Death Valley Off-Road Adventures

I never saw how the dunes cleanse footprints. Until this day…

It was a constant strong wind from the North. Not strong gusts, but a constant, never ending stream of air.
It caused the sand to lift from the surface to create a moving layer of sand about 1 foot deep.

Face gets sandblasted as you crest the dunes, then you feel the narrow band of sand move from head to feet as you clear the edge. Can be seen in the first pic.

Guy in the 2nd pic walked past me, his footprints disappearing behind him as he passed.

It was an amazing experience that trashed a lens. Cell phone, next time.

 

Being on dunes in a strong wind is an experience to have at least once in your life. And for most people that's probably the maximum number of times they want to experience it as well!

 

Dude, you nailed it. I'm updating my signature. Headed to the park today to enjoy the hazardous heat warning.

Edit:



It says 111 up there.

 

You can also go to Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, near the mexican border, Arizona/California border. Park extend north 30 miles to the Glamis area. Took this photo at Glamis. Currently "free" (and blazing hot). October through April 15 you pay by the week to use and is full of sand buggies.

 

Even though you're in a tent, there is sand everywhere. Not in DV, but on the coast.

 

And every river.

 

Man, they bladed all the roads, now all the riffraff is getting back here.

 

but, you guys are the riffraff...

 

Tecopa For Sale (only $50M)

OMFG:

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/120-Old-Spanish-Trail-Hwy-Tecopa-CA-92389/306655434_zpid/

This could be an amazing business opportunity! You could purchase it, then start a YouTube channel about living in it, and heck, maybe accidentally burn down a few historic structures while trying to restore them.

I don't have any backstory besides the insane Zillow listing at this point, but time to start digging...

EDIT: See later post with the assessor maps. This isn't the hot springs resort area, its the little town down along Old Spanish Trail Hwy.

 

"Limitless potential." Well, that's certainly arguable.

 

Don't forget it could be an agricultural haven

 

It's technically true for China Ranch!

Did you get a gyro?

 

Not this time. But I did even better:



Thats a China Ranch Hybrid date palm, and it's about to go in my back yard! Good news is that I have sprinklers back there. Bad news is that some asshat just shoveled through the pipe.

The rest of Tecopa is closed until October, though, due to being 'completely uninhabitable.' So... factor that into your bids.

 

'completely uninhabitable.' ?

Please elaborate if you can, curious as to WTF is going on there.

 

Pretty hot there most of the year

 

Was looking at parcel data in Tecopa, and the larger chunk with Delights and the brewery is one name, the rest of the parcels are listed as other people and the BLM. The piece of town to the south with the single-wides and cemetery is also listed as numerous owners (and BLM). Not clear to me where all the acreage is located.

 

Found this looking up the parcel number but it doesn't have the bounds of what's for sale

35°50'41.7"N 116°13'34.8"W

 

Okay okay I was being facetious again. It was 115 on Saturday, that's the basis for my claim.

Brewery and pizza joint are closed till October, same for Eric's. Chatted with someone by the brewery, apparently I missed half price growlers last month! I fear the BBQ and brewery up by the springs is straight up out of business -- the shack no longer proclaims of its delicious offerings. Mine tours are generally off until it cools down, although you can certainly email them to ask. Not during a heat wave though.

I have to appreciate that the low traffic and inherent hazards of the summer weather make it unfavorable to operate most of these businesses in the summer. The ranch of course has ranching to do all year, so they remain open, and reasonably well visited. But there weren't any cars parked at the far end of that lot, and to paraphrase a sign in the shop... please don't die hiking, it sucks for our staff and it sucks for your family.

Crowbar and the inn are open year round in Shoshone. The rooms are air conditioned, and the dining room closes at 2130.

Based on the listing I assume it's for the town to the south. They mention the power infrastructure -- that follows the T&T grade. (I noticed there's now a supercharger station up at Shoshone, maybe it's not new but it sure lights up obnoxiously at night.) Yet somehow they don't mention the kick-ass disc golf course, which I would consider the top selling point.


Some random pics:


Fighting the crowds...


Entirely habitable


Probably some dunes out there


Almost got stuck trying to follow the spur grade up here...


Whatever this is?


Some kind of ... plant?


Wouldn't turn over.

 

I just hope Steak and Beer remains open. That was a memorable experience.

 

Clearly, said asshat does not read books.