Northern Death Valley 20141010-12

[troyboy162]

We've covered the southern end and sampled its highlights. Its time to tackle a good portion of the rest in a high tempo all out assault. Expect long days and lots of miles over easy terrain. There are three passes we must go over that will be more of the slower technical DV driving we are used to. Other then that its well maintained dirt roads so the miles per hour is hard to figure out. Shorter routes are planned in case we come up short, but all pictures and video point to safe traveling at a quick pace. I intend for sunday to be a early day even if the race track playa has to be cut from the menu (I doubt it will come to that).

"A venturesome minority
will always be eager to set off on their own,
and no obstacles should be placed in their path;
let them take risks, for godsake,
let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned,
eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches -
that is the right and privilege of any free American."
--Edward Abbey



Difficulty: 3 trail-rating Google steel pass if you are concerned.

Communication:
CB channel:14
FRMS/GRMS channel:15 (bring two radios to share with a CB equipped rig)
2M HAM: UY simplex primary 146.430MHZ
Monitor 146.520 MHz (National Simplex Freq)
70CM HAM: UY/UE simplex secondary 435.000MHz Please have this programed into radio prior to trip
Monitor 446.000 National FM Voice Simplex Calling Frequency
Repeters:
I dont think there are any


Itinerary:
DAY1
leaving Ryolite ghost town at 900am after exploration
Lead field Ghost town Home of the crystal cave (its locked though)
Titus canyon
Scottys Castle (there is probably time for a tour if someone wants to but I was thinking of just seeing the grounds and outside)
Ubehebe Crater
Camp at mine

Day2
Tea kettle junction Bring a tea kettle if you want
Race track Playa
liptoncott pass get your 4-Low on
Saline valley hot springs for a shower and soak (Yes there are naked people there and no I will not be one of them)
marble bathtub
Steel pass <---Hardest trail we will see.

day 3
Eureka dunes These are "singing" dunes. Optional hike in the morning to set off the sound effect on a steep part.
Exit to Big Pines


Travel times:
Its a long one but similar to the Panimint trips
Palmdale to friday morning start point 4 hours https://goo.gl/maps/xfVd6
Victorville to friday morning start point 4 hours https://goo.gl/maps/cZPdq


Requirements:
-Working reliable Truck. This is not a recovery run. Towing can cost upwards of 1k
-Truck capable of washboard for hours on end without loosing bolts
-Extra fuel to take you more then the required miles.
-4x4
-32" tires or greater
-AT or MT tires for rock protection. C, D, or E rated only. No P rated. No exceptions
-Tire plugs Guaranteed to have one or more flats for the group on this run
-Spare tire within 3" of other tires
-Tools
-Recovery points front and rear
-tow strap without hooks
-Clothing/food/water/fuel for Three days in a desert environment (remember the nights could be cold)
-first aid kit.


Recommended:
-33" tires or greater
-Flashlights for mines
-wood for camp fire (not 100% certain of having a fire)
-Spare air filter
-favorite beer.
-solid blue marbles for the bathtub. (These are always going missing)
-piston for Piston point, tea kettle for Tea kettle junction( these are well represented at most times, but if you want to add to them you can)


Fuel requirements:
200-220ish miles from Beatty to the next gas station in big pine.


Camping requirements:
Primitive camping. Pack it in/Pack it out.


Weather info and conditions:
http://www.nps.gov/deva/loader.cfm?c...&pageID=682539
Death Valley National Park Ranger Station (760) 786-3200
Death Valley National Park Emergency Dispatch (888) 233-6518

for camping purpose the limit is 4 vehicles. :
1. Troy
2. Mike
3. JD
4.