looking handle hanging on the back of your FWC? I could not find a picture on your blog with the detail

I think you are seeing my high lift jack, which sits next to the gas can aluminum box.

 

[XJINTX]

LightHawk, I figured that was a highlift but in this picture there is something on the propane box side. Thought it was some sort of handle????

 

[Lighthawk]

That's my step ladder. Check out my gallery, I think there's a good photo of it there.

Or, you could be looking at the rear steps, which are a factory option. There's one on each side of the door.

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Edit - I looked at the Geologist Cabin photo you selected and I see my red strap is hanging down!
That looks like a red handle, but is a fixed strap that secures our step ladder.

 

[Lighthawk]

Another photo heavy post to share with Part III

 

[ski3pin]

So eerie to read your wonderful Death Valley tale as snow bombs pound our roof. Looking forward to part iv.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Great TR and photos! I loved the 'dinosaur' tracks in the sand. More please!

 

[SunMan]

Great running into you both, it had been too long. Look forward to seeing what you got into after you left!

 

[Marc]

Nice TR. Keep it coming.

 

[Lighthawk]

Another chapter unfolds with Part IV, The Ubehebe Trail and more.

 

[Marc]

Another chapter unfolds with Part IV, The Ubehebe Trail and more.

Nice report as usual.