The Grand Daddy

Tin · 02-14-2018, 01:19 AM

Hi all,
Just got back from Death Valley California, at least that is what I call it "The Grand Daddy". I don't care how many times we go there I am always amazed at its grandeur and it's surprises. definitely a must!

Tin.

Tin · 02-14-2018, 01:22 AM

Plenty of things to do, just don't go in the summer 130 plus.

Tin · 02-14-2018, 01:24 AM

And of course theirs the camping.

Tin · 02-14-2018, 01:26 AM

And beautiful sunrises and sunset's! not to mention the best stargazing in the world.

Tin · 02-14-2018, 01:29 AM

And if you don't believe me ask Huell Howser.

https://blogs.chapman.edu/huell-hows...nias-gold-606/

cpaharley2008 · 02-14-2018, 04:30 AM

Nice pictures, it looks inviting. What type of tie downs do I see for your power awning and is it needed there?

caddoster · 02-14-2018, 10:27 AM

That's our favorite too, been going there every year for the last 18 years or so and we still find new things to see every time we visit.

advenas · 02-14-2018, 11:47 AM

Did an REI hiking trip there in 2009 I think. Wonderful experience and I've been wanting to go back ever since. Now I get my chance...retiring this year. Only bummer is dogs aren't allowed on trails, etc. Which I understand.

h2owmn · 02-14-2018, 11:59 AM

I don't have a pet (retired, gone too much!) but i wonder if there are day kennel businesses near national parks for people who want to hike, etc.

Tin · 02-15-2018, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Nice pictures, it looks inviting. What type of tie downs do I see for your power awning and is it needed there?

Hi Jim,
The tie downs
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZJ9JGT...&pd_rd_w=f0Byi
Tent Stakes
https://www.amazon.com/Hikemax-Forge...J6KVVY5DYH36SD

The desert is like a box of chocolate "you never know what you are going to get" We really did not need to deploy are awning I was just testing the poles. Winds were 12 to 15 MPH with gust up to 25 MPH worked great. With out securing the leading edge of the awning you really can not deploy the awning in these kind of winds. One day winds were 30 to 40 with gust up to 60 and the next day no wind at all. We always stow the awning before retiring for the night. Beach camping is very similar regarding winds and the awning.

Tin · 02-15-2018, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caddoster

That's our favorite too, been going there every year for the last 18 years or so and we still find new things to see every time we visit.

Same here, seems like you never have enough time. Being the second largest national park out side of Alaska and over 1000 miles of roads it is BIG.

Tin · 02-15-2018, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advenas

Did an REI hiking trip there in 2009 I think. Wonderful experience and I've been wanting to go back ever since. Now I get my chance...retiring this year. Only bummer is dogs aren't allowed on trails, etc. Which I understand.

Hi Advenas,
I think you and your dog would have a great time and have plenty of things to do. Try camping at mesquite springs campground. It is further out but very isolated and secluded on the north side of the park. you wont have any problems walking your dog in and around the camp grounds or back country roads.

"While dogs are allowed in campgrounds, in developed areas and on or within 100 yards of paved roads, they’re not allowed on trails or boardwalks; neither are they supposed to be left in your car while you take a quick hike. But don’t let this stop you: within the national park are more than 700 miles of backcountry roads where the two of you legally can walk if connected by a leash. Two scenic roads recommended by the park service are Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road and Titus Canyon Road into the narrows. With a high-clearance vehicle, you’ll find much more to explore."
https://dogtrekker.com/Story/death-valley-national-park

Tin · 02-15-2018, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h2owmn

I don't have a pet (retired, gone too much!) but i wonder if there are day kennel businesses near national parks for people who want to hike, etc.

I think there is one in Lone Pine kinda far.

ericw · 02-15-2018, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin

Hi Jim,
The tie downs
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZJ9JGT...&pd_rd_w=f0Byi
Tent Stakes
https://www.amazon.com/Hikemax-Forge...J6KVVY5DYH36SD

Thanks for the links. What pole do you use? How do you attach/hold the awning to the pole?

Thanks for the idea. We have similar wind issues occasionally.

Tin · 02-15-2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericw

Thanks for the links. What pole do you use? How do you attach/hold the awning to the pole?

Thanks for the idea. We have similar wind issues occasionally.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...n-11677-3.html

This is still a work in progress and I am already planning 2.0.
Happy camping

Tin.

ericw · 02-15-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...n-11677-3.html

This is still a work in progress and I am already planning 2.0.
Happy camping

Tin.

Good stuff. Keep us updated. I probably won't build anything until late summer.
Thanks,
Eric

advenas · 02-15-2018, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin

Hi Advenas,
I think you and your dog would have a great time and have plenty of things to do. Try camping at mesquite springs campground. It is further out but very isolated and secluded on the north side of the park. you wont have any problems walking your dog in and around the camp grounds or back country roads.

"While dogs are allowed in campgrounds, in developed areas and on or within 100 yards of paved roads, they’re not allowed on trails or boardwalks; neither are they supposed to be left in your car while you take a quick hike. But don’t let this stop you: within the national park are more than 700 miles of backcountry roads where the two of you legally can walk if connected by a leash. Two scenic roads recommended by the park service are Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road and Titus Canyon Road into the narrows. With a high-clearance vehicle, you’ll find much more to explore."
https://dogtrekker.com/Story/death-valley-national-park

Thanks! I'm hoping the dog and I can get there either this spring or late fall. Depends on some family things I have going on.

Tin · 02-16-2018, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advenas

Thanks! I'm hoping the dog and I can get there either this spring or late fall. Depends on some family things I have going on.

Tin · 02-16-2018, 02:29 PM

I thought I would share something new we learned in Death valley this year after all these years. While at Father Crowley Over look having lunch we heard a loud roar and below us down in Rainbow Canyon a jet fighter came winding past us. It was a site to behold I only wish I had my camera. We had no idea this is known as Star Wars Canyon/The Jedi Transition. See and learn something new every time! apparently this is a common occurrence and photographers sometimes hang out just for a shot.

Video is awesome!
Tin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=Rx7u5P_5FIw

wetzk · 02-16-2018, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin

I thought I would share something new we learned in Death valley this year after all these years. While at Father Crowley Over look having lunch we heard a loud roar and below us down in Rainbow Canyon a jet fighter came winding past us. It was a site to behold I only wish I had my camera. We had no idea this is known as Star Wars Canyon/The Jedi Transition. See and learn something new every time! apparently this is a common occurrence and photographers sometimes hang out just for a shot.

Video is awesome!
Tin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=Rx7u5P_5FIw

We were there a few years back looking at the little creek for pupfish and 2 jets flew over us from behind. Our only hint they were there was a sudden whine and a whole lot of noise. Scared the crap out of us.

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