Life in Death Valley 02/16/08 by

These motorcycle riding junkies are at it again. I crawled out of bed at 6 a.m. in preparation for an overnight camping to the deepest part of the U.S. and a trailer makes it really easy to get ready.

The temperature was 52 deg F, crystal clear sky and no wind. We met at Carl's at San Fernando Rd and Sierra Hwy. Gudy led the way northbound on SR14 and eastbound on SR 178 to the town of Ridgecrest where we made a fuel stop.

We continued on SR 178 and at 11 a.m. we arrived in the town of Trona. At the rest area, we had our lunch break. Fresh turkey wrap sandwiches, beef jerky, and salted peanuts have sufficed. Temperature in these parts was 71 deg F and no wind!

Wildrose Rd is a shorter route but partially unpaved, instead we took Panamint Valley Rd to SR 190 and after a brief ascend to 4956 ft. came the view as it fluid downhill to Stovepipe Wells Village to sea level. The camp tent area was full, however, we opted for an available RV space for $6.00. We left the trailer to save our space along with our paid receipt as we continued on to Scotty's Castle.

The temperature in Death Valley was 77 deg F and very calm.

Between the absence of traffic and a perfectly laid pavement was enough to tempt oneself to unleash our motorcycles fury. The cruise control enables me to shoot photos while in motion.

Walter Scott, a cowboy, a prospector, and an all-round con man. Scotty convinced several wealthy businessmen to invest in his phantom Death Valley gold mine, which he assured them, was worth millions. Albert Johnson, a Chicago insurance magnate, was one of the investors and thus began a lifelong friendship and partnership.

After investing thousands of dollars and receiving no return, Mr. Johnson decided to personally check out the mine, despite the fact that his health was failing. Scotty led him on a wild goose chase around Death Valley thinking he would not last two days. Suprisingly, Mr. Johnson loved Death Valley so much that he stayed nearly a month, and his health dramatically improved in the dry sunny climate. Mr. Johnson and his wife decided to build Death Valley ranch (better known as Scotty's castle). Although, he never saw Scotty's mine, Mr. Johnson didn't seem to mind.

Scotty went on claiming that he was building a $2,000,000 castle in Death Valley.

Above is Scotty's grave. While the Juancheros were checking out the museum, I started to walk up the hill. I only made it halfway. My heart started pounding as if it was going to leap out of my chest. I decided to turn back and shot these photos on the way down.

While at the camp kicking back and getting ready to grill sirloin steaks, "How was Death Valley created?" Ohgie asked as he lights up the barbeque grill. "Well, Death Valley was not created by a river erosion," Ernie replied while he twist-opened the cap of a bottled water. "Movements in the earth's crust have dropped it to such great depths. To have an exposed land below sea level, an extremely dry climate is necessary. In wet climates, low places fill with water and overflow to the sea. Dry climate evaporates water, leaving behind salt flats or briny lakes."

The grilled steaks were tender and juicy, and Daisy's tasty adobo compliments the dinner. It was a beautiful evening, 54 deg F, no wind, and plenty of moonlight. "How did Death Valley get it's name?" Gudy asked. "In mid 1800's", Ernie said as he point his index finger and waves it slowly up and down. "California Gold Rush lures shortcut-seeking wagon parties through here. Only one wagon makes it out. One '49er dies in the valley. In their account a member of the party turned and said "Goodbye Death Valley." The name stuck."

In the morning, I was awakened by the laughter of Ohgie and Ernie. They were getting breakfast ready. Brenda's Spanish rice, Daisy's adobo, no fat/no cholesterol scramble eggs, hot coffee/tea and grapefruit juice was our fuel for the days ride. We were packed and ready to roll at 8 a.m. There was absolutely no wind and 68 deg F. Our angels were watching over us.

Gudy led the way to a gold mining ghost town in Rhyolite, Nevada. A town with a population of 10,000 when it was booming (between 1904-1910). In 1904, gold was discovered which launched the Nevada Gold Rush.

The train depot is still standing and appears to be in good condition

This is all that remained of the Cook Bank. It cost $90,000 to build. It was a three story building making it the tallest building in town.

We were fortunate to witness a rare burst of golden wildflower clusters. Along the scenic road to Furnace Creek, long rows of bright yellow daisies wave, almost as if they had been seeded to greet us.

Harmony Borax Mill was built in early 1883. The mill consisted of two dissolving tanks, eight settling tanks and 57 crystallizing tanks. It began production and shipping in the winter of 1883 and 1884. By summer, Death Valley was already alive.

Twenty mules pulled the wagons above filled with Borax through Wingate Pass and across the desert (165 miles) to Mojave, California. The route is remembered today as the borax team route.

Furnace Creek Inn

It was 11:30 a.m. when we arrived at Badwater Basin. Badwater Basin is the lowest point of the U.S. (282 ft below sea level). Spring water along the fault line at the base of the mountain feeds the basin and mixes with the accumulated salts making it 10 times saltier than sea water making it definitely Badwater.

The graffiti above is indicative of how deep the basin really is.

Below is the town of Shoshone.

Gudy suggested to break for lunch, but we decided to stop at a rest area on I-15 (16 miles south of Baker) a better place with privacy to heat up Brenda's Spanish rice and grill the Italian sausages.

Unfortunately, the rest area was closed. Instead we had a late lunch at Peggy Sue's.

It was about 3:30 p.m when we left Peggy Sue's. I had the Huell Howser burger which was very tasty. Gudy and Ohgie had the roast beef sandwich, and claimed the steak dinner they had last night was much better.

It was here where we finally said our goodbyes. This was definitely another two thumbs up for the Juancheros. We continued on I-15 southbound and I-210 westbound. Gudy waved away at the I-605 interchange, Ernie continued on I-210 to SFV while Ohgie and I took I-134. We travelled a total of 780 miles. I was home at 5:50 p.m.

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