http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:NMEbdwx1WlV4lM:http://www.aspencountry.com/assets/product_images/product_lib/32000-32999/32020.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.aspencountry.com/assets/product_images/product_lib/32000-32999/32020.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.aspencountry.com/assets/product_images/country_cows.html&h=420&w=420&sz=13&hl=en&start=30&um=1&usg=__nL3JKq4LprJqax8X60Jfn2Oia4U=&tbnid=NMEbdwx1WlV4lM:&tbnh=125&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfree%2Bcow%2Bskull%2Bphotos%26start%3 D18%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DGGLR,GG LR:2005-40,GGLR:en%26sa%3DN)
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
3rd Annual EOC Camping Jamboree
Winter 2009

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47741&stc=1&d=1203910201

"Be there" details coming soon...

Hey...do I smell chili?

Hey...do I smell chili?


Chili in the desert? Who ever heard of such a thing? :lol:
Hope you can make this one Redwing. :)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/EOC%20Campout%20DV/IMG_4119.jpg

This looks awesome! I hope we can make it.

Say when & where and I'll be there.

Hey did you know that's me in the 1st pic with the red EOC shirt ?

Are you thinking about Furnace Creek Campground again ?

Say when & where and I'll be there.

Hey did you know that's me in the 1st pic with the red EOC shirt ?

Are you thinking about Furnace Creek Campground again ?



I knew I could count on you Jet.

Yes indeed, thought you'de appreciate people looking at the backside of your red EOC T-shirt.

Furnace Creek is probably where we'll end up again but I'm hoping to get more input from the camping fools regarding that.
Group Camp options might be a consideration as we tend to get a bit loud with large turn out camping gigs like DV.

Specific dates and campground options still need to be discussed.
Reservations need to be made - we could be talking as little as 90 days for this one.
Some folks are wanting to do this as soon as mid January.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/RETOUCHED/IMG_3869_lzn.jpg

"Next stop Corkscrew Mountain"

Group Camp options might be a consideration as we tend to get
a bit loud with large turn out camping gigs like DV.

Does this mean I need to bring some more ear plugs? :lol:

I'm definitely going to try to make this trip too.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47741&stc=1&d=1203910201



I am so there. Pick a date. I know amazing hot springs not far from the entrance to Titus Canyon in Nevada.
And that's me in the green sweater shooting Jet whilst Ellie was shooting us. You will love this trail. It's Element-hairy.

Beatty Nevada Gas stop.
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47863&d=1204013981http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47864&d=1204013981

If we thought that gas prices where high in DV last year, I hate to see
what there charging (gouging) people now in the park.:shock:

Here is some links that shows gas prices in Beatty NV..
http://www.fuelmeup.com/go.php?city=Beatty&state=NV
http://www.motortrend.com/gas_prices/33/nevada/nye/beatty/index.html
http://www.internetautoguide.com/gas-prices/87-int/nevada/beatty/index.html

I still can't get over how blue the skies where in DV and Nevada.
Makes me hate the smog here in SOCal even more.:mad:

I still can't get over how blue the skies where in DV and Nevada.
Makes me hate the smog here in SO Cal even more.

Here's a little secret I learned a long time ago. The clean air and blue skies are close to the Beach, not in Corona.:D You need to relocate further West.

Unless people have objections we're going to keep with tradition and schedual the DV campout for the last week end in February 26, 27 & 28
Thursday, Friday and Saturday (leaving on Sunday)

This should give people ample time to plan, make preparations and reserve individual campsites.
The two Group Camps that we were considering are already booked for this week end.

Campground: Furnace Creek
Campsites: 104, 106, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117
(alternate sites = 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 98, 99)
These campsites are all on a semi shaded loop that has restroom facilities.

It's important that people make thier campsite reservations as soon as possible due to the fact that almost a quarter of all the campsites in the Furnace Creek campground have already been booked.

Check out the Furnace Creek campground map on the Death Valley web site for detailed info. http://www.nps.gov/deva/

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48175&stc=1&d=1204313010

Moto freaks Kristen and Bikerjosh at Teakettle Junction on thier way to Racetrack Playa

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48176&stc=1&d=1204313010

Got toys? Bring em!

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/EOC%20Campout%20DV/IMG_3970.jpg

Racetrack Playa; Home of the mysterious "Sliding Rocks."
It's 26 miles of gravel road to get there - think we can do it with our Elements?

http://geosun.sjsu.edu/paula/rtp/images/jul17_17.jpg

Some not so mysterious Sliding Rocks. :rolleyes:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/EOC%20Campout%20DV/IMG_3874.jpg

Thursday to Sunday - booked it. It's gonna be great. I shall be driving in via Wild Rose as always. Mojave to Johannesburg to Trona to Wild Rose (awesome picnic area) at 4,000+ ft down to 200 ft below sea level at F Creek.

On the way back to LA I will hit Baker then continue south to Kelso then through Wonder Valley to The Palms bar/restaurant (my favorite on the planet) through Joshua Tree to Coachella to buy fresh Thurry dates. They are the best dates ever and they grow right there. They are like bread if you lived in Afghanistan.

Ric

Going to the cast and crew screening of Changeling this Tuesday. Pinch me.

Gene...This really looks great, but I think Darth Raider will be in the shop that week! I feel so bad, because I really would have loved to be there!!! :wink:

Chief

I'm in site 113
Awesome, I got shade and I'm close to the outhouse. it doen't get much better does it ? :D

which Campsites did we have last year ?

Whew, that was hard- everything has been snatched up, practically!

Site 115, for us. :)

This is excellent. If the Academy Awards are on Sunday March 1st I will probably stay that extra night and watch the show from that bar/restaurant in Furnace Creek Village. Of course this will all change because I will book acting work that weekend. All I have to do is plan trips and I work, Hollywood is that easy.

We must definitely do the Titus Canyon convoy and hit this place not far north of Beatty. There are three cabins on top of primitive hot springs of different temperatures, five dollars a person. Will change your outlook on life. Don't forget about Rhyolite.

Also - somewhere on that highway south of Beatty towards Vegas is where they are fittin' to deposit all the country's nucular waste. Probably pretty secure but a possible photo op. What's that Mountain called (not Corkscrew)?

Here's a little secret I learned a long time ago. The clean air and blue skies are close to the Beach, not in Corona.:D You need to relocate further West.

Hey the sky is deep blue in the mountains too, we have clean dry air here at high altitudes. Do I still need to move west?

Wish I could make this trip looks like a blast!

No, you should stay there, until it starts snowing (as of yesterday). Brrrrrrr, it's too early for freezin.

We have Santa Ana Winds today and the Red Flags are out so we'll probably be burning later today. It was 12 months ago that we had the Big Malibu Fire, The Magic Mountain Fire & The Big Orange County Fire. (I've forgotten the correct names).

As for Camping, I knew you would eventually break down and decide to go so I went ahead and reserved site #114 for you, so when you're ready just let me know.

Dang, it snuck up on me again.:lol:

I'll be there (Pennamint Springs Campground) November 3rd-8th to ride motos and test out the lifted suspension.:evil: Going solo, but my Dad will be coming up from Wed, afternoon-Saturday morning to ride with me. If anyone from the boards is there at that time stop by; it'll be the camp spot with the tiki torches and christmas lights. Booked the site about a week after getting back from DV in last Febuary.

Have to check with Kristen to if she can get the time off in Febuary.

Dang, it snuck up on me again.:lol:

I'll be there (Pennamint Springs Campground) November 3rd-8th to ride motos and test out the lifted suspension.:evil: Going solo, but my Dad will be coming up from Wed, afternoon-Saturday morning to ride with me. If anyone from the boards is there at that time stop by; it'll be the camp spot with the tiki torches and christmas lights. Booked the site about a week after getting back from DV in last Febuary.

Have to check with Kristen to if she can get the time off in Febuary.



Yo Josh!

Work on Kristen to get the time off in February - this fandango won't be the same without you guys!

I got a real creepy and incredibly bizzare, Panamint Dunes campfire story that I'm sandbagging for this trip that I'm sure you'de like to hear.
It's another one of those classic Death Valley missing person tales. :twisted:
This one begins in 1998 and ends in 2006.

In fact this story is so strange that it even freaked me out! :shock:

But I'm saving it as a campfire tale - so you'll need to be at the gig to hear it. :razz:

Gene...This really looks great, but I think Darth Raider will be in the shop that week! I feel so bad, because I really would have loved to be there!!! :wink:

Chief


Dang it Chief, one of these days we'll get you out there in the hinterlands with us.
And it would of been so bitchen to cruise around with Darth Raider too! 8)

Whoa.... who snatched up all the sites in our camp loop?
You guys are quick!
Yu snooze yu looze I suppose... look's like Richelle and I are gonna be camping in the Outer Limits. :rolleyes:

Whew, that was hard- everything has been snatched up, practically!

Site 115, for us. :)



Glad to see that the Anthony clan will be in the house. :)
Have you guy's been to Death Valley before?
If not, prepare for the unbelievable! Ain't no place like it nowhere.
You'll be thrilled beyond expectations. :-D
Bring the boys and the dogs - they'll love it too!

Hey the sky is deep blue in the mountains too, we have clean dry air here at high altitudes. Do I still need to move west?

Wish I could make this trip looks like a blast!



Hey! Didn't you get the memo? - you and Betsy are going!
And so is Junebug for that matter. (we pay no attention to her objections either) :rolleyes:

Be still my heart!!
According to the Poll; Bill (outofd) is among the distinguished camping fools that will be attending this. Very kewl indeed! :cool:

No teasing us Bill - cause we're all thrilled that you're going! :)
And you'll be rolling down from Washington in the new Ridgeline?


PS; We'll have plenty of Bailey's on hand to commemorate the occasion!
PPS: Do us a favor, kidnap Scone Queen "Junebug" and bring her down with you.
It's a long drive and you could get a flat tire along the way.
You could use one of her scones as a spare.

No, no, Bill is our official Washington rep. From what I hear, if he can stay awake he'll be a wonderful participant! Keep up that sassy talk and there'll be no scones for you! :D

I just made my reservations for space 103......YIPPPEEE Can hardly wait, going up Thursday. Hope the winds stay away. This is going to be so much fun.

Are we doing a chili cook off this time?


:D:D:D:D

Glad to see that the Anthony clan will be in the house. :)
Have you guy's been to Death Valley before?
If not, prepare for the unbelievable! Ain't no place like it nowhere.
You'll be thrilled beyond expectations. :-D
Bring the boys and the dogs - they'll love it too!

No we have not been there...just the few photos you posted, has us extremely excited!

You caught me, I was hoping to sneak in the ridgeline without anyone noticing!!
From the pictures and stories, it seems that everyone had a great time last year, wish that I could remember. Must have had a really bad case of the flu and am glad that I did not pass it on to anyone, especially Jet who drove me on one of the side trips. At 3am one night, taking my 3rd thynol 3, I thought how funny it would be if I died in death valley. I think that I made it.

Reserved site 117 and put the money down, it's only 1200 miles each way or maybe 650 each way? I would love to have junebug as a copilot. Bet we could fit all her stuff in the ridgeline, not sure if we would make it with all her mandatory stops at her favorite burger place. Maybe all of you could encourage her to join us. I posted in the nw elements owners looking for members who wanted to join my road trip, no comments yet. Save some baileys for me, looking forward to seeing all again, best wishes, bill

Trina - you know that I jest with you... I love your scones!
Send some down with Bill. :D

Miss Ellie which campsite did you reserve ?

Which Campin Fool was it that made those nice maps illustrating who was in which campsite ?

Jet - Still haven't decided yet.
Our campground loop is filled up but there's still lots of other sites available.
I'm trying to jog my memory of the campground and visualize it. Then pick out a nice shady site. :)
Heck - we'll probably end up exiled into the Overflow section by the time it takes me to decide. :rolleyes:


I can't remember who it was that did those maps either. :???:
Whoever it was I hope they're going.

I just made my reservations for space 103......YIPPPEEE Can hardly wait, going up Thursday. Hope the winds stay away. This is going to be so much fun.

Are we doing a chili cook off this time?


:D:D:D:D


WTG Carol. I can hardly wait too!

I love chili but do you realise that this crew has been on a campground chili binge for over a year now?
Maybe for this trip we could try something different... just sayin.

You got any ideas?
Perhaps a Group Pot Luck Dinner - those are always fun and full of culinary excitement and the pepperheads could still make chili if they wanted to. :-P

Oh such memories of DV, with a great bunch of people, I may have to check my schedule when it gets closer. Doing the double duty of getting my degree and working. A few more steps till that piece of paper tells everyone, I'm a professional :D.

I will let you know Miss Ellie, if I can make it.

Yes, a potluck would be a nice change. We can get a taste of many different things.

I just checked -

EOC friends have booked 103, 111, 113, 114, 115, and 117.

Intruders have spiked into our area at 102, 104, 106, 109, and 112.

Still open in our area are 100, 101, 105, 107, 108, 116, and 121.

Also, I think we were in 77 - 84 last time and they're all still open as well.

This will be good.

R

I can't remember who it was that did those maps either. :???:
Whoever it was I hope they're going.

I did maps of the camp ground last year, but a EOC site
moderator has deleted all my map posts from last year.
I didn't even notice the posts where gone until I tried
to look for them today.

What's up with that?????? :-?
If I did somthing wrong, It would have been nice if the
EOC site moderator would have PM me and informed me why.:???:

No problem Free man E
We're nothing less than confident of your skills in this matter and encourage you to make another camp map.
T'wood be most appreciated! :D

Here is a link to the origanal campground map
Furnace Creek Campground Site Map (http://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/upload/FCCG.pdf)

I evidently can't use it as a I did last year. I'll try to make a map
up from scratch this time.

2,600 Cases of Beer!

"Holy schit" - is what I said a short time ago when I stopped by my friend Pat's house.
His next door niegbor has access to 2,600 cases of Austrailian Pilsner - 1/3 of which is stacked high to the rafters in his garage.

The beer was imported to Los Angeles from "Down Under" and for what ever the reason -
the distributor couldn't take them and it was too expensive to ship the stuff back to Austrailia.

So anywho - my buddy Pat's next door neighbor is sitting on this stuff and selling it at - are you ready for this... $4.00 A CASE!
I left there with four cases for under $20 bucks - that's a pretty good deal for a beer hound like me. :wink:

The brand is called Blue Tounge http://www.bluetonguebrewery.com.au/
I quaffed down a cold one while I was over there and it's a good beer, but at $4.00 per case it's truly exceptional!



If anyone wants some let me know.

You never know were I'll be . . . :wink:

Look forward to seeing everyone at my New Home!

This will be BIG! Oh yes it will!

EOC4ME out for now . . . :lol:

You never know were I'll be . . .

Look forward to seeing everyone at my New Home!

This will be BIG! Oh yes it will!

EOC4ME out for now . . .


What did he just say ? :confused:

What did he just say ? :confused:


Can't figure it out either. :?

But Glen's definately got something going on up his sleeve. :rolleyes:
Say's in the camp Poll that he wants to jump in the hot spring pools too. :-P

Most intriguing :cool:

I never knew (until now) that you could see who voted in the polls.

I'm going to be more careful about these things. :rolleyes:

wow...just noticed that the poll doesn't allow an
"I'm saving my vacay for Humboldt" option...
so, regretably Lacy, Zoe and myself will have to opt out for this one, even though we had the bestest of times last February with all you "fools".

We really would love to make it this year, but with the very real possibility of us making it out to NEW YAWK CITY for Larry's wedding in March (neither of us have ever been, DOUBLE POINTS!!), time will be in high demand for us. However, we do plan on attending Humboldt again and hope to spend a week there with everyone, so's that we don't miss out on any impromptu rap sessions.

So please everyone, have a great safe trip, take lots of pics so all of us who cannot attend can be envious and enjoy the trip vicariously.
Things to remember:
watch out for random rockslides and buzzing fighter jets
PLEASE USE the Trona bathrooms, they're worth it
admire the bottle house in Rhyolite but don't leave any empties
belly flops in the hot springs are permitted, but only if done with "style"
don't let Ric drive across mountain ranges just so he can deposit money in Pahrump
Gene's bicycle activities should be supervised at all times
oh, and remember to dispose of your trash before leaving camp for the day or hordes of crows will swoop down in a bad Hitchco-ck re-enactment. :-o

We'll try and be around for the monday night campchats for this one, I'm sure it'll be hilarious! Adios!

I may be finished with the current project at that time, and It sounds fun!!!!!


Any suggestions on getting a campsite? where is everyone's campsite (know it's in Furnace creek) are all the sites the same?

I may be finished with the current project at that time, and It sounds fun!!!!!

Any suggestions on getting a campsite? where is everyone's campsite (know it's in Furnace creek) are all the sites the same?



Hey Seaside,

Of course you can come - in fact we insist upon it!
FYI - As for the campsites at Furnace Creek, most of the herd is gathering at the #100 - #117 campground loop.

Here's a link to the campground http://www.nps.gov/deva/
When you get to the web page go to the campground icon which will take you to the campgrounds list.
Click on the big "M" and it will show you the Furnace Creek campground map and cooresponding camp sites.
You can make your reservation "on-line" from there and see what sites are still available.

Looking forward to meeting you! :-D

Ok, I'm in!

Site #107 baby!!!!!!!

I'm excited to return to this place and to catch up with all of you.

I can't wait!

Curt

wow...just noticed that the poll doesn't allow an
"I'm saving my vacay for Humboldt" option...
so, regretably Lacy, Zoe and myself will have to opt out for this one, even though we had the bestest of times last February with all you "fools".

We really would love to make it this year, but with the very real possibility of us making it out to NEW YAWK CITY for Larry's wedding in March (neither of us have ever been, DOUBLE POINTS!!), time will be in high demand for us. However, we do plan on attending Humboldt again and hope to spend a week there with everyone, so's that we don't miss out on any impromptu rap sessions.

So please everyone, have a great safe trip, take lots of pics so all of us who cannot attend can be envious and enjoy the trip vicariously.
Things to remember:
watch out for random rockslides and buzzing fighter jets
PLEASE USE the Trona bathrooms, they're worth it
admire the bottle house in Rhyolite but don't leave any empties
belly flops in the hot springs are permitted, but only if done with "style"
don't let Ric drive across mountain ranges just so he can deposit money in Pahrump
Gene's bicycle activities should be supervised at all times
oh, and remember to dispose of your trash before leaving camp for the day or hordes of crows will swoop down in a bad Hitchco-ck re-enactment. :-o

We'll try and be around for the monday night campchats for this one, I'm sure it'll be hilarious! Adios!



I'm bummed that you and Lacy (Zoe too) won't make it to Death Valley this year - but I understand.

Humboldt is the biggie though, and so long as you guys don't miss that we'll forgive you for missing DV.

Larry & Rachels wedding is bound to be a major event and I wish I could go see them tie the knot.
Richelle and I are already thinking of an apropo wedding gift to send - do they like beer? (just kidding) :roll:

Rhyolite Ghost Town will be revisited - (twice I hope - during the day and during the night)
Ric's a ramblin gamblin man and there's not a gaming den within a hundred miles that he won't sniff out.
One of these days that boy's gonna hit it big and we'll all be camping out at his big beach house in Malibu.

I'll do my best to not fall off my bike (I'm thinking about training wheels for improved balance - then I can use them for hiking too) :rolleyes:

Ok, I'm in!

Site #107 baby!!!!!!!

I'm excited to return to this place and to catch up with all of you.

I can't wait!

Curt


WTG Curt - very exciting news!
I'm so happy you guys are going. :D
This is shaping up to be another great campout.

Teakettle and Racetrack are definitely possible in an Element, including 2WD.

With proper planning we can MOST definitely do this.

I think if we take it slow and bring a couple full size spares along with some proper recovery gear, we'll have no problems.

I did this trek last year and was followed by a late model Chevy Malibu rental that was packed to the gills with tourists.

I figure if they could make it, an Element will have no trouble at all.

The road is flat for the most part, comparable to Titus.

It's layered with shale with nasty edges, so flats are possible.

But that's it.

Slow and steady should do it......

61381

OMG look at those little darlings!
Such a beautiful family Curt.:)

Well you got me all spazzed out and excited about going to Racetrack now.
In all of the times that I've been to DV I've yet to get to Racetrack - I just gotta go there this time!

Camp ground map..

All campsites marked in yellow are EOC members.
All that are in red are taken by unknowns.
This list is for FEB 26,27 & 28.

If I mised any EOC members please post your
site number or PM me, so I can post a updated map.

61394
61395





Updated 10/17/08

while DV 1 was a blast, we gotta say no go for DV3 :sad:

Mel's career has only a 12% chance of us staying in SF- we could be moving this summer anywhere from LA to seattle to minneapolis to new jersey to connecticut. :???: and maybe some points inbetween... so vaca time is going to be in short supply. AND if the wonderful voters of california say NO to prop 8, then we'll also have to factor in a wedding/honeymoon too :cool:

so toss a couple of marshmellows in the firepit for us! :)

[quote=Free_man_E;673634]Camp ground map..

All campsites marked in yellow are EOC members.
All that are in red are taken by unknowns.
This list is for FEB 26,27 & 28.

If I mised any EOC members please post your
site number or PM me, so I can post a updated map.



Wow! Thanks for the map Free man E it's perfect.
I still haven't picked out a campsite yet but your campground map will be most helpful.

Considering site #131 - it's close to a land line telephone.
Could come in handy for ordering pizzas. (cell phones won't work in Death Valley)

There's a Round Table Pizza in Pahrump, Nevada (60 miles away)
Ric's doing TV commercials for them - maybe he could get them to deliver to the campground.

jdiane - we will miss you and Mel at DV.
I intend to be hoisting more than just a few toasts in your honor along with some for Elemen OP and Lacy too.
I may end up with arm fatigue over this but it's the least that I can do.

EOC Campsites

motelE ~ 103
Sparman ~ 107
Seaside ~ 108
Ric ~ 111
Jet ~ 113 & 114
Mrs. Anthony ~ 115
outofd ~ 117
Miss Ellie ~ ?
EZ ~ ?
off-the-grid ~ ?

A hiker's Photo Gallery of Racetrack Playa.
Best I've seen yet.
Check it out. http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/556069864xScrJg

site #108.

I look forward to meeting fellow E people. It's been a few years since I was in Death Valley. Looking forward to it.

And of course I hope my project is over then and I have some time off.

Jeff

I must say... reading this thread has made me sad. I lived in Vegas for 10 years (9 years ago). Reading this thread makes me home sick for Vegas! If I still lived there, I would most deffinately be attending this gathering! Be safe and have fun everyone :D I wish I could be there too :-(

site #108.

I look forward to meeting fellow E people. It's been a few years since I was in Death Valley. Looking forward to it.

And of course I hope my project is over then and I have some time off.

Jeff



Very kewl Jeff! :cool:
Looking forward to meeting you.
The camping crew we're putting together for this trip is the best - you shall have a very good time.
Prepare for fun! :D

site #108.

I look forward to meeting fellow E people. It's been a few years since I was in Death Valley. Looking forward to it.

And of course I hope my project is over then and I have some time off.

Jeff

The campsite map has been updated.
New campsite map link. (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=673634&postcount=56)

:)

people doubled up? I think they allow 2 vehicles per space, just curious about how many E's there will be.


it must be pretty funny to other people seeing a whole pack of E's.


by the way is it a "Pack" of E's, or ..... a gaggle, or flock, or "Pod" mabey. Maybe a school or shoal?

people doubled up? I think they allow 2 vehicles per space, just curious about how many E's there will be.


it must be pretty funny to other people seeing a whole pack of E's.


by the way is it a "Pack" of E's, or ..... a gaggle, or flock, or "Pod" mabey. Maybe a school or shoal?

I believe the correct term is Envy of E's;-)

I like to think it's a "Deployment of E's", or maybe a "Gang of E's".

As far as doubling up, I misunderstood the concept and reserved two spots for 1 E". :rolleyes:

It's a PRIDE of Es.

After seeing all the pictures and discussions, I am very tempted to go with all of you on this camping trip.....ahhhhh......need to figure out if my work schedule to work out...

Not sure if I can make this one. As I mentioned, earlier I'm headed there in November (maybe I'll hang an EOC kettle at tea kettle junction for others to sign) and kristen wants to use her febuary vacation to head back to mexico or central america.
As it get's closer I might be able to head down there, but right now doubtful.
Bummer, cause the chili cook off last year was reason enough to go.:)
Josh

EOC Campsites

motelE ~ 103
Sparman ~ 107
Seaside ~ 108
Ric ~ 111
Jet ~ 113 & 114
Mrs. Anthony ~ 115
outofd ~ 117
Miss Ellie ~ ?
EZ ~ ?
off-the-grid ~ ?


faheyd ~ 105

Bob Fahey !!! :grin: :-D


Bring Shade Tents, we are in a non-shade area, boo hoo!

The 70-80 sites had shade....


Where's DJembe's reservation?

djembe ~ xxx ???

Very commendable Faheyd on bagging campsite #105 - very happy news indeed! :D
A Death Valley campout wouldn't be the same without you there.
We must pick up where we left off last year. :razz:

PS: Djembe is bunking up with Ric in campsite #111 :shock:

He's going by his other name "Ric" and he's in 111. :D

oh, welcome and glad you can make it, I will most definitely bring my Shade Tent, but I don't plan on spending much time in Camp, I need to see more stuff this time.

He's going by his other name "Ric" and he's in 111. :D

I just hope Ric and Djembe won't keep everyone up all night singing to one another. :rolleyes:

I'm going to share Ric's spot at 111.

Turns out our trip falls one week after Ms. Jolie and/or Mr. Eastwood win the Academy Award for CHANGELING*, so I won't be watching the ceremony from that Furnace Creek Village bar after all on March 1st.


* - I'm in it. Nice scene, man at Bummy's Diner in De Kalb, August 1928. Opens at a theater near you this Friday.

I'm going to share Ric's spot at 111.

Turns out our trip falls one week after Ms. Jolie and/or Mr. Eastwood win the Academy Award for CHANGELING*, so I won't be watching the ceremony from that Furnace Creek Village bar after all on March 1st.


* - I'm in it. Nice scene, man at Bummy's Diner in De Kalb, August 1928. Opens at a theater near you this Friday.



Djembe - I recently saw a HBO Special on the making of "Changeling" and you were in it!
Just briefly - and you were wearing suspenders.
Mr. Eastwood was behind you directing the scene.

It was very kewl. :rolleyes:

I can't wait to see the movie!

Very commendable Fayhed on bagging campsite #105 - very happy news indeed! :D
A Death Valley campout wouldn't be the same without you there.
We must pick up where we left off last year. :razz:

PS: Djembe is bunking up with Ric in campsite #111 :shock:

Message received on picking up.... :shock:

Jet - You still holding that other campsite for E_biker?
I was talking with him last night in Camp Chat - says he most likely won't make Death Valley.

If that's the case and Todd can't go... can I have dibs on the campsite?

I was pondering taking the round about route to Death Valley through Baker, Ca. instead of the usual (shorter) route through Mohave.
Reason?
The Mad Greek Restuarant in Baker.
Richelle and I stopped there on the way back from the Yellowstone jamboree last August. WOW!
http://www.whatwereeating.com/restaurant-reviews/the-mad-greek/

I'm considering taking that route home, but carrying on past Baker SE to Kelso, then Amboy, then hitting up Twin Palms bar in Wonder Valley (E of 29 Palms), then down through Joshua Tree, to this particular date farm in Indio where I shall acquire fresh THOORY dates.

After seeing all the pictures and discussions, I am very tempted to go with all of you on this camping trip.....ahhhhh......need to figure out if my work schedule to work out...

Chefjames -Since you've recently been to a SoCal EOC Mod Meet, perhaps it's time you went on a SoCal EOC Campout!
Death Valley is the place you outta be. :lol:
More good time fun than you could possibly imagine and kajillions of acres of awesome jaw-dropping desert scenery.
Plus there will be many Elements on hand making the usual spectacles of themselves.

There's always some good camp cooking going on too! (being that you're a chef I figure you'de appreciate that)
Last year we had a most amazing Chili Cook Off which was simply wonderful.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/EOC%20Campout%20DV/IMG_4142.jpg


This year we'll be doing a big Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday Night with lots of incredibly delicious eats and drinks.
You can join the food fray Chef James and impress us with your skills! :grin:

Hope to see you there! "bon appetit"

ohhh, this is really temping....I am going to try my best to work it out.....

what the heck...I just made a reservation, space 116......unless something happens, otherwise, I am there. Looking forward to meet with the rest of you, and have fun together.

what the heck...I just made a reservation, space 116......unless something happens, otherwise, I am there. Looking forward to meet with the rest of you, and have fun together.




Yeah buddy, WTG !!!

This campout is gonna be a frikkin blast and we got a chef in the house too! :-D

haha, do I need to tow a portable kitchen behind my E? Since this is going to be my very first camp out, if there is a check list on what I need to bring, that would be great.

I'm considering taking that route home, but carrying on past Baker SE to Kelso, then Amboy, then hitting up Twin Palms bar in Wonder Valley (E of 29 Palms), then down through Joshua Tree, to this particular date farm in Indio where I shall acquire fresh THOORY dates.


Mmmmm Date Shake !, Send me one please ....

Jet - You still holding that other campsite for E_biker?
I was talking with him last night in Camp Chat - says he most likely won't make Death Valley.

If that's the case and Todd can't go... can I have dibs on the campsite?
Reply With Quote

Ok, but I get 1st choice upon arrival.:D Probably the one closest to the out house, or maybe the one with the best shade, maybe the one that's level. :confused:

Here is the latest version of the EOC DV trip campsite map.

61867
61868

I see that they list two group camps in the Furnace Creek camp
ground. Do you think that the camp host would allow everyone
to trade there individual campsites for one of the group areas,
after we arrive and check in? I doubt this would work, but it
dosn't hurt to ask. It's just a idea anyway.. :?

last year when I departed DV I took the Southern route to Baker and I came across these sand dunes that from a distance were incredible, but as I got closer it became apparent that they were massive.
Anybody know the name of this recreational area ?

Here are a couple of my pics that were influenced by Ansel Adams.

Of course he never had a digital camera, a laptop computer and Adobe Photoshop

You still have that magic shutter touch!!!! Great shots, ansel would be proud! See you in Feb 09, Bill, Snoqualmie WA

Are you bringin the pop up ?

Yes, never leave home without it. Would love to bring Junebug, but so far no luck. Wife and puppies will also come, maybe. Plan to go to Las Vegas for a while after the campout. Come on February, best wishes & see you soon.

a few questions about the DV camping trip. After looking through all these pictures, do I need an all terrain tire for the dirt road??? Just got a new set of tires about 2 months ago, so certainly don't want to get a flat(s) out there. The showers, are those coin operated showers, or do I need to bring the firewood to heat up my own water :rolleyes: It would be kind of cool, but I guess I will be using a lot of cologne then. Did you all caravan into DV last year? Since I noticed that there are a quite of few of us are from So. Cal

last year when I departed DV I took the Southern route to Baker and I came across these sand dunes that from a distance were incredible, but as I got closer it became apparent that they were massive.
Anybody know the name of this recreational area ?



Those sand dunes you see in your photo are the infamous Dumont Dunes.
It's National Headquarters for the "Got Dirt?" crowd. Quads, Sand Rails, and every concievable 4WD truck or contraption rule here.
It's anything but calm and peaceful. No speed limits.
It gets pretty insane, very noisy, usually rowdy and full of people riding D.U.I. Cops arrest inhebriated riders and drivers every week end there.

Dumont Dunes video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P46fWTrmtQk

a few questions about the DV camping trip. After looking through all these pictures, do I need an all terrain tire for the dirt road??? Just got a new set of tires about 2 months ago, so certainly don't want to get a flat(s) out there. The showers, are those coin operated showers, or do I need to bring the firewood to heat up my own water :rolleyes: It would be kind of cool, but I guess I will be using a lot of cologne then. Did you all caravan into DV last year? Since I noticed that there are a quite of few of us are from So. Cal

Tires: The stock tires on your Element will be sufficent.
The dirt roads we've done in past trips are mostly gravel and graded dirt - there are some rather knarly jeep trails that require 4WD but we don't do those.
There's hundreds of miles of dirt roads in DV.

Showers: The showers at Furnance Creek are within walking distance from the campground.
They are located in the Furnace Creek Resort Complex - which is next to the campground.
These showers cost $1.00 are very nice and situated next to a tennis court and one very fine swimming pool. :D

Firewood: Can be purchased at the Furnace Creek store which also has food and other provisions.
Everything is more expensive here as it has to be shipped in from far away.
Try to bring as much stuff from home as you can or you can pay more the convienence of purchasing the same items at DV.

Caravan: we caravan from Mohave to Death Valley (about 3 hours of driving) a very nice drive all the way and little or no traffic to contend with.
It's always fun!

Ok, but I get 1st choice upon arrival.:D Probably the one closest to the out house, or maybe the one with the best shade, maybe the one that's level. :confused:

Richelle and I are fine with all of that and we promise to keep our snoring down to a minimum. :rolleyes:
Heck - we just want to camp next to the cool kids. :cool:

Yes, never leave home without it. Would love to bring Junebug, but so far no luck. Wife and puppies will also come, maybe. Plan to go to Las Vegas for a while after the campout. Come on February, best wishes & see you soon.


I'm thrilled that you're bringing your Ridgeline. If we get stuck in the dirt you can yank us out.

I've been working relentlessly on trying to get Junebug to go to DV but all my efforts to brow beat her into submission have failed.
She keeps bringing up some lame reason about not having any vacation time left. (she used the same excuse last year too) :rolleyes:
Keep working on her from your end Bill and I'll do the same.

I've since come up with another idea -
I'm considering sending Junebug's boss a notice of a "huge" work related convention happening at Death Valley and due to the exemplary work and keen professionalism of his particular department - we want to invite Junebug as our keynote speaker.

T'wood be very nice to meet the wife and pups - so keep working on her too! :-P

haha, do I need to tow a portable kitchen behind my E? Since this is going to be my very first camp out, if there is a check list on what I need to bring, that would be great.

Due to the fact that there's more kewl stuff to do and see at DV than you'll ever have the time for - you might want to spend as little time as possible preparing meals.
Last year for the Chili Cook Off most folks made thier Chili's in advance, froze them solid and let them thaw out in the ice coolers for a few days. It worked out fine.
The same thing can be done this year with the Pot Luck Dinner (unless you're doing BBQ which is always better fresh off the grill)

As for stoves and such - if you don't have one you can borrow ours.
We always bring more stuff than we need anyway - and peeps are always utilizing other people's stuff. That's the fun of camping. :smile:

I've a camp list on the following page for you to reference from. :wink:

Chefjames - here's my camplist.
Please bear in mind that we are hoplessly crazed, pathetic, camping-pack-rats.
We always bring much more than we can possibly use or need.
So if you end up forgetting anything or some items have become mysteriously lost,
then chances are likely that either we, or our good friends the coyotes have it. :razz:

Miss Ellie's Death Valley Camp List:
in it you will find...

* 1 Columbia 19' x 14' Tent
* 12' Tarp
* 2 Axes (recently sharpened)
* 6 Sleeping Bags
* Pillows
* King Size Inflatable Air Mattress & Electric Pump
* Fully Equipped Tool Box
* 1 Bike
* 3 Kites
* 2 Comfy Camp Chairs
* 80 quart Marine Cooler
* 5 Gallon Igloo Water Jug
* 3 Large Transparent Plastic Stackable Crates w/Lids for Non-Perishable foods, Kitchen Utensiles and Assorted Smaller Equipment.
* The Dog House: Even Larger Crate w/ Lid for Heavy Gear & Storage
* 2 Coleman Lanters (Propane & Liquid Gas)
* 1 Battery Powered Lantern for Inside Tent
* 1 Coleman 2 Burner Propane Stove
* A Kajillion Candle Lanterns and Candles
* 8 Cup French Coffee Press
* Pots and Pans and Kitchen Stuff
* 200 ft of Parachute Cord
* First Aid Kit w/ Sun Blocker, Insect Repellant and Poison Oak Remedies
* 3 Good Books
* 20 Burned CD Compilations of Very Cool Music
* Baseball Glove w/both Hard and Soft Balls (let's play catch)
* 3 Pairs of Sunglasses
* 3 Wide Brim Hats
* Swim Wear
* Beach Towels
* Boots, Sneakers & Sandals
* FRS Radios and Cell Phones
* Clothing for a Week
* Tons of Sundries and Toiletry Items
* TP & PT
* Large 8" Buck Knife
* Sony Walkman
* Telescope
* Binoculars
* Charcol & Wood Chips for the Big BBQ Pit & BBQ utensils
* Bar Tending Equipment (Shakers, Shot Glasses and Drink Mixes)
* Flashlights & Batteries
* California Camping Bible
* Maps and Road Atlas

The FRS radio's are a must, you have to know where CorkScrew Mountain is, do you not? You will find out where it is on the FRS Element Radio Station!



Are we there yet?

EDIT: Late breaking info, it's not a mountain, it's a peak,
http://www.mountainzone.com/mountains/detail.asp?fid=632245

Corkscrew Peak... ah, the tales we could tell...:razz:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=36.7634%C2%B0N+116.9839%C2%B0W&ie=UTF8&ll=36.770483,-117.004395&spn=0.020626,0.047679&t=p&z=15&layer=c

In French - Montagne de Tire-bouchon.

In Spanish - Montana Del Sacacorchos.

How I love thee, Corkscrew Mountain.

I honestly believe Corkscrew Mountain either needs its own song, or at least be included into a Djembe original song... :razz:

“Proposed Death Valley Group Activities”

Saturday Night Pot Luck Dinner Feast:
Last year’s Chili Cook Off was a great success with a tasty maraud of exotic and traditional chile stews for every taste and palate. This year we’re going Pot Luck and people can make anything they want. Here’s your chance to impress everyone with your culinary art skills. Anything goes! ;-)

Gag Gift Exchange:
We do this at all of our camping trips. Just find some absurd or useless item that’s hanging around the house or garage that you’ve been wanting to get rid of wrap it up gift paper and watch what happens.

Beatty, Nevada Gas & Beer Run:
Everything in Death Valley National Park is expensive - especially gasoline.
But 40 miles east is Beatty, Nevada and gas prices there are $1.50 - $2.00 cheaper than inside the park.
Beer too for that matter; Last year I went into the store in Beatty threw a few quarters into a slot machine and walked out of there with a 12 pack of Coronas for $5.00! :lol:

Rhyolite Ghost Town Revisted:
No trip to DV is complete without a visit to Rhyolite.
Those who have never seen it will be simply amazed.
The Bottle House, Mercantile Exchange, Cook Bank ruins ( famous music videos shot here)
Lots of historic buildings and a great place to hang out and explore.

Off Road Rambles:
TitusCanyon and Racetrack Playa are very popular and there’s hundreds of miles dirt roads leading to many great places to go and see.

Djembe’s Drum Circle:
One night at last year’s campout we were annoyed by a small family of nitwits who thought it a good idea to choose a campsite in the middle of 15 Elements and then insist on going to bed immediately after sundown – some 4 hours before quiet time. Too bad for them.
But his year I will ask a ranger if there’s somewhere near by where we can have ourselves a drum circle and not bother anyone. I’m sure that there is, we just need to find out.

Hot Spring Pools:
Whoa baby! – Hot Springs! :razz:
This is Djembe’s find. He’ll direct us to it.
Somewhere near or around Beatty.

CD Exchange:
We began this one last year and it was very kewl.
Simply burn a CD of your favorite music and exchange your's with someone else's for the long drive home. You’ll be surprised at the eclectic musical tastes of your fellow camping fools! :cool:
I picked Melanie’s CD last year which was nice but very mellow. I almost fell asleep driving while listening to it. Egads!

Corkscrew Mountain Safari:
We know this place exists as it can be seen from a far distance. Drove by it about 25 times but still couldn’t find it. :rolleyes:
We’ll find it this year for sure and when we do we’ll take some pics of our Elements in the foreground.

You'll also hear some of these breaking the deafing silence in Death Valley.
You can hear them easily but they are difficult to see and then suddenly they are right on top of you.
If your lucky enough you might even get a "tail wag" like this one caught on video at Racetrack Playa - Awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayu-sH8gouQ&feature=related

I honestly believe Corkscrew Mountain either needs its own song or at least be included into a Djembe original song.

Okay so help me out here. What rhymes with Korkenzieherberg?

You're workin'; see her bird?
You're a forkin' sheep heperd?

Yeah - those'll work. What ever happened to "moon - June"?


Go see Eastwood's Changeling. It's really really good.

I suggest you pee first because after you see my scene there are still 2 hours left so head's up.

R

Okay so help me out here. What rhymes with Korkenzieherberg?

You're workin'; see her bird?
You're a forkin' sheep heperd?

Yeah - those'll work. What ever happened to "moon - June"?


Go see Eastwood's Changeling. It's really really good.

I suggest you pee first because after you see my scene there are still 2 hours left so head's up.

R

By the time you actually sing 'Korkenzieherberg', no one will remember what it was supposed to rhyme with,
So,
There ain't no 'burb',
like 'Korkenzieherberg'

'swoon' 'baloon' 'soon' 'cocoon' 'maroon' for june or moon.

Can you get away with,

You're a workin'; see her bird?
"You're forkin' a sheep you shepherd"

Still trying to figure out if I can swing this.

Loading up the E today and heading to DV tomorrow morning.
Crap-they just closed 120 through Yosemite; snow!:-( It ends up making my drive 100+ miles longer.
I'll post pics from Penamint Springs.

thank you all for the wonderful posts. I am very excited about the DV trip, and we are going to have a lot of FUN FUN FUN.

hey, are we going to do a "Camp Chat tonite? (8 pm PST)

I've been missing them lately because of one thing or another, but I'm ready now.

So don't leave me hangin cause I just hate when I'm the only one on and the "Big Al" shows up.:rolleyes:

Just one rule; "No Politics"

Jet...I'll have to check my schedule for "Camp Chat" tonight! ;-)

Chief

Wow, you guys/gals should have been there last night.

MotelE, Miss Ellie & Co., and I decided by a vote that we need to have the "09 National Element Owners Club Meet" (West Coast) at South Lake Tahoe. cause they have everything there. Big Trees, Mountains, Rocks, Lakes, Boats, Casinos, Food, Shows, Glamor, Glitz. What more could anybody want ?

We also decided to start the process for another Humbolt Redwood Forest Campout for the week-end after Labor Day.
Mark your calender, save your pennies, don't use up all your Vacation time and hopefully we'll see you there.

We have every last one of those things in SoCal, plus major attractions for the people who will be bringing their kids with them. My vote is still for the International Combo Meet to be held in Southern California. SoCal will also attract serious print media attention for our E-Vent, and probably even Honda themselves!

South Lake Tahoe is really beautiful to look at, and it is a great camping spot, but it's a pretty boring place if you're looking for a multiple variety of attractions. I would personally hope for something this important, that's suppose to include all EOC members, you would want a location that has something for EVERYONE. I know you guys are 'camping fools,' and all that , but again, this is suppose to be for everyone!


Chief

I'm staying neutral in this matter of where the '09 Big E-vent should be...east coast, west coast... doesn't matter to me since my wife and I have done both.

Last year it was in Vegas and only about 5 E's from the SoCal area showed up, and for only a couple hours at that! We're only talking a matter of a couple hours drive for most people in Cali. I mean, DCbox drove from our nations capitol and only a spattering of West Coast E's stayed for the whole event. What's up with that!?

This year it was in Ohio and the only West coast people that showed up were my wife and I and Junebug! We all flew and bummed rides with locals, it was a great experience even w/out our own E's. I think the next closest attendee was from Utah...this is DISMAL!

I think next years meet needs to be more about attendance and commitment than location. Unfortunately Tmac is having to admit to the hard decision of splitting the meet and having one on each coast and I for one believe it has to do with who will actually show up.

Bragging about how many LOCAL E's one area can get to show up during a meet is fine and all..... but how many of those E's will drive more than 4 hours from their home to attend a meet? This is where I feel the west coast is lacking...

So, regardless to where its held, I think everyone that IS interested needs to STAY interested and just show up as a show of support for Tom and Julie's efforts in making this the best FREE owners club there is.

With the way the economy is now I'd have trouble attending a National Meet in my own zip code. Therefore I vote for Hawaii. (I can dream can't I?)

Paul - The Las Vegas meet was in the desert at the end of June and sneakers were melting on the sidewalks.
Too dang hot for me and Richelle - some peeps can't handle that kind of intense heat and get sick.
(my excuse)

From what I heard it was so hot in Vegas that you could bake a frozen pizza on the hood of a Element in 10 mins.

As for last year's Ohio Meet - kuddos for you and Junebug in attending it. But all comes down to money or lack thereof.
If people could of afforded it many more would of showed up from all over the country.

I'd like to have enough money where I could take a year off and travel the entire country and attend every EOC Meet & Greet, Mod Meet and camping gig from coast to coast. That would be a blast!

My itineray for 2009 is Death Valley, Humboldt Redwoods and whatever local meets I can get to. Beyond that is just dreaming (and I tend to do a lot of that)

PS: I've just begun planning for the Humboldt Redwoods Campout for September 2009. It's still in it's infancy stage at the moment.
We may or may not be doing a Group Camp thing which totally depends on getting someone with deep enough pockets -
to cover the up front cost of the securing a Group Campsite for 7 nights which is $945! :shock:
If that can be done we will Group Camp - if not we'll be going for indivdual campsites.

Gene...I totally agree with you, planning anything in Las Vegas in the summer months is as close to a guaranteed "NO SHOW" as you're ever going to find!

Chief

I agree... Vegas in the summer is not the brightest idea. Nor is it financially possible for people to travel cross-country for some weekend gig.

But it does beg the questions... If the Big Event was held in the SoCal area, would the camping fools show?... and for that matter, if it was held in Tahoe, would the SoCal cruisers show?

comfortable temperatures - both
twisty roads for spirited driving - both
water attractions for summer fun - both
off road availability within reasonable driving distance - both
camping - both
hotels - both
night life - both
nearby historical locations - both
beautiful photographic locations - both
parking lots for mod meets - both
a guaranteed rip roarin' time - only if you show up
etc..etc..etc..

I personally believe it should be held either in the Pacific North West somewhere... or in the South Eastern states, since neither has had a Big Event there.

I agree... Vegas in the summer is not the brightest idea. Nor is it financially possible for people to travel cross-country for some weekend gig.

But it does beg the questions... If the Big Event was held in the SoCal area, would the camping fools show?... and for that matter, if it was held in Tahoe, would the SoCal cruisers show?

comfortable temperatures - both
twisty roads for spirited driving - both
water attractions for summer fun - both
off road availability within reasonable driving distance - both
camping - both
hotels - both
night life - both
nearby historical locations - both
beautiful photographic locations - both
parking lots for mod meets - both
a guaranteed rip roarin' time - only if you show up
etc..etc..etc..

I personally believe it should be held either in the Pacific North West somewhere... or in the South Eastern states, since neither has had a Big Event there.



Paul and Lacy's House = all of the above! :razz:

At best, there were probably 20, or so Elements in Vegas, we normally average that many, just at our local SoCal meets. In July when T Mac invited us to the Honda US Open of Surfing, he had to cut it off at 40 Elements, we got that and more, and people were still trying to sign up all the way to the last minute. It was a completely successful "Campers and Cruisers" function! In fact, that's where I finally got to personally meet Gene and Richelle, and a bunch of other REALLY NICE PEOPLE!!! Some people passed on this meet to go and smell some Garlic! :-P

SoCal..."ALL THE WAY!!!"

Chief

we normally average that many, just at our local SoCal meets
well...you COULD'VE doubled the Vegas attendance but didn't... I mean, its pretty bad when the majority of people that did come to Vegas, weren't even from Cali, Nevada, or Arizona. And I'm sorry if I keep coming back to Vegas, but I must've heard it a million times that weekend "why isn't there more SoCal people here?...we're in Vegas for them..." 5 E's for a couple hours is one thing...20-40 SoCal E's for a couple hours is better.
he had to cut it off at 40 Elements, we got that and more, and people were still trying to sign up all the way to the last minute.
But you're talking about a 1 day get together catering to the local E's. Of course there's a large turnout. You've got minimal drive times for the majority in attendance and the events don't really require large padded pockets.

Throw in a required multi-night hotel stay someplace outside 8hrs drive and it seems everyone drops off the roster. I'm not getting down on any one location, or the reasons why people can't show. I'm just voicing my concerns based on all past National Events and those concerns are that when it comes to areas outside the major metropolis of California, us west coasters tend NOT to show. Its a sad fact. Now, I'm sure given the means, everyone of us would attend every meet, but that's just not in the cards.

Some people passed on this meet to go and smell some Garlic! :razz:

My wife Lacy is the sweetest, most understanding girl in the world...but...I've got a marriage to maintain... :D

...oh, and had my wife told me that she was going to her parents for the weekend, in advance rather than last minute, I would've been there for the Dana Point Mod Meet.

The bottom line is that we have MAJOR participation in SoCal, NOT LAS VEGAS! If the International Combo Meet were here, there would probably be a 50 to 60 local Elements turn out, let alone NorCal, and Elements from other states. It just makes sense to me that if you are planning a meet, you'd want to start where you have the strongest participants, then add to it!

Chief

It's still too early to start a thread for next summer's 2009 Humboldt Redwoods Camping Adventure but some things have developed that I think I should tell ya all about before hand.

The Group Camp we did last year is probably not in the cards for us this year.
The cost of securing the group camp for 7 days is $945 "up-front in advance" - and although it would be a cheap date if we got 20 EOCer's in on it -
($47 for 7 nights per vehicle)
I can't expect someone to take on the entire $945 to do it. It's really asking alot. I wouldn't do it and I can't see anyone else doing it either.

But fear not!
Your's truly has another Humboldt Redwoods camping option to present and I can tell you from personal experience that this option may even be better than last year's Group Camp!

Tucked some 5 miles west into the woods from Avenue of the Giants, nestled in the Old Growth giant Redwood trees of Rockefeller Forest is one of the best kept camping secrets in all of California;
"Albee Creek Campground" in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

This is a special, very enchanting place to spend a week of camping.
It's small with only 40 campsites, very secluded and has open areas with a meadow, apple orchard, Old Growth Redwoods, incredible solar showers and all by it's lonesomes. I've camped there before and it's truly an exceptional place even by Giant Redwood standards.

So if we can't do the Group Camp thing, then Albee Creek should be our back up plan.
We can't make reservations until March 2009 and we'll have to be on it immediately (like white on rice) or it will quickly fill up.

Here's a link to the Albee Creek campground with more info. http://www.humboldtredwoods.org/albee.htm

Can we make a thread dedicated to the Death Valley Feb get-together somewhere on this board? Thanks.

Can we make a thread dedicated to the Death Valley Feb get-together somewhere on this board? Thanks.

I was waiting for a comment like that and I will submit to your wishes. :rolleyes:
Soon there will be a thread up for Humboldt and the impending location of National Meet so you won't have to worry bout getting your panties all tied up in a wad. :lol:

Thanks Rick.
DV is awesome right now. 70-80 sunny and clear as my place in the Bay Area is getting pelted with rain.
Road 108+ miles yesterday Big Pine Rd-Eureka Dunes-Steel Pass-Warm Springs-Saline back to Big Pine. Lot's of fun, but riding to fast to take much in the way of pictures. North Saline goes through a forest, trippy in Death Valley. Hit upper warm springs (very cool and deserted) and more developed lower warm springs (think "bad ugly" Seinfeld).

Drove into Penamint Springs this morning after getting various bolts and fasteners that I littered death valley with from the 650KLR.

Took the E out over Southern Saline Road, pass, and hunter mountain road. If you have seen the DV Backroads map and are a little timid, because it says "high clearance vehicles", don't! In the words of Flavor Flav "Don't believe the hype". Saline is a cake walk as is Hunter Mountain.

It's a shame that North and South Saline are usaully snow bound in Febuary they are awesome roads.
Pics Bat Sign, Marble Canyon salt tram(North Saline), South Saline pass/forest, and dusk on Saline south.-Josh
More to follow.

What have I done ?:confused:

That's a bummer about the group site Gene... I'll have to break the news gently to Lacy since she loved that spot soo much. The large dining area served soo well for the potluck.

Albee creek looks to be a lovely spot replete with a meadow for some of Ric's night time glow-frisbee action. Not to mention on-site showers, that's a bonus in itself! WooHoo!!

Now I'll just have to map out directions from the new (possible) campground to our secret swimmin' hole... Oohoh... I'm shaking with anticipation! :-D

Yeah Josh - nice pics! :D

We wuz wonderin with wild anticipation how you were doing roaming about in Death Valley over the week end.
It think it rained everywhere in Cailfornia except for DV.

While waiting for you to check back in with us - the thread got a wee bit off track with Jet, Elemen OP, Darth Raider, and myself bantering on off subject. :rolleyes:

Look's like you had a grand time out there.
We're keeping our fingers crossed and hoping to see at camp in February.

That's a bummer about the group site Gene... I'll have to break the news gently to Lacy since she loved that spot soo much. The large dining area served soo well for the potluck.

Albee creek looks to be a lovely spot replete with a meadow for some of Ric's night time glow-frisbee action. Not to mention on-site showers, that's a bonus in itself! WooHoo!!

Now I'll just have to map out directions from the new (possible) campground to our secret swimmin' hole... Oohoh... I'm shaking with anticipation! :-D


Paul - at the risk of catching more heat from Djembe for posting on this thread, tell Lacy not to worry because she's gonna love the Albee Creek campground.
It has wonderful things to offer that last year's Group Camp didn't.
Those things will immediately become obvious upon arrival. :D

PS: Albee Creek campground entrance is off the Mattole Road on the way to Honeydew.
That's the road you took last year when you went off to rescue Spdrcr5 and Imperience (god bless em) from thier infamous -
"Let's Bite Off More Than We Can Chew" cycling tour. :razz:

PPS: Google- Albee Creek Campground

Okay, just brisked my way through this thread to get back up to speed on it, and see the EOC and ROC from another point of view other than a Linux command line for once this month ;)

So let me see if I got this correct...

1) Djembe's working on a theme song
2) I should burn a cd of mixed favorite music to leave with some unsuspecting vict... camper.
3) I won't need any special tires, but make sure my spare is good to go.

and the big one in my mind right now...

4) there will be a caravan from the Mojave area? As in Mojave Desert, So Cal, home of SS1? Need more details ... or at least a list of who's going to be part of that, to coordinate with.

Me and the Mrs, and the camping Iggies, looking forward to it!

Last year we were supposed to meet at Denny's in Mojave, but everybody magically appeared at the Large Grocery Store (Hughes? Vons?, Ralphs?, Piggly Wiggly?,....I can't remember). It was a great place to buy those last minute items that you forgot to back. But, don't worry too much cause the Campground is adjacent to well stocked General Store, They have everything, firewood, post cards, art, t-shirts, beer, ice, scorpians in acrylic balls.
Of course you are paying extra for the shipping. You should find some fire wood before you leave.
Also, don't forget your FRS Radio tuned to channel 8
And the Pot Luck on Sat. Most of us pre-cook and then freeze it and the prep is easy and painless.
Don't forget your Camera. (Yeah, like that could really happen)

The Death Valley Caravan from Mohave:

It all begins early Thursday morning.
For those of us in need of a hot breakfast prior to 4 hours of driving - Denny's is the place to be.
Good breakfast menu, clean restrooms and lots of java!
This happens between 7:00 and 8:00 AM

The Caravan meets between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM at the parking lot of a "well stocked" Stater Bros. grocery store in Mohave.
Any provisions you may need can be had there.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/Demonsport/EOC%20Campout%20DV/IMG_3850.jpg

The weather in February is usually interesting in Mohave - we've caught some snow there before and by the time we got to DV we were all changing into T-Shirts and shorts.

Once we're all gathered up and ready, we'll drive north on Rt.14 from Mohave to the Redrock-Randsburg Road and follow it to Randsburg, Johannesburg, and Red Mountain - where we'll visit some local haunts recommend by our desert tour guide "Djembe"

From Red Mountain (you'll know why it's called red when you see it) we cut across US 395 and dog-leg our way to Trona on the Trona Road.
Trona is a stinky little mineral town where no grass will grow and it's half ghost town these days.
It's noted that the Chevron station in Trona has some unusual restrooms which must be seen!
It's also "last chance" for gas prior to arrival at Death Valley National Park.

We leave Trona on the Panamint Valley Road which navigates a long valley between the Argus and Panamint Mountain ranges.
It's very desolate and scenic here.
F-18 and experimental jet aircraft out of China Lake Naval Weapons Center often manuever this section.
We've been straffed and had our cages rattled by sonic booms from these guys on our way to Death Valley before - it's very impressive!
(Rocket Dog would love it!) :razz:

After an hour driving on Panamint Valley Road we'll be inside the park boundaries and converge with Rt 190 and take this long road east, up and over the top of the Panamints and down onto the floor of Death Valley; which is only about 12 miles wide but it's 120 miles long!
Simply a breath taking view.

It's another 35 miles of driving (inside the park) to our campground at Furnace Creek where the camping fun really begins!

The Death Valley Caravan is one good time drive - you will thoroughly enjoy yourself!

Thanks Miss Ellie for coordinating this whole thing. Since I will be leaving from San Diego (I might go to LA the night before but not sure yet), do you have the address of that Stater Brother's store? Or I can go to Denny's to have the breakfast as well and to meet with the rest of you there.

Your welcome Chef James - it's my pleasure. :D
Besides Richelle and myself I really don't know who else will show up for breakfast at 7:00 AM - but if you can drive from where ever you are to Mohave without eating that early in the morning, I do recommend Denny's!

Here's the addresses:

Stater Bros.
16920 State Highway 14
Mohave, Ca, 93501
661-824-2719

Denny's
16262 Sierra Highway
Mohave, Ca. 93501
661-824-1748

I think I will join you for breakfast, if I am leaving from San Diego, it will be a long drive for me. Once again, thanks for the info.
Also Miss Ellie, you mean early Thursday morning right, not Friday. Feb 26 is Thursday....

I think I will join you for breakfast, if I am leaving from San Diego, it will be a long drive for me. Once again, thanks for the info.
Also Miss Ellie, you mean early Thursday morning right, not Friday. Feb 26 is Thursday....



Great, we'll see you there. (Denny's has my favorite - Chicken Fried Steak w/biscuts and gravy mmmmm)
Yes - thank you for the correction - it's Thursday morning

the best western in Mojave is nice, and right next to dennysj

The last two years the EOC Death Valley Campout has been a "3 day" Friday - Sunday event.
We've come to realize that 3 days in Death Valley barely scratches the surface of all the great things to do and see in a park the size of the state of Conneticut.

So this year we've expanded it into a Thursday - Sunday "4 day" event.
Perhaps this one extra day will give peeps a chance do to things that there just wasn't enough time to do in a three day visit to this enchanting, gargantuan National Park.

Water! Water! Water!
Death Valley has plenty of it but you can't see it. :???:

Did you know that deep under and far below the scorching ground of Death Valley is one of the largest aquifers in the United States?
40,000 square miles of pure ice cold water!

Death Valley is 12 miles wide and 120 miles long - the remnant of what use to be a very large lake.
About 60,000 years what's now known as Death Valley was in fact Lake Manley and what's left of Lake Manley is now known as Death Valley.
The Death Valley aquifer supplies water to Las Vegas and other regions of Nevada and is the sole source of water for the entire Furance Creek resort complex, it's golf course, swimming pool and the Furnace Creek Campground where we'll be staying.

So you don't really need to bring water with you to this campout - because there's plenty available once you arrive.
What comes out of the campground water sipgots is some of the purest H2o anywhere and it's free!
So take advantage of it and what the heck - you might even want to take some home with you too.

Miss Ellie, did you know that somebody stole your avatar ?:confused:

Jet - Yes I do and if I find out who stole it, they're gonna wish that thier mothers never met thier fathers. :razz:

Actually I'm too dumb to figure out how to downsize my pics to 80 X 80.
But once I do I'll have a new avatar up that will annoy everyone.

'cause I'm going up Wednesday...YAHOOO! :D:D Actually, gave the wrong dates for my reserv, so just stuck with it and and will enjoy 4 days in beautiful D.V. Maybe we can make Scotty's Castle this time. Hope the Wind Gods are merciful this time. Last time my tent inverted like an old umbrella in the Santa Ana's. :shock:

Hope the gas prices stay low until February.

Water! Water! Water!
Death Valley has plenty of it but you can't see it. :???:

Did you know that deep under and far below the scorching ground of Death Valley is one of the largest aquifers in the United States?
40,000 square miles of pure ice cold water!


what an interesting fact. I am very excited about this trip now, and can't wait to meet with everyone else. Although I might have already met some of you during the HB meet....

Meant to get these posted earlier, but on last Sunday my E was struck by an AC cover from a Winniebago w/leprosy. Lots of drama with various insurance companies. E goes in next week for repair. Front Clip, windshield, passenger light, repaint remove dents from hood etc.

First group of pics are from trip to Darwin Falls and town of Darwin. The gold fish are in China Garden Spring an oasis in the desert. Pic of Coyote near fish but didn't make it. Next pic of Darwin Falls and a Coot (bird). Town of Darwin statues (that's my dad in the fore ground). "Gates of Hell" statue me and my dad. The town is pretty interesting lots of art installations and a population of 50.

Pic of Post Office in Darwin, there is a new one. Funny that a town of 50 people gets it's own new post office.
Next Pic current (tea kettles change on a yearly basis) photo from Tea Kettle Junction, came over Hunter Mountain.
Moving rock on race track playa.

Rode up to Cerro Gordo outside of Keeler, CA. Awesome views of Owens Valley and Sierras. Road climbs 4400 feet in 7.7 miles, with the first 1.5 bein pretty flat.
Next set of pictures are North of the Park off of Death Valley road Papoose Flats with a shot in the Narrows. Check out the road surface in the Narrows, nice and rocky. Lots of sand when rocks weren't around. Happy to be riding the TW on the trails this days. The 400 pound KLR is a little unhappy in the sand.
Last pic, loaded and heading South.
Josh

Nice pics Josh - hope to see you there in February!

Course examination at Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park -
Those are some crazy ass rocks. :twisted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlfJcgzzpNE&feature=rec-HM-fresh+div

Hi Friends!

Happy Turkey-lurkey.

1 - I'm on MONK's Christmas episode tonight at 9pm on USA Network. Episode is called Mr. Monk & the Miracle and I die on page five but Mr. Monk solves the mystery. Funny stuff, poignant too, and I shot two scenes with my hero Tracey Walter. It repeats at midnight I believe and all weekend. I play Willie T. the ne'er-do-well.

2 - I'm in an excellent indy film that tore up the festival circuit this year that gets a one-week run starting today at the Downtown Independent Theater (251 S. Main St, Los Angeles 213-617-1033). It's called FIX and I play Ivan, a Russian hydroponic pot dealer who uses the cat toy company "Pretty P-u-s-s-y" as a front for my operations. I have one scene with the lovely Megalyn Echikunwoke. It's really good.

3 - I'm on Megalyn's tv show CSI: MIAMI in two weeks on Mon Dec 15. I have one scene as Darryl Broadman the tipster and it might be quite funny. The episode is called "Tipping Point".

4 - Of course, Mr. Eastwood's CHANGELING is in wide release and it is an exceptional film. I am Man in Diner in De Kalb about twenty minutes into it.

5 - I'm on CSI: LAS VEGAS Jan 29, 2009 in the first episode that Lawrence Fishburn flies solo (without Wm Peterson). The episode is incredibly well-written and is extremely disgusting at the same time and it is called "Disarmed & Dangerous". I have but two lines but my role is v. central to the story. I play Dr. Reynaldo Fihlo.

You may now resume chatter about Death Valley. I can't even wait.

Ric

Excellent acting, thanks for posting the times. It is cool to have a friend that is on my own TV!

[QUOTE=DJEMBE;690695]Hi Friends!

Happy Turkey-lurkey.

1 - I'm on MONK's Christmas episode tonight at 9pm on USA Network. Episode is called Mr. Monk & the Miracle and I die on page five but Mr. Monk solves the mystery. Funny stuff, poignant too, and I shot two scenes with my hero Tracey Walter. It repeats at midnight I believe and all weekend. I play Willie T. the ne'er-do-well.

I was checking the REI website, and noticed that they have camping gears for rent, such as the tent, light, stove...etc. Is it a good idea to rent the tent for REI?? Since I don't go out camping that often (hopefully it will become more often in the future), but until then, I think renting a rent might be a good idea.

REI has good camping gear for rent. If you don't want to sleep in your Element I'd say rent yourself a REI tent.

But don't let them talk you into renting a kayak or any ski equipment for Death Valley. :confused:

However, this might be fun...
"Sandboarding at Eureka Dunes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5rq7menvI

There's a swimming pool at the Furnace Creek Ranch.
The pool is part of a large resort complex that's next to the Furnace Creek Campground.
The "ranch" is a large sprawling resort that has just about everything in creature comforts including a store, several restaurants, a pub, a museum and nifty overnight accomadations.
Contrary to public perceptions Death Valley is not just rocks, dirt, cactus and coyotes.
If camping ain't your thing, there are cabins and cozy room rentals.

Here's the web page - check out the Photo Galley http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/furnace-creek-ranch-1223.html

What better way to refresh after a long day of playing in the dirt at Death Valley than jumping into a beautiful, warm, spring fed pool? :confused:
Don't ask us, because we've yet to utilize this superb swimming pool during our two previous trips to DV.
No one know's why this is so. :???:
Anyway - it's within a lovely walking distance from the campground and costs a whole dollar to use.
Showers are located there too - and everyone's encouraged to use both. :-P
Google "Photos of the The Pool at Furnace Creek Ranch" for detailed pics. :cool:

Furnace Creek Ranch also has a "all-you-can-eat" breakfast buffet at the Wrangler restaruant that features a rotating menu of hot and cold entrees.
Plan on a group feed here Friday or Saturday morning before heading out into the back country.

the last time i stayed Furnace Creek Ranch was back in the winter 1995. we were shooting the movie Lost Highways in the area there.

Rick

REI has good camping gear for rent. If you don't want to sleep in your Element I'd say rent yourself a REI tent.

But don't let them talk you into renting a kayak or any ski equipment for Death Valley. :confused:

However, this might be fun...
"Sandboarding at Eureka Dunes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb5rq7menvI


Thanks Miss Ellie for your info. Skiing down the sand dunes in DV might be a fun thing to do, perhaps I can invent some kind of a new sport :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Swimming in late Feb might be a fun thing to do, we can try to for a swim this time, if its not too cold.

Breakfast sounds like a good idea.

the last time i stayed Furnace Creek Ranch was back in the winter 1995. we were shooting the movie Lost Highways in the area there.

Rick



1995? You must be way over due for a revisit by now.
Come along with us Rick - you'll enjoy it.:)
Guaranteed wicked good time fun.

1995? You must be way over due for a revisit by now.
Come along with us Rick - you'll enjoy it.:)
Guaranteed wicked good time fun.

yes Miss Ellie, i think you may be right. if i am not working on a show out of town i will try to make it there. i'm always good for some wicked good time fun. so i guess these new tires that i just put on(General Grabber AT/2 225/75/16) will be getting a good work out there....

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o301/rick4570/Picture102.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o301/rick4570/Picture103.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o301/rick4570/Picture104.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o301/rick4570/Picture101.jpg

Rick

Radical. :shock:

Is it too late to RSVP for the trip??

I just returned from a short trip in the area. Every year at the Panamint Springs Resort they have a free Thanksgiving feast (donations accepted) and this year I attended. Lots of people, lots of fun.
Wish I had that lift I've seen on the forums. E's are too low for a 4x4.

It did rain a bit though...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/lorenmeans/DV2008/dirty_honda.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/lorenmeans/DV2008/Dirty_honda2.jpg

I have more pics here if you care to see:

http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/lorenmeans/DV2008/

Lmeans---you need to post those pics here!:rolleyes::)


http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44278&highlight=Dirty

Lmeans---you need to post those pics here!:rolleyes::)


http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44278&highlight=Dirty


Will do!!

Seriously though, I would like to go to DV in February. Do I need to do anything more than show up?

Nice pictures Lmeans, hope you can join us in February. I just checkd the site, some spaces are still open.

http://www.recreation.gov/campsiteCalendar.do?sitepage=true&page=calendar&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70978&&startIdx=25

I'm in.
Space 101

Oh and if someone is poor or just considering spending a day, I reserved 2 vehicles for my spot.
Just in case.

WELCOME!!! You will have a great time. Somewhere there is a list of element sites, we are in 117. Miss Ellie will probably know where it is posted. Best wishes, Bill, Snoqualmie WA

Post #89 is the last map that I've seen. We'll probably get a revised map or 2 between now and the big deployment.
Oh, by the way Welcome "Chefjames" and "Lmeans" I look forward to meeting you.

Nice Lbeans,

perhaps we can caravan to Mojave to meet up with others....since I will be leaving from San Diego.

Jet, did you go to the HB meet? If you did, might have seen you there, if not, looking forward to meet with you as well.

Mel's E can't resist another trip. I will be in spot 100. Looking forward to seeing my camping pals and to make new friends.

We need more E's from the North - some company for me to drive down with would be great.

i am going to stay in Mojave, anyone else?

Way to go Mel !

I'm thinking this is going to be an awesome Campout, and I feel sorry for those
who couldn't make it.

Camp ground map..( Update 12/01/08 )

All campsites marked in yellow are EOC members.
All that are in red are taken by unknowns.
This list is for FEB 26,27 & 28.

If I mised any EOC members please post your
site number or PM me, so I can post a updated map.

63164
63165

Way to go Mel !

I'm thinking this is going to be an awesome Campout, and I feel sorry for those
who couldn't make it.



Jet - I concur completely.
This is shaping up to be quite a concatenation of Elements.
I'm all sorts of giddy about it.


Heck - just this week end alone we added three more camping fools to our list of distinguished attendees.

* Mels E is coming all the way down from Novato. "Can't wait to see you again Mel." :grin:
Bring the Tangueray and I'll bring a big bag of limes! :)
(Haven't forgotten about Humboldt either - still trying to contact the rangers about reservations - it will happen)

* Rick4570 will be getting some decent use out of those nobby Grabber AT 225/75/16's in Titus Canyon.
I think he'll appreciate that.

* Lmeans and his dirty E took some great pics at Panamint Springs during Thanksgiving week end. Prepare for more dirt! 8-)

WELCOME ABOARD GUYS!

Now if only we could find a way to cajole JoJo into going...
aside from coyotes, I've heard about old zombies lurking around Death Valley's ghost towns and old mines. :shock:
We're planning a night raid on Rhyolite too - having a veteran zombie fighter like her along would be helpful.

I 'm really looking forward to it. This is Jeep territory ya' know?
We gots to represent!!

I hope that I never, and I mean NEVER, get my E that dirty again. I had to drive it like that all through the OC today. Much in contrast to all the shiny SUV's rolling on chrome dubs. I swear I might have made the evening news!!

It will be nice to travel in a group for once, as I normally foolishly travel alone, just waiting for a Darwin Award of some sort.

Just to let everyone know, The Panamint Springs Resort offers a very good and very free (donations accepted) Thanksgiving feast every year. The food was seriously good too, and its all you can eat. It has quite a following too. There are tent and RV camping spots on the premises, as well as a full bar and wifi to boot!! The spaces are usually reserved well in advance but I arrived at 11am Turkrey Day and got a canceled spot. This was my first year attending but I would go again next year if anyone wants to make a trip of it.

Loren

There is no way I was going to sit back at home and watch you guys, via the internet pics have all the fun in DV! I have gin and a flying monkey on the "items to pack" list. :rolleyes: For those that have not seen Jets dog Duffy in action with a flying monkey, it is something that you must see.

I 'm really looking forward to it. This is Jeep territory ya' know?
We gots to represent!!

I hope that I never, and I mean NEVER, get my E that dirty again. I had to drive it like that all through the OC today. Much in contrast to all the shiny SUV's rolling on chrome dubs. I swear I might have made the evening news!!

It will be nice to travel in a group for once, as I normally foolishly travel alone, just waiting for a Darwin Award of some sort.

Just to let everyone know, The Panamint Springs Resort offers a very good and very free (donations accepted) Thanksgiving feast every year. The food was seriously good too, and its all you can eat. It has quite a following too. There are tent and RV camping spots on the premises, as well as a full bar and wifi to boot!! The spaces are usually reserved well in advance but I arrived at 11am Turkrey Day and got a canceled spot. This was my first year attending but I would go again next year if anyone wants to make a trip of it.

Loren

sounds like something i would be interested in. can you PM me more info..

Rick

EOC Death Valley Camping Jamboree III
February 26 -29 ~ 2009

Itinerary:
If your not familar with DV and want to hang out with the cool kids, you can hook up with the itinerary here and not get lost.
Or you can venture out on your own for personal desert adventures.
Either way it's all good and you'll have a grand time no matter what you decide to do.


Thursday 2-26
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast at Denny’s restaurant in Mohave.
If you get into town early enough join us at Denny’s for a hot breakfast.
You’ll be driving on the back roads for 3-4 hrs and there’s few places to grab something to eat between Mohave and DV.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
E-Caravan from Mohave to Death Valley:
Meet up at the Stater Bros parking lot in Mohave for a "paved" two-lane, back country drive to DV.
Stater Bros. is a fully stocked grocery store and any provisions you need can be had there.
( Better selections and much cheaper to buy items here than to pay extra for them at the park)
Stop overs at Red Mountain, the semi ghost towns of Johannesburg, Randsberg, Trona and the beautiful Searle Valley along the way.
1:00 PM
Arrive at Furnace Creek Campground:
Make camp and spend the rest of the day hanging out and exploring the Furnace Creek area.
There’s a lot to see here. A store, pub, restaurants, museum, and nearby points of interest that are all worth checking out.
Watching the sunset at Zabriskie Point adds to the romantic mystique.
6:00 PM
Dinner: Is what ever you decide to make for yourselves.
Or in case you’re not in the mood for cooking, you can take a lovely, short stroll through a Palm Grove to Furnace Creek Ranch where several good eating establishments are available.
As of yet no “group feeds” are scheduled for either Thursday or Friday night.
7:30 PM
The Beatty. Nevada/Rhyolite Run:
After dinner we’re scheduling a drive to Beatty, Nevada for cheap gas, a local bar casino stops and maybe take in a dip at Bailey’s Hot Springs.
On the drive back to camp, a moonlight Element invasion of Rhyolite ghost town will be occurring for creepy photo ops and cavorting about the ruins… woohahaha!


Friday 2-27
8:00 AM:
"Breakfast at Furnace Creek Ranch"
Start your day exploring the back country of Death Valley with a full belly under your belt..
The ranch’s Wrangler restaurant features a self service – all you can eat – breakfast buffet that offers a rotating menu of hot and cold entrees. Mmmmm good*
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
"Drive up to Racetrack Playa" (this is a full day trek – so do pack a lunch)
Located in the northern section of the park, a drive out into the hinterland to visit the mysterious sliding rocks is a trip well worth taking.
Also on the route are giant Ubehebe Crater, Ubehebe Jr. and Teakettle Junction.
Bring along an old teakettle. We can all sign it and hang it on the Teakettle Junction sign post. “The EOC was here”
Round trip = 176 miles (the last 26 mile section of the trip is a slow go on a gravel road, but what awaits you at the journey's end is most fantastic)


Saturday 2- 28
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
"The Titus Canyon Run"
Titus Canyon is some mighty big fun. 26 miles (one way) of gravel road snaking your way through colored mineral canyon walls that rise up into the sky.
Old mines, amazing photo ops, petroglyps, and a picnic lunch “inside” a slot canyon wall.
6:00 PM
Pot Luck Dinner: Last year we had us a Chili Cook Off this year it’s a Pot Luck feast.
Bring or make whatever suits your culinary fancies.

Gag Gift Exchange: Bring a stupid gift, be creative, (anything will do) wrap it in paper and exchange it with others.
CD Exchange: Burn a CD of your favorite tunes and swap it with someone else’s for the long ride home.

Sunday 2 – 29 GO HOME

Wow.. I think a 4 day DV trip should be standard from here on out! Last trip was soo much fun, but felt like it flew by too quickly. Take lots of pics of the caravan out to Racetrack..I've been curious as to just how "rough" that road is.

Wish we could be joining ya! :cry:

Wow.. I think a 4 day DV trip should be standard from here on out! Last trip was soo much fun, but felt like it flew by too quickly. Take lots of pics of the caravan out to Racetrack..I've been curious as to just how "rough" that road is.

Wish we could be joining ya! :cry:



Dang! I wish you were going with us. :cry:
We'll take meticulous notes, with many pics and even put your names on the kettle we hang on the Teakettle Junction sign post. :)

[SIZE=6]


Thursday 2-26
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast at Denny’s restaurant in Mohave.


Mojave by 6am....So like.....who in OC has a tow hitch?
I'll pitch in some gas $$
Fer reals!!

sounds like something i would be interested in. can you PM me more info..

Rick

Hi Rick,

I can add that it started at noon and runs until people stop coming or they run out of food, but apparently, they never run out. It looked like most people were donating $10-20 a person. The owners and all the staff were very friendly. My tent space costs $15. There are two showers and one restroom stall in the Men's restroom, plus port-a-pody's throughout. The camping was a pretty close together, especially considering that there is 1000 miles of desert all around. There is also a small hotel and RV spaces. The crowd that initially arrived was mostly seniors, then later couples, families, and a few desert rats just passing through. It was a friendly, good time. Plenty of places to sit and eat, and no waiting after the initial opening at noon. Oh, and the resort is right on Hwy 190 before DV in the middle of F'ing nowhere. You make a turn and Bam!, there it is. There is a gas station/sparse General Store too. Gas was $1.84 in Mojave and $3.49 in Panamint Springs.
Beautiful scenery and plenty of trails that an Element can easily maneuver. Almost all of the pictures in my album were taken nearby.

http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t72/lorenmeans/DV2008/?albumview=slideshow

Here is the website http://www.deathvalley.com/psr/index.php

Loren

thanks Lmeans. looks like a trip i might have to make next Thanks giving.......

Rick

Mojave by 6am....So like.....who in OC has a tow hitch?
I'll pitch in some gas $$
Fer reals!!

That is why I am planning to leave SD around 4 in the morning.....I think it will take me 2.5 hrs to get to Mojave

That is why I am planning to leave SD around 4 in the morning.....I think it will take me 2.5 hrs to get to Mojave

Yeah, we should caravan there for our own safety!! :???:

Sounds good to me. :D:D

I'm so bored so I thought I'd increase my "Posts" numbers by posting this map of Furnace Creek Campground.
Would somebody start some meaningful dialogue?

Wow, I've now got 737 posts, that's gotta be symbolic or something



re:Map the shaded areas are shady areas (trees)

Must bring own shade!!! Must bring own shade!!! Next you will be telling us that the camp sites do not have cable TV!! The horror, no wonder they call it death valley. best wishes and see you in Feb.

I stayed in a motel in Mojave last Friday to catch my episode of MONK twice (I have no cable at home). Saturday was sparkly and beautiful so my partner and I decided to drive through Death Valley to stay at the Stagecoach in Beatty that night to catch MONK again. I more than doubled my blackjack buy-in and then gave it all right back.

We hit Bailey Hot Springs twice. It is incredible there. It's $5/person for an hour or so and there are three private pools (with doors). I propose that before we hit the entrance to Titus Canyon that we hit the hot springs a mere ten miles further. The coolest of the three pools has the most room inside to set up chairs and merriment (no glassware though). Their drinking water comes from the same source and is available from any number of campsite spigots and it is like velvet, baby.

I told the caretaker to expect a number of boxy cars two months from now. If nobody else is there I'm sure we can have all three pools to run between - the hot one will turn you into soup stock fairly quickly but it's awesome. You will get back in your car a new person, guaranteed.

Anyhoo, the hours at Bailey's are 8am-8pm.

Ric

It's been my experience that after I've turned to Jello in a Hot Tub or Hot Springs, I'm kinda worthless (more than usual). I wish we could do the Hot Thing after a day in the Park rather than the start of a day. Do they have a Cold Spring that we can jump in.

Next you will be telling us that the camp sites do not have cable TV!!

The Campsites don't have Cable TV,
But I can bring "My Reel" with every Airplane Movie & TV Program you can name, and maybe Rick can bring his "Reel" which is probably enough for the 3 days.
Now all we'll need is a Big Screen TV and some Popcorn.

Dog gone it! I was holding out for Cable TV!!!! :roll:

Chief

Your reel: no wonder why they call it death valley!!!! :~) It will keep the coyotes away from our puppies. Mid january we are heading south to find the sun, snow in the passes willing. Staying in the mahoje (Ridgecrest) for a few weeks practice before DV. Come on February~~~~

The Campsites don't have Cable TV,
But I can bring "My Reel" with every Airplane Movie & TV Program you can name, and maybe Rick can bring his "Reel" which is probably enough for the 3 days.
Now all we'll need is a Big Screen TV and some Popcorn.


There's a really "big" big screen at the campground. But no cable.
It features only one channel but it's a beauty; "The Celestial Network" it's only on at night and it's free.
Best seen by telescope and it's most fantastic.

Death Valley is one of the darkest places left in the continental United States.
Unfortunately the last two times we camped at DV we had a Full Moon to contend with.
It lit everything up making it too bright and less than stellar star gazing opportunities.

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

Good news folks, we're finally going to see Death Valley under the phase of a New Moon which means it's gonna be incredibly dark at night with optimal conditions for exceptional star gazing.
This is a huge treat for us - the Milky Way will be so bright you might need sunglasses.

If you have a telescope I highly recommend bringing it along.
There's tons of stuff up there and you won't believe how much of it you'll be able to see!

February 2009 Moon Phases:
The New Moon is on Feb. 25th. It will be pitch black on the 26th thru the 28th. WooHoo! :grin:

Here's a sample of what to expect;
Check this out >>>> http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070508.html :shock:

It's been my experience that after I've turned to Jello in a Hot Tub or Hot Springs, I'm kinda worthless (more than usual). I wish we could do the Hot Thing after a day in the Park rather than the start of a day. Do they have a Cold Spring that we can jump in.

For reals!!
I'm not sure but I think it is much like heroin.
I've been to hot springs a couple times and the sheer effort I had to put forth just to get back to the car was almost comical. Maybe I am more susceptible than others to the relaxing properties. I know that I had no business being on the road after that.

Again, does anyone have a tow hitch to get me back safely?

Loren

Good news folks, we're finally going to see Death Valley under the phase of a New Moon which means it's gonna be incredibly dark at night with optimal conditions for exceptional star gazing.
This is a huge treat for us - the Milky Way will be so bright you might need sunglasses.

That's awesome news. I've got the Stargazing Bug again ever since my Daughter took me to the new Griffith Observatory last Friday. Did you see the alignment of Venus Jupiter and the Moon this past couple of days ?

Again, does anyone have a tow hitch to get me back safely?

Yes, I have a 1 7/8" hitch and if needed Duct tape, baling wire & bungee straps:roll:

wow, this is getting really exciting!!! I would love to try the hot springs. I will remember to rent a shade from REI, since I don't see any trees near my space :mad::mad:

I am all for the Hot springs. Sounds like Jet only wants to cool his "Jets" rather then have a nice hot soak. LOL

Saturday Night Pot Luck Dinner
I've just figured out what we'll be making for Pot Luck and it's going to be a noxiously fun and funky delicious mess.

If you've never been to SoCal before then you've probably never heard of "Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers".
Tommy's is a chili burger of world renown.
Some people claim bad gastrointestinal effects from the oozing wads of red goo the burger is smothered in,
but Tommy's has been around for over 60 yrs with 30 locations.
I've yet to see a Tommy's go out of business.

Anywho, I am seriously considering making them from scratch for the Pot Luck feed we'll be having on Saturday night.

I have a clone recipe for the preparation of chili and construction of the burger and if it passes my taste test (I'm a big Tommy's fan)
I'll be serving these wonderfully disgusting gastrogut bombs at DV.

Construction of the Tommy's Double Cheese Burger:
* Bottom Bun
* Beef Pattie
* Double thick slice of cheese
* Beef Pattie
* Cheese
* Chili
* Chopped Onion
* Sliced pickles
* Thick slice of Beefsteak Tomato
* Yellow Mustard
* Top Bun

http://www.originaltommys.com/images/anatomy.gif


The Original Tommy's Chili Recipe
This is what it's really about... the chili.
* 7 Beef Patties (the flash frozen burgers seen in bags in the freezer section of the grocery store)
* 1/4 cup all purpose flour
* 1/4 cup Mesa flour
* 1 cup beef broth
* 3-4 cups of water
* 3 tbl chili powder
* 1/4 tsp cayanne powder
* 1 tsp sugar
* 1 tsp paparika
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tbl white vinegar
* 2 tbl gratted then chopped carrot

The recipe even came with a step bt step photo tutuorial that includes making a roux w/the pan drippings.

So it's settled; you're providing enough for everyone and there is no need (or room) for any other provisions.

Maybe we'll make some Dutch Oven Apple pot luck thingie and some home made Ice Cream (The old hand crank style, not that rolling ball wannabe)

I agree with Jet :lol::lol::lol:

I will still bring something, otherwise its not a potluck anymore......

Love burgers. I was going to make a dessert anyway, which will go just right with burgers. Let us know if you need someone to bring more fix'ens & condiments.

:D:D:D

I'm planning on doing a complete pre run on the recipe first.
As I mentioned, it's a "clone" recipe and the guy who made it claims the flash frozen beef patties are critical to the chili - the fresh stuff doesn't work near as well. And the roux is made from the beef pattie pan drippings.:rolleyes:

It sure sounds nasty enough, I'll see what it turns out like...
if it's as good as the Original Tommy's burger I'll make them at DV. :D

Love burgers. I was going to make a dessert anyway, which will go just right with burgers. Let us know if you need someone to bring more fix'ens & condiments.

:D:D:D


LOL - If these Tommy Burgers turn out to be any good, we'll be needin more fix'ens and condiments.
Everyone except young children and very old women will want one.:)
I'll keep ya posted.

This sounds like a lots of fun, I might have to start planning on going.:)

This sounds like a lots of fun, I might have to start planning on going.:)

Hi Scanrps! Yes we're going to have a stupendous time at Death Valley in February. We'de love to have you along. :grin:

Woo Hoo! It's getting close - I can't wait!!!!!!

Calm down, you don't want to climax too soon.

Snoqualmie WA: 6-8" of sn... cann't say it on ground. tomorrow storm with wind gust of 90 mph, cannot wait as much or more than anyone!!!!!!!!! See you all soon, best wishes, bill
P.S. Last night 13 degrees!

I'm planning on doing a complete pre run on the recipe first.
As I mentioned, it's a "clone" recipe and the guy who made it claims the flash frozen beef patties are critical to the chili - the fresh stuff doesn't work near as well. And the roux is made from the beef pattie pan drippings.:rolleyes:

It sure sounds nasty enough, I'll see what it turns out like...
if it's as good as the Original Tommy's burger I'll make them at DV. :D



Well - this wretched mess of a sleazy chili recipe turned out OK but it wasn't near as good as the Original Tommy's.
Although I did find out that one gallon mustard jars filled with the terrible slop can be shipped to you directly by Tommy's.
But it's very expensive - packed in dry ice, and delivered in a armored hazmat vehicle. :rolleyes:
And it's only $70 a gallon. Yikes!!!! :shock:
Thanks but no thanks - look's like I'll have to come up with something else for my Pot Luck Dinner entree for Death Valley.

I'm soooo glad this trip will be happening soon - I got me a Camping Jones going on.

Well - this wretched mess of a sleazy chili recipe turned out OK but it wasn't near as good as the Original Tommy's.
Although I did find out that one gallon mustard jars filled with the terrible slop can be shipped to you directly by Tommy's.
But it's very expensive - packed in dry ice, and delivered in a armored hazmat vehicle. :rolleyes:
And it's only $70 a gallon. Yikes!!!! :shock:
Thanks but no thanks - look's like I'll have to come up with something else for my Pot Luck Dinner entree for Death Valley.

I'm soooo glad this trip will be happening soon - I got me a Camping Jones going on.

So I guess we all have to bring a dish then...right?????

I am very excited about this trip too.......perhaps some of us to get a mini meet before the camping event, so that we can get to know each other.

So I guess we all have to bring a dish then...right?????

Yes - I've failed miserably in my efforts to duplicate Tommy's chili.
Now everyone's gonna have to come up with a edible food item to Saturday Night's Pot Luck Dinner. :D


I am very excited about this trip too.......perhaps some of us to get a mini meet before the camping event, so that we can get to know each other.



LOL - More than half of us already know one another and the rest of us are going to know soon enough. :razz:
First timers tend to get a little bit anxious prior to these camping gigs (it's normal) but worry not.
Once you meet this crew - you'll see that you're in fine company and a very good time is about to be had. :)


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays !!

Alright......perhaps I will make a Chinese beef stew dish.......:D:D:D

lol....yes, I am a bit anxious, but I am sure I will have a lot of fun.....my friends think its kind of cool that I am going camping with people who drive the Element...

Merry Christmas to everyone as well.

I was checking out the tents, wow, they are expensive. However, I did find a tent on the Walmart's website for $28.00, that is a better deal then REI. Based on the review, its not bad. I don't think I am going to spend a lot of money on tent, but $28.00 seems very reasonable.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5493340

Guess what, the price of the tent went up $3.47 over night.......

I was checking out the tents, wow, they are expensive. However, I did find a tent on the Walmart's website for $28.00, that is a better deal then REI. Based on the review, its not bad. I don't think I am going to spend a lot of money on tent, but $28.00 seems very reasonable.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5493340

Guess what, the price of the tent went up $3.47 over night.......

CJ, I am the shopping master: http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/subcategory.asp?CategoryID=31500&email=hotdealhome

You should be able to find something that fits your requirements.

CJ, I am the shopping master: http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/subcategory.asp?CategoryID=31500&email=hotdealhome

You should be able to find something that fits your requirements.

Thanks a lot, the coleman one looks like a better deal then the one from Walmart, 29.99 and sleeps 4.....even though I think I will be the only in the tent. More room for me to :grin::grin:

Oh boy - a tent hunt going on.
Coleman is a good brand.
I've never had any problems with them.

Wow - $29.99 is a super good deal for a Coleman 4 person 9x7 tent!
I think Faheyd found you your tent CJ. :)

yup yup, and i am going to get it now before its too late....all other places are selling it for 79.99...yikes!!

I was checking out the tents, wow, they are expensive. However, I did find a tent on the Walmart's website for $28.00, that is a better deal then REI. Based on the review, its not bad. I don't think I am going to spend a lot of money on tent, but $28.00 seems very reasonable.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5493340

Guess what, the price of the tent went up $3.47 over night.......

Just spend good money on your sleeping bag and blankets :)

I have a sleeping bag already, from Costco, also Coleman, comes with a blanket. If i remember it correctly, it was $29.99 as well.....Supposedly the sleeping bag can handle -30F cold weather....hopefully the temp won't be that low in DV

CJ - your new sleeping bag should be AOK.
February high and low temps for Furnace Creek/ Death Valley average 72 - 43
The nights are kinda balmy.
By late February it could be even warmer.

Record High: 97
Record Low: 23

Thursday January 1, 2009:
Furnace Creek 6:53 PM 43 degrees and clear

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

The last I looked 34 of the campground's 133 campsites were still available to reserve.
No doubt they will sell out soon.

Need a laugh? Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek44tW0Dqig&feature=related

Its getting close...very excited!!! BTW, did any of you remove the two back seats to give some extra space. Or just leave the seats in there......I am thinking about take the seats out....

Gene, do you know of any live web cams for DV ? Just wondering if there are any snow capped mountains surrounding the Valley.

Gene, do you know of any live web cams for DV ? Just wondering if there are any snow capped mountains surrounding the Valley.

Check out this web cam> http://www.instacam.com/showcam.asp?id=DTHVL&size=L

Its getting close...very excited!!! BTW, did any of you remove the two back seats to give some extra space. Or just leave the seats in there......I am thinking about take the seats out....

We always remove our rear seats and leave them at home.
The extra space is great and it's easier to get things in and out of the E.

Gene, do you know of any live web cams for DV ? Just wondering if there are any snow capped mountains surrounding the Valley.

I dunno but I imagine the higher elevations in the park might have some.
Right now there's tons of snow in the Sierras and you can see those guys from DV.

We always remove our rear seats and leave them at home.
The extra space is great and it's easier to get things in and out of the E.

Got it!! The tent is on the way from Wichita KS, thanks a lot Faheyd for your shopping tip!

Ack, I missed a lot of conversation...lots of catching up to do!

Hello everyone- can't wait to see you all again (and meet those of you we haven't met).

Less than 60 days to go and I can hardly wait.
Things are looking good.
The sun, the moon and the stars will be working thier celestrial magic providing us with warm days and balmy nights.

Morning sunrises and evening sunsets so colorful that it will boggle eyes out of thier sockets. :-o
And keep your fingers crossed for clear night skys!
We'll be under a new moon with billions of brilliant shining diamond stars so bright you might need dark glasses just to look at them. 8-)

In case you didn't already know - some of the best star gazing on the planet is in Death Valley.
"A dark sky is a rapidly diminishing resource - see it while you still can!"

Phase of the Moon on February 27, 2009:
Waxing cresent with 8% of the moons visable disc illuminated.
New Moon on February 24.

This camping trip is going to be awesome!

The last I looked 34 of the campground's 133 campsites were still available to reserve.
No doubt they will sell out soon.

Need a laugh? Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek44tW0Dqig&feature=related

Oh yes, the above is some funny stuff, Dr Strangelove...

I'll have extra room at my site if someone wants to drop in. I'm going to sleep in my E this trip. Just have to figure out opening the element back door at night when I need to bail out.

Oh yes, the above is some funny stuff, Dr Strangelove...

I'll have extra room at my site if someone wants to drop in. I'm going to sleep in my E this trip. Just have to figure out opening the element back door at night when I need to bail out.

Or you can bail out through your sun roof :D:D

Reread the entire thread...all caught up! :D Can't wait!

I'm confused on the weather though...prepare for anything? Does anyone know how much the All-you-can-Eat breakfast is going to cost approximately? Any other entry fees or anything for the other things we're going to do needed? Thanks- just want to have everything in order ahead of time. ;)

Don't know what the actual cost will be for the All-You-Can-Eat breakfast at the Rangler Restaruant in Furnance Creek but I think should be reasonable. There's probably a way to find out. I'll work on that and see what I can find out for you.



Just contacted the authorities and the breakfast buffet at the Wrangler Restaurant is $12.95 w/tax it would be about $15 per person.
It's rather steep as is everything at Death Valley due to it's remote and off the beaten path location.
Everything has to be shipped in from over a hundred miles away.
Hmmmmm... Perhaps another humungous Group Pancake Breakfast at the campground is in order?


Aside from the campground fees I believe there's a $20 National Park entrance fee as well.

Weather: In as many times (about 10) that I've been to Death Valley during the month of February I have never had any problems with the weather. It's always been very nice.
But that's only true once you've actually gotten inside the park itself; the immediate surrounding climates of Death Valley are much different.
The last few times we were there we had to travel through some of that weather on the way into the Park.

DV is completely surrounded by huge, colorful, nearly treeless mountains and the winter weather at those higher elevations can be really cold, nasty, and even snowy.
There can be as much as a 30 - 40 degree temperature variation from the mountains above DV to the valley floor below them.
We'll be camping and spending the majority of our time on the massive valley floor, so no need to worry bout the weather.
Intense sunlight and daytime heat radiates and warms the valley so during the day the weather is very comfortable and during the night the residual warmth helps to keep the evenings balmy.
It's a damn near perfect warm weather machine.
February and March are the best months of the year to see and be in Death Valley.

Pancakes w/ maple syrup cooked on an open fire, 12 different kinds of Coffee, some thick canadian bacon, sausage links, biscuits.......yum :D


Quote:Weather: In as many times (about 10) that I've been to Death Valley during the month of February I have never had any problems with the weather. It's always been very nice.

As I recall and I could be wrong about this, but, didn't you pitch your Tent in the rain last year ? (and again in Yellowstone) . Yes, it only rained about 3 minutes, but it does happen.

Pancakes w/ maple syrup cooked on an open fire, 12 different kinds of Coffee, some thick canadian bacon, sausage links, biscuits.......yum :D




As I recall and I could be wrong about this, but, didn't you pitch your Tent in the rain last year ? (and again in Yellowstone) . Yes, it only rained about 3 minutes, but it does happen.


San Francisco Bay French Roast Coffee from Costco on the west coast. I must say it's the best tasting stuff I've ever had, except for cappuccino in Vicenza Italy.

As I recall and I could be wrong about this, but, didn't you pitch your Tent in the rain last year ? (and again in Yellowstone) . Yes, it only rained about 3 minutes, but it does happen.

Pish posh Jet - You call this rain?
It was more like 6 squirrels peeing on my head. LOL!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/andyc104/Death%20Valley%2002-08/DSC01520.jpg

you guys are making me want to call in sick to work, pack up the E, and drive to DV right now...

Can you call in sick to work, pack up the E, and drive to DV in February?
Sure would love seeing you there! :)

[quote=Jet;705585]Pancakes w/ maple syrup cooked on an open fire, 12 different kinds of Coffee, some thick canadian bacon, sausage links, biscuits.......yum :D


Jet - we've done it before at DV in 2007.
Sparman, Karaoke Massage and I were manning the coleman stoves and Flappin the Jacks.
It was great!
It won't be easy to top it - but with this crew I've no doubts we'll be up for the challenge.

I was searching for photos of the 2007 Pancake feed in the EOC Camping archives but couldn't find me any. :mad:

We've got two big group feeds going on for this trip now.
The Saturday Night Pot Luck Dinner and a Pancake Breakfast.

People should think about what they'll be wanting to make for the Pot Luck Dinner and posting that info so we don't get too much duplication of the entrees or whatever else people will be making.

As for the Pancake Breakfast we can sign up people to bring specific items.
The mix, butter, syrup, bacons, sausages, coffees, juice, etc etc.

If only we could find a way to get Junebug and her scones on board.. then we'de really be cookin! :razz:

I am as pot luck ignorant as they come. When I camp, I just do heat and eat. I go for the most simplistic, easiest foods. I must have picked up the habit in the Army. My complete camping cooking gear is a stove head that you screw onto a propane bottle and a pot for boiling water.

So, maybe I can be the "odds and ends" guy? Or, someone can suggest something that I can bring. I do have two coolers which I never use so perhaps I can bring some essentials that others will not have room for.

Loren

Loren - LOL!
Hey here's an idea; bring 25 Maine lobsters and pack them in ice inside your two coolers.
I'm sure we could find someone willing to cook them up for you too! :lol:
(just kidding of course)

Maybe you could make a salad?
Get a large size bag of ready-packed salad greens, a few tomatoes, a bottle of dressing and there ya go.
Cheap, healthy and delicious with little or no fuss.

At our last Pot Luck Dinner I made spaghetti and Marinara sauce with my Italian grandma's authentic homemade meatball recipe.
It was splendido!
But not everyone was able to try it.
There was an abundance of food - and people's stomachs weren't big enough to handle all the incredible eats that were on hand.

Lobsters, just bring a big pot, and I can cook them for free!!!!

I will bring a Chinese beef stew dish for our pot luck dinner on Saturday night.

I can bring instant coffee for our breakfast, with sugar and cream as well...I don't think we will have electricity there to use the coffee maker to brew the coffee right????

Got the tent today, and I will try to post the pictures of my shelter...:lol::lol:

Don't need to worry much about coffee CJ.
There are certified java-heads among us.
Some will be up at dawn brewing coffee from french presses and other coffee making machinery.
There's always plenty to go around.

Congratz on the new tent. :)

nice!! I will just bring my own coffee mug. Just let me know what else I can help with the breakfast, and I will be glad to help out.

Wasn't in my E but pics from my trips to DV last year.. too bad I can't join you guys. I love Death Valley. In fact - proposed to my fiancee there. :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2215246728_6690fbeec9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/2232974537_f4994796c0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/2232974859_386c284f59_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/2209955073_7eecf9ce68_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3176296806_3093d40ea9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3175462767_299e756cf9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3176297152_e60f22f734_o.jpg

For the Pot Luck - will do a dessert (not sure what as of yet)
For the group breakfast - I will bring lots of pure Maple syrup!

Getting excited!

We've got two big group feeds going on for this trip now.
The Saturday Night Pot Luck Dinner and a Pancake Breakfast.

People should think about what they'll be wanting to make for the Pot Luck Dinner and posting that info so we don't get too much duplication of the entrees or whatever else people will be making.

As for the Pancake Breakfast we can sign up people to bring specific items.
The mix, butter, syrup, bacons, sausages, coffees, juice, etc etc.

If only we could find a way to get Junebug and her scones on board.. then we'de really be cookin! :razz:

Wow! Nice pics Hans. :cool:
I especially like the star photos.
They got me all psyched up. :razz:

You proposed to your fiancee there? :-o
Now how kewl is that?
As a hardcore DV freak, you should seriously consider coming along with us - there's always room for more E-Peeps.

[quote=Mels E;705979]For the Pot Luck - will do a dessert (not sure what as of yet)
For the group breakfast - I will bring lots of pure Maple syrup!

Getting excited!

A mystery dessert and pure maple syrup? Good choice Mel.
We'll bring buttermilk pancake mix.
But I still haven't a clue as to what I'll be making for the Pot Luck Dinner. :confused:

PS: Got a phone call from Ranger Nicole from Humboldt Redwoods yesterday.
She'll be mailing me info on the WG Group site. As soon as I get it I'll send it to you.

We've found that the "just add water" Aunt Jemima pancake mix works great while camping- no need for eggs or milk. :)