Yahoo Canyons Group

Death Valley Report

Ice and snow from 4500 feet and up. Road closed to Dante Point from near the bottom below the Greenwater turnoff. They have gotten a 1/2 inch of rain already today, at Furnace Creek, with much more expected tonight. First real rain in over a year. Think wildflowers in a few weeks!!!

Message Details

AuthorRAM
DateJanuary 21, 2010
Discussion18 replies
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  • TomJones

    Nice pics. Thanks. Tom

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “RAM” wrote:

    Heh!! It was Natural Bridges Canyon!! Where did I get such a reputation? Note that no one mentioned that it was a pre dawn wake up! 😉

    After the first couple of thousand feet ascent, we settled in for a 90 minute break, with early morning light casting long shadows. And while warm, the jacket on seemed to make it that much more comfortable. How many were there? A dozen? A bakers dozen? A few more. My memory was one of smiles and cross conversations randomly firing in all directions. Mr. Cole slipping off for a smoke. Ranger Bill diving for and rescuing a pack from a likely long trip down the slope.

    From there it was impossible to want to push a pace and besides there was no need. So the route rated to take 6 hours, that another group of two did in 3.5 hours earlier in the week, took us 9+ hours. Devine! > The early start makes all possible. Kip would do the route a week later. Kip, how was it for you? My pictures should be ready tonight or tomorrow AM. > Ram

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “Malia” wrote:

    Canyoneering in Death Valley was once again an incredible experience, as much a result of the unique geology and exciting challenges of the canyons as it was a result of the companionship. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences was the approach hike to, and ascent of Arch Canyon when Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size. The result was a most relaxed and enjoyable day in which there was plenty of time for conversation, exploration, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

    Thanks to everyone who helped to organize and make this Death Valley trip so memorable.

    -Malia

    More pics… likely very similar to Mike’s (with the exception of the Manly Beacon):

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb12CoffinCanyon#

    > http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#

    > http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#5438552068555462562

  • Be there or be talked about! 😉

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, hank moon wrote:

    “Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about > group size.”

    Freaky event! Sorry I missed that… (^_^)

    > >

  • Ha ha! You were mentioned. The site of you camper the year before made a wonderful site for my tarp for 10 wonderful nights. Here is what Scott refers to. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/43520

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “cyber_rager” wrote:

    Wish I was there, even if only to keep everyone awake with the heater going on and off and on and off….on the trailer

    Great pictures! Be safe.

    Scott

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, Felicia Bicknell wrote:

    Malia, your pictures are beautiful! You may think that they are very similar to Mike’s as you were on the same trip, but your pictures complement Mike’s. I love seeing all the pictures of smiling people. You have some great photos of smiles.

    I’ve enjoyed all the photos – Thanks!

    >

  • Heh!! It was Natural Bridges Canyon!! Where did I get such a reputation? Note that no one mentioned that it was a pre dawn wake up! 😉

    After the first couple of thousand feet ascent, we settled in for a 90 minute break, with early morning light casting long shadows. And while warm, the jacket on seemed to make it that much more comfortable. How many were there? A dozen? A bakers dozen? A few more. My memory was one of smiles and cross conversations randomly firing in all directions. Mr. Cole slipping off for a smoke. Ranger Bill diving for and rescuing a pack from a likely long trip down the slope.

    From there it was impossible to want to push a pace and besides there was no need. So the route rated to take 6 hours, that another group of two did in 3.5 hours earlier in the week, took us 9+ hours. Devine! The early start makes all possible. Kip would do the route a week later. Kip, how was it for you? My pictures should be ready tonight or tomorrow AM. Ram

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “Malia” wrote:

    Canyoneering in Death Valley was once again an incredible experience, as much a result of the unique geology and exciting challenges of the canyons as it was a result of the companionship. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences was the approach hike to, and ascent of Arch Canyon when Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size. The result was a most relaxed and enjoyable day in which there was plenty of time for conversation, exploration, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

    Thanks to everyone who helped to organize and make this Death Valley trip so memorable.

    -Malia

    More pics… likely very similar to Mike’s (with the exception of the Manly Beacon):

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb12CoffinCanyon#

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#5438552068555462562

  • akatihsa3400

    Great group, great trip! I was only able to stay for a few days, but I still got in on several good outtings. The canyons were ok – very chossy and loose, but the days were easy and we socialized a lot.

    In order, I did: Natural Bridge, Grotto, and Rainbow canyons.

    Here are the photos I took (videos too when I get around to them):

    http://picasaweb.google.com/mmac437/DeathValleyFeb2010

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “RAM” wrote:

    Ice and snow from 4500 feet and up. Road closed to Dante Point from near the bottom below the Greenwater turnoff. They have gotten a 1/2 inch of rain already today, at Furnace Creek, with much more expected tonight. First real rain in over a year. Think wildflowers in a few weeks!!! >

  • One of the nights at Death Valley, a noted photographer sat around our fire. When Dan Ransom is impressed, one takes note. Dan thought the fella was some older gent, but proved to be a student and quite young. Dan sent me a link to his work and thought you might enjoy it too. R

    http://www.artinnaturephotography.com/

  • hank moon

    “Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size.”

    Freaky event! Sorry I missed that… (^_^)

  • TomJones

    I made it out on Sunday for Grotto canyon with Jay and Abby and hale hale the gangs all there – kind of a dud of a canyon, but a nice day out. Then Monday we did Rainbow Canyon with Jay and Abby and two other rangers – also kind of a dud, but again a nice, social day.

    Tuesday was the first day on the Ram-Plan, with Rick, Tina, Jannek, Tom Kitta, … etc… we split into two groups at the Styx pass, and Carol and I went down Styx w/ Tina, Jannek and TomK, while the rest went along the ridge to Charon. Good canyon!

    Wednesday, “all” was down to Ram, Dan, Carol and I, and Dante’s View opened up, so we walked out the ridge toward Abysmal, and did Erebus, which was quite good. Found Mark’s SPOT. Steve Cole took the day off and picked us up at the end of the day (thanks Steve)! Rick and a few friends took an easy day and climbed Pyramid Peak, and slightly miscalculated, arriving back at camp at 11:30 PM!!! Nice rest day.

    Today, I drove home, but Ram, Dan, Carol and Rick and ??? went off to do Deimos and Charon again.

    Wonderful, wonderful weather. Almost getting too hot, but it sure felt good.

    Tom

  • No Ram-plan-mania? Were Jay & Abby with him? They have a tranquil effect on people. Was he on something? ;0) How did Heather like DV?   You’re welcome on the helping to organize. Sorry I didn’t make it down for the fun and games. And the incredible witnessing of Ram taking it easy, slow and relaxed!   I didn’t see Tom in any of the pix? Was Tom there?   You got some sweet photos Malia! I like the ones of heather dancing at the end of the canyon!   Hope to hang out with you before next years FF! If a Zion trip is in your future, lemme know!!!   ~R ÂÂ

    — On Mon, 2/15/10, Malia msmnificent@gmail.com> wrote:

    From: Malia msmnificent@gmail.com> Subject: [from Canyons Group] Re: Death Valley Report To: Yahoo Canyons Group Date: Monday, February 15, 2010, 12:24 PM

    ÂÂ

    Canyoneering in Death Valley was once again an incredible experience, as much a result of the unique geology and exciting challenges of the canyons as it was a result of the companionship. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences was the approach hike to, and ascent of Arch Canyon when Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size. The result was a most relaxed and enjoyable day in which there was plenty of time for conversation, exploration, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

    Thanks to everyone who helped to organize and make this Death Valley trip so memorable.

    -Malia

    More pics… likely very similar to Mike’s (with the exception of the Manly Beacon):

    http://picasaweb. google.com/ maliamcilvenna/ Feb12CoffinCanyo n# http://picasaweb. google.com/ maliamcilvenna/ Feb13ArchCanyon# http://picasaweb. google.com/ maliamcilvenna/ Feb13ArchCanyon# 5438552068555462 562

  • Thanks for the pictures! I missed you guys! It looks like the weather was perfect! If you ever get a chance to watch the sun come up on manly Beacon, it’s worth it to get up early! It’s really cool to watch the hills slowly come alive with color, and Manly Beacon is the last part of the scene to catch fire! Truly an amazing site!

    — On Mon, 2/15/10, Mike Schasch mikedstyles@yahoo.com> wrote:

    From: Mike Schasch mikedstyles@yahoo.com> Subject: [from Canyons Group] Re: Death Valley Report To: Yahoo Canyons Group Date: Monday, February 15, 2010, 10:53 AM

    ÂÂ

    Here are some of my pics:

    Manly Beacon 2/11: http://www.flickr. com/photos/ mschasch/ sets/72157623437 776014/

    Coffin 2/12: http://www.flickr. com/photos/ mschasch/ sets/72157623313 201921/

    Natural Bridge 2/13: http://www.flickr. com/photos/ mschasch/ sets/72157623313 205755/

    Grotto 2/14: http://www.flickr. com/photos/ mschasch/ sets/72157623313 209113/

    — In canyons@yahoogroups .com, “RAM” wrote:

    Two days. Two canyons. 6,000 feet of ascent and descend so far. Weather glorious. Eight more days of canyons to go. Writing from Jay and Abby’s house in Furnace Creek >

  • cyber_rager

    Wish I was there, even if only to keep everyone awake with the heater going on and off and on and off….on the trailer

    Great pictures! Be safe.

    Scott

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, Felicia Bicknell wrote:

    Malia, your pictures are beautiful! You may think that they are very similar to Mike’s as you were on the same trip, but your pictures complement Mike’s. I love seeing all the pictures of smiling people. You have some great photos of smiles.

    I’ve enjoyed all the photos – Thanks! >

  • Felicia Bicknell

    Malia, your pictures are beautiful! You may think that they are very similar to Mike’s as you were on the same trip, but your pictures complement Mike’s. I love seeing all the pictures of smiling people. You have some great photos of smiles.

    I’ve enjoyed all the photos – Thanks!

    ________________________________ From: Malia msmnificent@gmail.com> To: Yahoo Canyons Group Sent: Mon, February 15, 2010 12:24:15 PM Subject: [from Canyons Group] Re: Death Valley Report

    Canyoneering in Death Valley was once again an incredible experience, as much a result of the unique geology and exciting challenges of the canyons as it was a result of the companionship. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences was the approach hike to, and ascent of Arch Canyon when Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size. The result was a most relaxed and enjoyable day in which there was plenty of time for conversation, exploration, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

    Thanks to everyone who helped to organize and make this Death Valley trip so memorable.

    -Malia

    More pics… likely very similar to Mike’s (with the exception of the Manly Beacon):

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb12CoffinCanyon# http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon# http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#5438552068555462562

    When you post, please change the Subject appropriately, to make reading and searching easier. You can use the following abbreviations: TRIP = Trip Report; BETA = Canyon Beta; PARTNER = Partner and/or Rides; ETHICS = Ethics; TECH = Technical Questions and Tips; BIZ = E Group Business; SALE = Stuff for Sale. Please use a Tilde ~ after the abbreviation, so we know you are coding for us, such as:

    Subject: BIZ~ New Abbreviation List – working?

    To change your delivery options, go to the Canyons Egroup page on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/

    This will require logging into Yahoo. Click on the "Edit My Membership" link, and change your delivery option. Press "Save Changes".

    WEB ONLY OPTION will not deliver email; you must visit the web site to view messages. Groups Links

  • Canyoneering in Death Valley was once again an incredible experience, as much a result of the unique geology and exciting challenges of the canyons as it was a result of the companionship. Perhaps one of the most unique experiences was the approach hike to, and ascent of Arch Canyon when Ram expressed a desire to hang out, take our time, and not worry about group size. The result was a most relaxed and enjoyable day in which there was plenty of time for conversation, exploration, and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

    Thanks to everyone who helped to organize and make this Death Valley trip so memorable.

    -Malia

    More pics… likely very similar to Mike’s (with the exception of the Manly Beacon):

    http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb12CoffinCanyon# http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon# http://picasaweb.google.com/maliamcilvenna/Feb13ArchCanyon#5438552068555462562

  • Felicia Bicknell

    Great photos! Thanks for sharing. It looks like the weather was very nice.

    ________________________________ From: Mike Schasch mikedstyles@yahoo.com> To: Yahoo Canyons Group Sent: Mon, February 15, 2010 10:53:28 AM Subject: [from Canyons Group] Re: Death Valley Report

    Here are some of my pics:

    Manly Beacon 2/11: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623437776014/

    Coffin 2/12: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313201921/

    Natural Bridge 2/13: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313205755/

    Grotto 2/14: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313209113/

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “RAM” wrote:

    Two days. Two canyons. 6,000 feet of ascent and descend so far. Weather glorious. Eight more days of canyons to go. Writing from Jay and Abby’s house in Furnace Creek >

    When you post, please change the Subject appropriately, to make reading and searching easier. You can use the following abbreviations: TRIP = Trip Report; BETA = Canyon Beta; PARTNER = Partner and/or Rides; ETHICS = Ethics; TECH = Technical Questions and Tips; BIZ = E Group Business; SALE = Stuff for Sale. Please use a Tilde ~ after the abbreviation, so we know you are coding for us, such as:

    Subject: BIZ~ New Abbreviation List – working?

    To change your delivery options, go to the Canyons Egroup page on yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/

    This will require logging into Yahoo. Click on the "Edit My Membership" link, and change your delivery option. Press "Save Changes".

    WEB ONLY OPTION will not deliver email; you must visit the web site to view messages. Groups Links

  • Mike Schasch

    Here are some of my pics:

    Manly Beacon 2/11: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623437776014/

    Coffin 2/12: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313201921/

    Natural Bridge 2/13: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313205755/

    Grotto 2/14: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623313209113/

    — In Yahoo Canyons Group, “RAM” wrote:

    Two days. Two canyons. 6,000 feet of ascent and descend so far. Weather glorious. Eight more days of canyons to go. Writing from Jay and Abby’s house in Furnace Creek >

  • Two days. Two canyons. 6,000 feet of ascent and descend so far. Weather glorious. Eight more days of canyons to go. Writing from Jay and Abby’s house in Furnace Creek

  • Luke Galyan

    A few of us maybe out there this weekend as well. As of now dantes view is closed but 127 to 190 are open for the route from vegas to furnace creek. Bad water road is closed but should be open from furnace creek to bad water by later this eve. Hope that helps. Luke

    Tom Kitta tom@tomkitta.com> wrote:

    > Normal > 0

    false > false > false

    MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

    I am going >to try to get in there this weekend. it should be a bit challenging since there >are multiple road closures all over the place due to flooding. 190 is closed >and south entrance is closed as well.

    > >

  • Tom Kitta

    Normal 0

    false false false

    MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

    I am going to try to get in there this weekend. it should be a bit challenging since there are multiple road closures all over the place due to flooding. 190 is closed and south entrance is closed as well.