Galena Canyon in Death Valley - January 2010

Death Valley is a land of contasts. The surface here is composed entirely of salt deposits that are mostly covered in mud. There are a few spires further down the valley but, even here, there are some amazing shapes and formations. As far as the eye can see...... The highest peaks in the Panamints are snow covered. Once in a while I wonder why we climb these rough, steep trails that lead to just one more mine.....

then the colors are so lovely......

and the views so breathtaking, well, I just can't wait until we climb the next one.

The next one.

The rail for the ore cars in still intact.

Years later not many mining areas have buildings and artifacts that are in such good condition. Note the rock wall through the windows.

I found this hillside interesting in that it was dark in composition with white chunks of talc all over it. It gave the impression that someone stood for days and threw pieces randomly. More likely they were spewed from a volcano although we saw no signs of a cinder cone. One of life's mysteries?

20,000 years ago the valley was filled with a lake 90 miles long, 6 to 11 miles wide and up to 600 feet deep. Prevailing winds from the north drove the waves against the mountainsides. What appear to be terraces were worn into the rock by those waves.

Sunset in the southern portion of the valley

Resting Springs Range

The Resting Springs Range is designated wilderness and, as such, is no longer accessible by motorized vehicles. However there is a 'road' that is legally useable for vehicular traffic. Wilderness roads, such as this one, are termed "Cherry Stems". Many wilderness areas do not have them and we consider ourselves lucky to have this access.

Mines everywhere. They were a determined bunch of men.

The soft folds of these mountains are so pretty.

Our road was this zigzag. The peak of Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains is covered with snow. A little rough but far better protection from the elements than most miners had.

We had hoped to be able to go all the way through but...... This rocky drop wasn't so bad but the next one downhill was about 10' and it got worse from there.

What a lovely view!

On our return we looked for and found 12-mile spring which is hidden in this thicket.

The mountains were boldly striped.

Chappo Spring and Ibex Mines

Today 14 Jeeps turned up for Clark's run to Chappo Spring, over Ibex Pass and then to the mines in the Ibex area. Surely the springlike temperatures and lack of wind have influenced recent turnout. We started near Shoshone. Here is the beginning view looking down between Shoshone and Tecopa. Thousands of years ago water 400 feet deep covered this area, then known as Lake Tecopa.

Oops! The reason it's smart to do this off-road stuff in a group - all except having an audience to view your embarrassment when things don't go as you planned. Here Vic gives aid to a friend. Of course Vic has to try it too. And one more behind him. A few others chose the less tricky route. Something for everyone.

Approaching Chappo Spring. It's hard to imagine anyone bringing palms and building materials, etc. into such a remote area.

All the comforts of home - without a door, but what a view!

Shortly after departure we descend into Tecopa's old lakebed.

On the road to the Ibex mining area

The end of another fun day of exploring

And dinner, at least for four of us, in Shoshone at the famous Crow Bar.