DianaT - 4-18-2013 at 08:51 PM
The first time we visited the tallest dunes in California, the Eureka Dunes on the west side of Death Valley, we knew they were special. Thus we
decided to take the day to visit them again. The weather report predicted some wind and we thought it would be nice to see a little sand blowing
around the top and have a picnic.
As we approached, opps, there was more than a little bit of blowing sand!
They appeared a bit angry, or were just doing what dunes do --- change their designs.
And a few black shadows appeared.
With the wind quite gusty and cold, it was time to move on this time. It is a great part of Death Valley and does not draw the crowds as does some of
the other areas.
So we were off to Crankshaft Crossing to maybe travel on the Gold Point Rd. through Tule Canyon.
This is just one of those OH MY scenes when one rounds the curve on the road to Crankshaft Crossing.
And the crossing
With a monument to the name.
This is such a wild and open area -- not place to explore in the Summer! This is one of the good parts of the Gold Point Road.
Information we had said one needed 4wd and high clearance, but what the heck. The Subaru works well, except for the high clearance thing.
I just liked the design in the dried mud, but you can also see the ditch we crossed --- it was a bit much for the Subaru, but we made it.
Nature creates such beautiful designs, especially in desert areas.
We made it several miles, but the next dried stream ditch was just too much --- looking for a Jeep! So back we went.
On the way back, we found another example of Mother Natures' design creation.
And she was working overtime when she put the storm the wind and the muted colors together.
But since we really dislike needing to back track the entire way, out came the map. Bingo, the Eureka Valley road that would connect with Highway
168 --- and a beautiful drive it was!
If you have only visited the most popular parts of Death Valley, think about visiting the west side.
Thank you for looking.
[Edited on 4-22-2013 by DianaT]
Skipjack Joe - 4-18-2013 at 11:28 PM
Whooeeey! You guys are having way to much fun in your new location.
Wonderful images, Diane. I'm sure you're getting tired of hearing that by now.
A couple of them had a high alpine feel to them. I don't know why they struck me that way.
Pompano - 4-19-2013 at 08:09 AM
WONDERful photos, Diane! I have rambled through there in the past, but my old pictures pale in comparison. My trip was with my parents a long time
ago, and I took my pics with my trusty Brownie Hawkeye...
That 'crankshaft trail' reminds me of a similar forest trail gouged out with a dozer in northern Manitoba. 11 miles of rock and holes that takes 3
hours to struggle through...without hanging your muffler or driveshaft in the trees with dozens of others. But, like all those great off-road
trails...the destination was well worth the effort! This one Up North led me to some of the best lake trout and big pike fishing I have ever had.
I'm planning on retracing my steps this summer if all goes according to the tea leaves.
Looking forward to your next outing!
DianaT - 4-19-2013 at 09:11 AM
THANKS Igor, and yes, we are having way too much fun and plan to continue doing so. Alpine feel, there is one that gave me a bit of that feeling
also, and it was cold! Driving on the Death Valley road from 168 to the Dunes, it actually snowed on us --- just a few flakes, but real snow!
THANKS Roger, I fear all those Brownie Hawkeyes we all loved are now in the local museums --- I just have real trouble accepting so many things I
remember being called antiquities! What does that say about us? Keeping positive thoughts for well aligned tea leaves for you and look very forward
to your report.
wessongroup - 4-19-2013 at 09:35 AM
Thanks much ..... sure glad ya guys like to "go look" 
[Edited on 4-19-2013 by wessongroup]
Sunman - 4-19-2013 at 11:39 AM
Beaut pics. Death Valley has always been my alternate Baja fix. The Dunes are one of our favorites as is the Gold Point area.
Mexitron - 4-19-2013 at 11:53 AM
Thanks Diane---can't wait to visit those places....but maybe next winter! nice pics too.
DianaT - 4-19-2013 at 06:23 PM
THANKS for the nice comments
--- yes, we do like to go and look and yes, the Death Valley area is good for a Baja fix and the Dunes are so very special, and yes, Mexitron, you do
need to visit the Death Valley area. The main tourist areas are interesting and worth seeing, but then there is the back country! 
