Death Valley March 25-29
03-30-2005, 12:10 AM
#24
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This is the straw that broke the camels back. On Sunday night my family got hit by a gale force dust storm that wreaked havoc at the campsite. Tents were being blown over and people were moving their camper vans around to avoid danger of being flipped over.
In this photo, it shows both our tents were pancaked at about 2.30am Monday morning. I continued sleeping in one tent while the wife and kids retreated to the truck earlier in the night. Even in the car, the family were concerned by the amount of swaying the truck was enduring.
I had visions of an icebox or the like flying into my tent during the night and taking me out.
I can honestly say it was more scary than being outdoors during one of many typhoons I experienced in Asia.
As with most tents, there is a venting system which I discovered for the first time, does not prevent dust from entering. I slept (as much as I could) with a wet towel over my face to stop the dust clogging me up further and getting into my eyes. My tent, including sleeping bag etc was covered in dust. When the tent collapsed, I propped up a small space in the far corner with my camp lantern to give my face some breathing space. You can probably see that in the picture above, in the front right hand side of the tent.
Last edited by Expat; 03-30-2005 at 12:32 AM.
03-30-2005, 12:22 AM
#25
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We tried calling HKOLLIE on the CB on Saturday to no avail. On Sunday this guy comes driving into camp at Furnace Creek and low behold finds us just as we are about to head off for the day. Unfortunately he missed our calls, and our route for Sunday he had already done on Saturday, so after a few quick intros and a shorter farewell we bid him farewell. Here's the lineup at SPW
This is Lover Boy (Lance/GoodTimes)
and Bob departing. Something about Lance needing to get to a place with cell reception 
This is Lover Boy (Lance/GoodTimes)
and Bob departing. Something about Lance needing to get to a place with cell reception
Last edited by Expat; 03-30-2005 at 12:39 AM.
03-30-2005, 09:55 AM
#30
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Originally Posted by Marc P
Looks like a great trip--I really need to get out there one of these days.
Where is Lance's truck?? I don't see it in any pics...
Where is Lance's truck?? I don't see it in any pics...
Actually I'm in the process of rebuilding my 4runner so it's sitting under the knife at the moment. Should have it up and running by the end of the year ish? It's slow.... work taking time away from working on it! heheHere are some of my photos: (sorry I only resized a few)
03-30-2005, 10:18 AM
#33
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Hey guys,
I was hesistant to be the first one to post pics since Lance and I only rode for 1 day Anyways, here are my pics in no particular order:
Chiefiji (Henry) at our campsite w/ those wildflowers in the background
Some of the group members waiting around
Lining up, airing down for the day's trip
Andries and dog, Bliksem. That dog gets all the attention, good food, more food, and lots of rest. Remind me to be a bulldog in my next life
We're goin' places!
Expat and family
...more pics below
I was hesistant to be the first one to post pics since Lance and I only rode for 1 day Anyways, here are my pics in no particular order:
Chiefiji (Henry) at our campsite w/ those wildflowers in the background
Some of the group members waiting around
Lining up, airing down for the day's trip
Andries and dog, Bliksem. That dog gets all the attention, good food, more food, and lots of rest. Remind me to be a bulldog in my next life
We're goin' places!
Expat and family
...more pics below
03-30-2005, 10:21 AM
#34
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In the mother of all battles, the score is "Dog: 1, Sam: 0"
Scottiac's fiancee, Molly
Cowboy and Cowgirl
Pierre going uphill
Everyone going uphill
Bob's 4runner being driven by Lance
Chiefiji's 4th gen going through the same ditch
Yellow Flowers
Purple Flowers
Good Times (aka "Loverboy" Lance) talking sweet nothings on top of the mountain
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Props to Scottiac and Bulldog for organizing and expertly leading this trip. They did a great job! Also, it was great meeting new people too and hanging for the group bbq on Saturday.
Since Lance and I cut it short, I'm willing to go out again to see the rest of it. So if anyone goes again, let me know!
Bob
Scottiac's fiancee, Molly
Cowboy and Cowgirl
Pierre going uphill
Everyone going uphill
Bob's 4runner being driven by Lance
Chiefiji's 4th gen going through the same ditch
Yellow Flowers
Purple Flowers
Good Times (aka "Loverboy" Lance) talking sweet nothings on top of the mountain
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Props to Scottiac and Bulldog for organizing and expertly leading this trip. They did a great job! Also, it was great meeting new people too and hanging for the group bbq on Saturday.
Since Lance and I cut it short, I'm willing to go out again to see the rest of it. So if anyone goes again, let me know!
Bob
Last edited by Bob_98SR5; 03-30-2005 at 10:23 AM.
03-30-2005, 10:31 AM
#35
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Ah, I forgot to add that I suffered some minor damage and some lost parts:
- My slider outriggers took a beating (chipped paint) from all the rocks...most definitely caused by the DV Rally 500 that Andries clearly lead and won
- I lost a mud flap bolt
- front right headlight sustained a rock strike. anyone know what to do to stop the crack from spreading?
- Lost my rear shackle!!! And I'm the one who came up w/ the zip tie method to secure the screw pin to the shackle too. DOH!
Bob
- My slider outriggers took a beating (chipped paint) from all the rocks...most definitely caused by the DV Rally 500 that Andries clearly lead and won
- I lost a mud flap bolt
- front right headlight sustained a rock strike. anyone know what to do to stop the crack from spreading?
- Lost my rear shackle!!! And I'm the one who came up w/ the zip tie method to secure the screw pin to the shackle too. DOH!
Bob
03-30-2005, 10:49 AM
#36
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Lost your rear shackle!?!? I noticed that Sunday AM and thought you took it off for the drive home. I used a zip to secure the screw to the shackle, and I used the factory receiver pin which has a tension ring and cotter pin to prevent loss. As for the cracked headlight, were you ever driving behind me? My AT's fire off rocks like a mini-gun. I'm anxious to head out there again. Man there is alot to see. Between DV, Panamint, Saline, and Eureka the place is HUGE!! I wanna check out some mines and backcountry camping next time.
Originally Posted by Bob_98SR5
Ah, I forgot to add that I suffered some minor damage and some lost parts:
- My slider outriggers took a beating (chipped paint) from all the rocks...most definitely caused by the DV Rally 500 that Andries clearly lead and won
- I lost a mud flap bolt
- front right headlight sustained a rock strike. anyone know what to do to stop the crack from spreading?
- Lost my rear shackle!!! And I'm the one who came up w/ the zip tie method to secure the screw pin to the shackle too. DOH!
Bob
- My slider outriggers took a beating (chipped paint) from all the rocks...most definitely caused by the DV Rally 500 that Andries clearly lead and won
- I lost a mud flap bolt
- front right headlight sustained a rock strike. anyone know what to do to stop the crack from spreading?
- Lost my rear shackle!!! And I'm the one who came up w/ the zip tie method to secure the screw pin to the shackle too. DOH!
Bob
Last edited by RBLACAUSA; 03-30-2005 at 10:50 AM.
03-30-2005, 10:57 AM
#37
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Pierre,
Yeah, I noticed that I lost the shackle when we were filling up gas in Ridgecrest or whatever city it was on the way back to LA. And the stupid thing is that my rear cargo storage (side panel) is FULL of thick zip ties!
Oh well, Mcmasters sells those shackles for a good price
I'm sure I was driving behind someone too closely. I remember a few times where I heard sharp rock strikes. Most likely it occured during the high speed run.
Yeah, I'm with you on checking out mines and doing some backcountry camping
bob
Yeah, I noticed that I lost the shackle when we were filling up gas in Ridgecrest or whatever city it was on the way back to LA. And the stupid thing is that my rear cargo storage (side panel) is FULL of thick zip ties!
Oh well, Mcmasters sells those shackles for a good price
I'm sure I was driving behind someone too closely. I remember a few times where I heard sharp rock strikes. Most likely it occured during the high speed run.
Yeah, I'm with you on checking out mines and doing some backcountry camping
bob
03-30-2005, 11:29 AM
#38
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here are some of my pics
pierre hugging the wall
going up some switchbacks
the racetracks. quote pierre "sounds like rice krispy treats when you walk on this"
photographers at work
everyone say poser!
the vw beetle mod courtesy of lover boy
bulldog riding on scottiacs bumper
spotting on mengel pass
twins
broken down dodge pickup. should have bought a taco!
pierre hugging the wall
going up some switchbacks
the racetracks. quote pierre "sounds like rice krispy treats when you walk on this"
photographers at work
everyone say poser!
the vw beetle mod courtesy of lover boy
bulldog riding on scottiacs bumper
spotting on mengel pass
twins
broken down dodge pickup. should have bought a taco!
03-30-2005, 11:55 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by Robinhood150
So where'd you guys stay on sat night?
