Thursday 21 Mar 2013

Snow in Death Valley !

So, yes, decided to go to the west side mountain range.
First stop, Aguereberrey Camp. A Frenchman who got the
dream of finding gold, and stayed 40 years mining for
the gold. After 4 decades, and several mines, he was the
longest miner and most famous one but made only a total
of 175000 dollars in his whole life. Fascinating story.
Further on, thru a desert like landscape, to Aguereberry
point, 6433 ft. Again a, beautiful west point view of
death valley.

Yes, and once so high, why not continue.
Up to wildrose. Seen some (wild) mules in the
desolated landscape.
Further to chaircoal kilns. Looked first like a series
of modern lodges, but where in fact old constructions
to meld gold or silver.
Hiked from there to check the "thorndike" campground.
All warnings about high clearance and only 4x4 where
somewhat exaggerated. From there the real hike started.
From the 7000 ft to 9960 feet. And yes, many patches of
snow. Finally decided to camp even there.

Perhaps not planned at all. But quite well prepared.
Got all my sky stuff, gloves, woolen had. A sleeping bag to -10 F.
Real cozy now. And this is the real thing. Free
campground, no (expensive) restaurant in 100 miles.
But good spicy broccoli cream soup on the menu
with Duvel. A perfect, 0 dollar day.

And another point, Along to hike to the 9960 ft
lookout point, I met a couple, and he was 80 years
old, she end 70ths. Would you not be jealous to
climb fully joyfully, 3000 ft at that age.