Continued from Part 1

Saturday.

A new day with new goals. Today our mission would be to make our way from the Argus Range to the hot springs in the Saline Valley. This wasn’t to be a direct shot, as we’d make a rather large detour; Hunter Mountain – Hidden Valley – Teakettle Junction – The Racetrack – Lippincott, and then end the day at the springs. Fully rested from a solids night sleep in our Tepui roof top tents, full from a freshly cooked breakfast and buzzed off hot coffee, it was a nice change of pace to be able to relax and enjoy our morning surroundings.

exploredesertdv_03

Twopui?

exploredesertdv_02

exploredesertdv_01

IMG_0266

IMG_0244

IMG_0256

25135986520_8b1d941f3e_k

24801019224_e9a9ae944b_k

Respect our history or lose it forever, the choice is yours.

 

 

We took our time packing up and preparing for the days adventure. When we reach such remote and preserved areas like this, it can be hard to leave. Once ready, we cleaned up after ourselves and returned the cabin to better shape then when found and continued on our way.

exploredesertdv_04

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesertdv_06

exploredesertdv_05

exploredesertdv_08

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesertdv_09.1

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

Looking back up valley we came from.

Looking back up the valley we came from.

 

 

Now out of the valley that we shared with the night, we’d set our heading north towards Panamint Springs. There we’d refuel our thirsty vehicles for our next stretch and restock on any misc supplies. It wasn’t smooth sailing though, the trail out was riddled with rocks and often times reclaimed by Mother Nature. Slow and steady, equipment preservation was crucial.

exploredesertdv_09.2

exploredesertdv_10

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

exploredesertdv_12.1

exploredesert_dv_001

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesertdv_12

exploredesertdv_13

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesertdv_14

IMG_0309

exploredesertdv_15

 

 

Our time on smooth and comfortable paved roads was short lived. Up the mountain pass, we turned right onto South Saline Road. Periodically maintained by Inyo County, there are no difficult sections here. The flat and flowy washboard trail slowly leads up to a great view of the Panamint Dunes and Valley.

IMG_0311

exploredesert_dv_002

exploredesert_dv_003

 

 

A bit further up the path Y’s off into two different directions. Keeping left will be a direct shot into Saline Valley, turning right begins the ascent into Hunter Mountain, followed by a quick decent into Hidden Valley. We decided to take the long way around, as we had the time to spare and vehicles capable of making good time in rough conditions. Gaining elevation brought upon snow patches and mud.

exploredesert_dv_004

exploredesert_dv_005

exploredesert_dv_007

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

exploredesert_dv_006

exploredesert_dv_008

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_009

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

exploredesert_dv_010

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

 

 

The drop into Hidden Valley is fast and full of hairpin turns situated mostly along a shelf road. Didn’t take long to return to the familiar desert landscape.

exploredesert_dv_011

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_013

exploredesert_dv_012

Next stop would be Teakettle Junction, followed by the Grandstand and Racetrack. Our route through Hidden Valley was smooth and easy going, but that would change once we made our left hand turn onto Racetrack Valley Rd. By far the worst washboard we’ve ever encountered.

exploredesert_dv_015

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_016

exploredesert_dv_014

exploredesert_dv_017

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

 

 

The Racetrack would serve as our lunch spot for the day. After miles of teeth chattering washboard, our vehicles deserved a rest as much as we did.

exploredesert_dv_018

exploredesert_dv_020

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_019

 

 

Up next was the infamous Lippincott Pass. A giant sign discourages most inexperienced and unprepared motorists from traveling any further; looking for an alternative passage out to avoid the return trip in vehicles & tires that shouldn’t be there in the first place. In fact, we had numerous people ask if they could get out that way (pointing towards Lippincott) looking for approval that they could exit the park in that direction. Lot’s of disappointment in their faces as we told them what they didn’t want to hear.

What was a problem for them, was an adventure for us.

Down we went.

IMG_0438

exploredesert_dv_021

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_022

exploredesert_dv_023

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

exploredesert_dv_024

exploredesert_dv_026

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

Photo Credit – Alissa R.

exploredesert_dv_025

Photo Credit – David Plueger Photography

 

Our last push for the day would be across the Saline Valley desert floor.
exploredesert_dv_029

exploredesert_dv_030

 

 

The Saline Hot Springs offered a vastly different atmosphere compared to the previous year. Turns out Valentines Day weekend at a clothing optional location can be quite the eye opener for someone who’s a bit more on the conservative side. Thankfully, it was much more mellow this time around and that allowed the group to enjoy the hot tubs.  Finished off the night around a campfire surrounded by stories and laughter before turning in for the night.

Another day awaits.

 

25659317394_4ed8b9f728_k

Continue to Part 3