BajaNomad

Death Valley - Mammoth Road Trip

Ken Bondy - 3-6-2010 at 05:49 PM

Dunes near Stovepipe Wells:






Artist's Drive:


Looking west with the Sierras in the background:


Mesquite bud:


Highway 190 east of Olancha:


Bar B Q Bill's in Bishop:


Wind on the ridge:

Natalie Ann - 3-6-2010 at 06:03 PM

What beautiful pix, Ken. Those dunes are sensuous indeed. Believe I like best the first and third ones. No reason, just because.

Just yesterday I was thinking we hadn't seen you or your pix for awhile, Ken.
So glad you've shared with us again.

nena

Ken Bondy - 3-6-2010 at 06:09 PM

Thanks Nena! Actually this trip was inspired by a trip you posted some weeks ago, I think you traveled up US95. BTW just saw your cactus thread and LOVED it! ++Ken++

Diver - 3-6-2010 at 06:39 PM

You DO have a talent for this stuff Ken !!
Thanks for sharing; they're beautiful shots of beautiful places.

Skipjack Joe - 3-6-2010 at 06:57 PM

I,too, like #3 the most and I like the road picture.

Do you mind if I post some DV pictures on this thread? The kids are playing with the xbox in the living room and that leaves me free to work on pictures.

Ken Bondy - 3-6-2010 at 07:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I,too, like #3 the most and I like the road picture.

Do you mind if I post some DV pictures on this thread? The kids are playing with the xbox in the living room and that leaves me free to work on pictures.


PLEASE DO Igor!! I would love to see your DV photos. ++Ken++

DianaT - 3-6-2010 at 07:37 PM

Beautiful, just beautiful. And the Dunes, the Dunes---on our last trip through there earlier this year we hesitated at the turn-off for the dunes but did not go.

We have been debating as to whether we should go before we return to Baja---now after your beautiful pictures, we must go!

I assume those are the Mesquite Flat Dunes and the ones we ALMOST went out to see are the Eureka dunes off the dirt road. They are all beautiful.

Thanks for the inspiration to head north
Diane

[Edited on 3-7-2010 by DianaT]

[Edited on 3-7-2010 by DianaT]

BBQ Bills

bajaguy - 3-6-2010 at 07:49 PM

Closed on Sunday..........:fire:

Ken Bondy - 3-6-2010 at 08:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
I assume those are the Mesquite Flat Dunes and the ones we ALMOST went out to see are the Eureka dunes off the dirt road. They are all beautiful.


Thanks so much Diane. Yes, those are the Mesquite Flat Dunes just east of Stovepipe Wells. ++Ken++

DianaT - 3-6-2010 at 08:41 PM

Ken,
I forgot to mention how much I like the Mesquite bud---very, very nice. Have any of the wild flowers appeared yet?

Diane

Ken Bondy - 3-6-2010 at 09:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Ken,
I forgot to mention how much I like the Mesquite bud---very, very nice. Have any of the wild flowers appeared yet?

Diane


No wildflowers as of last week Diane. The locals are predicting a great bloom at the end of March and through April. ++Ken++

Darwin Falls

Skipjack Joe - 3-6-2010 at 10:50 PM

Ever been to Darwin Falls?

Not much water there but a great place to see wildlife.


Artists Pallete

Skipjack Joe - 3-6-2010 at 11:05 PM

Beattie

Skipjack Joe - 3-6-2010 at 11:24 PM

I've shown this one before, but I like it. It's a common scene in the eastern sierras. Beattie borders Death Valley.


Natalie Ann - 3-6-2010 at 11:38 PM

Very nice additions, Igor.... and thoroughly different than Ken's.
Death Valley seems an amazing place.

The rock at Darwin Falls looks like one of shari's spy-hopping whales.
I wonder if there's water there all year?

And the Artist's Pallet - amazing the colors and shades.
Your pix and Ken's make me know I've got to visit DV soon.

The Beattie image... like that one a lot - it feels comfortable.
The colors are warm and relaxing...
and I feel like I could walk right in, curl up for a nap.

thank you

nena

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-6-2010 at 11:52 PM

Thanks Ken for letting us hijack your thread. Great images by the way, thanks for sharing. Death Valley is a special place.... here are a few more.







[Edited on 3-7-2010 by stimbo]

Natalie Ann - 3-7-2010 at 12:03 AM

Beautiful dunes, Jim. Like Ken's dune pix, sensuous. I guess maybe that's a quality of dunes, huh?! The colors in your image are so vibrant. Thank you.

And that last picture.... what is that? Did that rock slide all the way to it's resting spot?

nena

Some great images posted, I'll share some from around the edges of DV

tripledigitken - 3-7-2010 at 12:10 AM

Opera House still operating


Trona Pinnacles


Rhyolite




Those miners new how to eat!



Unmarked Rhyolite gravesite

David K - 3-7-2010 at 08:44 AM

Terrific Photos! Thanks Ken and the others who added there own... The race track photo was awesome Stimbo!

Natalie Ann - 3-7-2010 at 09:15 AM

tripledigitken..... Excellent additions. I particularly like the oyster can image and the grave site that follows it. I've got a thing for rusty stuff, and graves have always been of interest to me. Thank you much.

nena

capt. mike - 3-7-2010 at 09:17 AM

nat geo got nada on your guys....amazing images!!!!!!!!!

Ken and Ken - we 3 need to do an aerial raid on baja for pix supremo.

jahImpala3 - 3-7-2010 at 10:32 AM

Great photos, thanx!

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 11:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Natalie Ann
Beautiful dunes, Jim. Like Ken's dune pix, sensuous. I guess maybe that's a quality of dunes, huh?! The colors in your image are so vibrant. Thank you.

And that last picture.... what is that? Did that rock slide all the way to it's resting spot?

nena


Hi Nena, Here is the Racetrack playa under normal conditions, dry. There are rocks on the SE corner of the lake bed that tumble down onto the playa. Under very rare conditions, probably a heavy winter with lots of precipitation, icy mud and extreme winds, the rocks have been blown around the surface of the lake, leaving these streaks. The rocks range in size from softball to microwave appliance size, and they've ALL moved! Some of the rocks are side by side, giving the appearance that they are "racing," hence the name the Racetrack. Enjoy.

Ken Bondy - 3-7-2010 at 11:08 AM

stimbo that is by far the best "Racetrack" image I have ever seen!! ++Ken++

Death Valley fringe

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 11:12 AM

... and from the edge of the Park, and a different form of recreation, we bring you Beatty, Nevada. :lol:

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 11:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
stimbo that is by far the best "Racetrack" image I have ever seen!! ++Ken++


Thanks for the kind words Ken. I love your photography. I always look forward to your posts. Again, thanks for letting us hijack your original post on Death Valley. Wonderful place... and I'm pining for the desert and Baja. 3 weeks to go!
Jim

Skipjack Joe - 3-7-2010 at 11:28 AM

You ... you mean ... they're 'massaged' in the airplane?

Bob H - 3-7-2010 at 11:30 AM

Wow, we've been to Death Valley many times, but never, ever, have I seen images this good from everyone!!!
Bob H

Natalie Ann - 3-7-2010 at 12:12 PM

Thanks, Jim, for telling me about the Racetrack - how that happens.
I find that amazing... rocks weigh a lot.
I understand when you say this movement occurs only under extreme conditions,
but what a kick it would be to see it happening!

Glad to hear you'll soon be enjoying a Baja adventure.
Please give us an illustrated trip report upon your return.

nena

Mexitron - 3-7-2010 at 12:23 PM

Awesome pics everyone!

Favorite?

DianaT - 3-7-2010 at 12:46 PM

Could not pick a favorite---these are just fantastic images.

Jim, you even made the "other" recreation house look good. :biggrin:

Ken Bondy - 3-7-2010 at 01:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Jim, you even made the "other" recreation house look good. :biggrin:


Right on Diane!! How often do you see a cathouse and an old Beech Model 80 in the same frame? Does it get better than that??? :biggrin:

DianaT - 3-7-2010 at 01:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Jim, you even made the "other" recreation house look good. :biggrin:


Right on Diane!! How often do you see a cathouse and an old Beech Model 80 in the same frame? Does it get better than that??? :biggrin:


And the light is wonderful---but do you think he will explain why he was there? :biggrin:

That part of Nevada is really great---for lots of OTHER reasons. :yes:

Skipjack Joe - 3-7-2010 at 02:24 PM

That's quite a lens you used on the last racetrack picture. What was it? Did you use a 4X5?

I really like the lighting you chose to shoot in that one. Most of the postcards use fairly bright light resulting in saturated colors. The tracks comes out yellow. But after the same subject is shot in the same way so many times it's refreshing to see a different take on it.

bajaguy - 3-7-2010 at 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
....old Beech Model 80.............





Ken.....looks like an AT-7 or a Beech 18 to me...??? :?:

places of interest

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 03:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Jim, you even made the "other" recreation house look good. :biggrin:


Right on Diane!! How often do you see a cathouse and an old Beech Model 80 in the same frame? Does it get better than that??? :biggrin:


And the light is wonderful---but do you think he will explain why he was there? :biggrin:

That part of Nevada is really great---for lots of OTHER reasons. :yes:


Well?... I was there for "professional" reasons. :biggrin: I was on an assignment for a magazine and part of the article dealt with the property owners of Beatty. A public interest twist on land management issues in rural Nevada. I got to meet the brothel owner, the madam, and the working girls. It was "really" interesting.... and I was amazed at the traffic in and out of the brothel. And you know what? If your Southern California produce isn't quite as fresh in your Safeway, Vons, or Albertson's grocer, it's because their semi's make a quick layover at the brothel. It's located right off the main highway with plenty of parking for big rigs. ;)

[Edited on 3-7-2010 by stimbo]

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 03:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
That's quite a lens you used on the last racetrack picture. What was it? Did you use a 4X5?

I really like the lighting you chose to shoot in that one. Most of the postcards use fairly bright light resulting in saturated colors. The tracks comes out yellow. But after the same subject is shot in the same way so many times it's refreshing to see a different take on it.


Thanks Igor. I like working with soft light. These were all taken with a 4x5 and that last Racetrack image was shot with a 75mm Nikkor, which equates roughly to a 24mm with a 35mm film camera. Jim

Skipjack Joe - 3-7-2010 at 04:56 PM

Was the negative scanned by Calypso? I hear those people do great work.

elgatoloco - 3-7-2010 at 05:07 PM

Great pictures all! Death Valley is a unique and amazing place. As an amatuer geologist it's like being a kid in a candy store.:tumble:

The Racetrack is fascinating. # miles long and only a 1 1/2 inch diference in elevation from one end to the other. Read recently that some idiot walked off with one of the rocks. :fire:

stimbo - 3-7-2010 at 05:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Was the negative scanned by Calypso? I hear those people do great work.


I believe the transparency was scanned by Calypso (it was awhile ago), however they recently closed their doors. I've been using West Coast Imaging (WCi) for some time now. They have been one of the leaders in the print making industry and Calypso has passed their torch to WCi. Jim

Ken Bondy - 3-7-2010 at 06:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
....old Beech Model 80.............





Ken.....looks like an AT-7 or a Beech 18 to me...??? :?:


Oooops, a senior moment. I meant a model 18. Eighty, eighteen, how accurate do you want it :). I was distracted by the cathouse. Thanks for the correction bajaguy you are absolutely right. ++Ken++

[Edited on 3-8-2010 by Ken Bondy]

redmesa - 3-7-2010 at 09:18 PM

These are stunning pictures. They should be a screen saver.

bajaguy - 3-7-2010 at 09:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy

Oooops, a senior moment. I meant a model 18. Eighty, eighteen, how accurate do you want it :). I was distracted by the cathouse. Thanks for the correction bajaguy you are absolutely right. ++Ken++

[Edited on 3-8-2010 by Ken Bondy]





Your eyes were probably still crossed after exiting the "house"..........I pass that aircraft about every 5-6 weeks driving to and from Las Vegas.

If you are interested, there are some interesting aircraft crash sites in and around Death Valley.

[Edited on 3-8-2010 by bajaguy]

Ken Bondy - 3-7-2010 at 10:00 PM

bajaguy - I am interested. How does one find out about those crash sites?

Skipjack Joe - 3-7-2010 at 10:14 PM

I was almost certain Dean Martin's son was one of those crash sites. But no, he rammed his F-14 into the San Bernardino mountains.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Paul_Martin

I've seen jets screaming at eye level when standing at Panamint Mountain pass (not that far from Darwin Falls) . In fact, I remember waving to one and was close enough to actually see him wave back. At those speeds it's just a matter of time. I don't know why they do it.

U2U

bajaguy - 3-7-2010 at 10:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
bajaguy - I am interested. How does one find out about those crash sites?





Check yours

bajaguy - 3-7-2010 at 10:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I was almost certain Dean Martin's son was one of those crash sites. But no, he rammed his F-14 into the San Bernardino mountains.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Paul_Martin

I've seen jets screaming at eye level when standing at Panamint Mountain pass (not that far from Darwin Falls) . In fact, I remember waving to one and was close enough to actually see him wave back. At those speeds it's just a matter of time. I don't know why they do it.





Joe:....Martin was flying an F-4. he was assigned to the 163rd Fighter Group, 196th Fighter Squadron. Crashed into Mt San Gorgonio during foul weather.

........Dean Paul "Dino" Martin, 35, son of entertainer Dean Martin was killed when the Phantom jet he was piloting crashed into the San Gabriel Mountains. Permission was given by March Air Force Base ATC to perform a "maximum climb" takeoff. The aircraft was seen disappearing into a scattered cloud ceiling at 4,700 feet. Radar contact was lost 9 minutes into the flight. The crash site was found on the 3rd day of searching in the San Gabriel Mountains. An investigation revealed the aircraft flew, inverted, into a solid wall of granite between two mountain peaks at an estimated speed of 560 mph. The aircraft was literally pulverized into the granite. The "maximum climb" takeoff, g forces assoctiated with this type of flight and the dense cloud cover negatively affected the pilots ability to know his position and aircraft attitude........

Most of the low level flights around/over Death Valley are aircraft attempting to penetrate "enemy" airspace into the Tonopah Ranges during Red Flag exercises.

Best show I have seen in a while was a B-1B bomber flying over the Sierras, dropping down to about 500 feet over Olancha, east asross Owens Lake and over the White Mountains..........WOW!!!

[Edited on 3-8-2010 by bajaguy]

Skipjack Joe - 3-7-2010 at 11:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy

Oooops, a senior moment. .... how accurate do you want it :). Thanks for the correction bajaguy you are absolutely right. ++Ken++


Ditto.

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-8-2010 at 07:40 PM

Some more Death Valley....





Bob H - 3-8-2010 at 08:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
....old Beech Model 80.............





Ken.....looks like an AT-7 or a Beech 18 to me...??? :?:


Oooops, a senior moment. I meant a model 18. Eighty, eighteen, how accurate do you want it :). I was distracted by the cathouse. Thanks for the correction bajaguy you are absolutely right. ++Ken++

[Edited on 3-8-2010 by Ken Bondy]


Interesting images here on the model 18.
http://images.google.com/images?q=beech+model+18&rls=com...

Bob H

DianaT - 3-8-2010 at 08:53 PM

Jim,
Which dunes are those? Are they the Eureka Dunes? Dang, they are incredible and what a photo!

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-8-2010 at 09:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Jim,
Which dunes are those? Are they the Eureka Dunes? Dang, they are incredible and what a photo!


Thanks Diane -- Yes, they are the Eureka Dunes, the western edge of the Park.

more Death Valley

stimbo - 3-8-2010 at 09:10 PM

Eureka Sand Dunes



Skipjack Joe - 3-8-2010 at 09:41 PM

I've never seen the valley floor flooded like that, Jim.

That must be really rare. I like the pastel quality of that one.

The dune pictures remind me of the ones you see of mountain climbers walking along snow banks. I guess the two have similar qualities.

I remember Alex playing in the dunes like that at Stovepipe Wells. His hair got clogged with sand. Our first stop was the showers across the road from the campground (a great stop in the winter as they keep the pool heated at 75 degrees, $2 gets you in). But you never got rid of it completely, though. Later on he'd lean over the table and sand came pouring out of a pocket. Unfortunately all is on film.

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-8-2010 at 10:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I've never seen the valley floor flooded like that, Jim.

That must be really rare. I like the pastel quality of that one.

The dune pictures remind me of the ones you see of mountain climbers walking along snow banks. I guess the two have similar qualities.

I remember Alex playing in the dunes like that at Stovepipe Wells. His hair got clogged with sand. Our first stop was the showers across the road from the campground (a great stop in the winter as they keep the pool heated at 75 degrees, $2 gets you in). But you never got rid of it completely, though. Later on he'd lean over the table and sand came pouring out of a pocket. Unfortunately all is on film.


The kayak image was taken the middle of February 2005. We had a huge winter that season, as did Death Valley. Nobody could ever remember Badwater filling up with that much water. It was the Pleistocene again.

Sand Dunes are great fun. One of those boys is my son in the dune photos. He spent the next week hiking, climbing, biking, tracking sand in and out of the tent... sandy remnants from the dune day. A week later, he was finally able to shower and swim at Stovepipe, much to our relief. He was no worse for wear. Jim

Ken Bondy - 3-9-2010 at 08:55 AM

There was lots of water in the Badwater lake last week, looked like it was several miles in diameter:

Ken Bondy - 3-9-2010 at 08:57 AM

BTW I think this thread turned out to be absolutely beautiful with everybody's images added, thanks to all of you for the photos and stories. Gave me lots of ideas for the next time I'm there.

tripledigitken - 3-9-2010 at 09:01 AM

Ken,

Thank you for starting this thread. "The Racetrack" is one of the great trips you can take in Death Valley. It should be on the top of your list next time you venture out that way.


Ken

stimbo - 3-9-2010 at 09:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Bondy
There was lots of water in the Badwater lake last week, looked like it was several miles in diameter


Hmmm... you've got me thinking I should dig out my kayak (snow) and head to Death Valley for a paddle. Thanks Ken for the great post.

jim

stimbo - 3-9-2010 at 09:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Ken,

Thank you for starting this thread. "The Racetrack" is one of the great trips you can take in Death Valley. It should be on the top of your list next time you venture out that way.

Ken


I agree with Ken. The Racetrack is a "must see." I keep regurgitating images from the darkest depths of my computer, sorry. Here are two more:

The Racetrack from the descent on Ubehebe Peak


Then, Redwall Canyon, enjoy.

Hebejebe Crator

Skipjack Joe - 3-9-2010 at 10:57 AM

I would come up with names to entertain the kids. Scotty's Castle became Scottie Pippen's Castle.

It gets cold there around Christmas. He didn't like posing for this one.


This is more to their liking ...

Skipjack Joe - 3-9-2010 at 11:18 AM

Can't remember the name of this mine. Think it starts with a K. It's on the way to Beatty. I actually got my old butt up that thing as well. It looks like there is no way up but it's amazing what you can do once you make up your mind. Coming down is more fun. You just slide and then you're airborne.

Many of the canyons have this beautiful marble-like rock that becomes exposed by the running water forming a smooth lily white surface. I'm always watching out for these extrusions(?). The light in the canyon made the picture bluer than it really is.


DianaT - 3-9-2010 at 11:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I would come up with names to entertain the kids. Scotty's Castle became Scottie Pippen's Castle.

It gets cold there around Christmas. He didn't like posing for this one.




It was so cold this year the first part of November I almost didn't want to stay out of the truck long enough to take a pix. Love your name---fits well. :biggrin:



Jim, my son has told me that the view from the tops of the Eureka Sand Dunes is incredible, and from your beautiful photos, he is correct.

I so want to see them, but not sure I will make it to the top at this age and condition.

[Edited on 3-9-2010 by DianaT]

Zabriskie

Skipjack Joe - 3-9-2010 at 11:44 AM

Taken from the lookout where the busloads of people set up their cameras.

It's hard not take a stunning shot of this place. Probably one of the top 10 photo sites in California I would guess. The possibilities down there are endless.


So right you are Igor

tripledigitken - 3-9-2010 at 11:50 AM

Here's one I took, "Tres Amigos"

Natalie Ann - 3-9-2010 at 02:02 PM

This began as an excellent thread and has just continued to get better! Thanks to each of you for the spectacular images of DV.

nena

josie - 3-9-2010 at 07:05 PM

Wonderful photos Ken! I have seen those pinnacles at Trona a few years ago when we made a road trip to Furnace Creek in the winter time. It was late afternoon when we passed through Trona and there was a haze around the pinnacles that made it look like an alien planet. My brother stopped the truck to take pictures it looked so weird.

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-9-2010 at 10:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Taken from the lookout where the busloads of people set up their cameras.

It's hard not take a stunning shot of this place. Probably one of the top 10 photo sites in California I would guess. The possibilities down there are endless.




Igor -- Sweet light at Zabriske Point!

Skipjack Joe - 3-13-2010 at 12:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by stimbo

Igor -- Sweet light at Zabriske Point!


We must be from different generations, Jim.

Your generation: Sweet; Radical; Chill out
My generation: Boss; Groovy; Far out
.

Death Valley

stimbo - 3-13-2010 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Quote:
Originally posted by stimbo

Igor -- Sweet light at Zabriske Point!


We must be from different generations, Jim.

Your generation: Sweet; Radical; Chill out
My generation: Boss; Groovy; Far out
.


You know what I mean. How about "righteous photo dude!"

DianaT - 3-13-2010 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by stimbo
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Quote:
Originally posted by stimbo

Igor -- Sweet light at Zabriske Point!


We must be from different generations, Jim.

Your generation: Sweet; Radical; Chill out
My generation: Boss; Groovy; Far out
.


You know what I mean. How about "righteous photo dude!"


Way back in my junior high days, it would have been, b-tchin, man, just b-tchin. :biggrin:

And it is great light.