Saline Valley to Alabama Hills 11/9

And Manzanar

The road seemed a lot more rough on the way out of Saline valley. What a magical place, but a bit weird too- maybe that's what is so magical. An odd collection of people in the desert oasis.

We spoke to some fellow Portlanders, and he said he'd been here like 20 years ago, and there were almost nobody here- just an old naked guy. I missed my opportunity to say "he's still here!" there is a 30 day limit to camp , so that's something. Most of the folks we met were exceedingly nice and enjoyed the hot spring "spa". I'm failing  description of the "magic" of Saline valley hot spring.

The few folks that we spoke with couldn't believe that we "just stumbled upon this" rather than be invited, or someone told us about it.

Tom and Kelly- they've been on the road for 10 years! He calls themselves "dirtbags", I guess gathering dirt- camping

Everyone was polite, nice and seemed educated- but I guess not judgmental, oh, here I go again- not making sense.

Coyote, Bats, Rabbits, Roadrunner, and a bunch of naked people in the hot pools. Burros like books I guess, we saw a few on the way out, but without the books.

We stopped at the Saline valley sand dunes, since I didn't get to go to the Eureka dunes- the road directly there was "not advised"- definitely a 4x4 road- I can appreciate that more now than ever. These roads are rough!

Just ask Ginger.

On the way in, we had 2 eggs fall casualty, even in the plastic protective case, on the way out the carton of broth sprung a leak- rough roads!

The sand dunes! I loved seeing the evidence of life in the dunes- there were footprints  of all kinds of critters, mostly not identifiable to the layman like me.- still very cool though.

Big pine, independence, Manzanar, Lone Pine, Alabama hills

Leaving the Saline valley on Saturday seemed right, but we noticed a huge influx of people for the long weekend- it's Veteran's day on Monday, so a lot of people have the long weekend- bad new if you want to go somewhere popular- like the Alabama hills! :(

Anticipating the crowds, and the camping restrictions and the poor timing, we set out to see what this place is about. Initially we did find it busy, and full, so hopes dropped quickly for finding a place in the rocks. But we persevered, and did find a camp spot at the north end of Alabama hills. It's nice, and the scenery is incredible, with the rock outcroppings.

Not really into the movie scene, but the area is spuer impressive, geology wise!

Death Valley, Saline Valley 11/7

We're leaving the woodlands for desertlands! 8500 feet for 2400 feet. 13 degree nights for 37 degree nights.

We'll see………… :)

When I called the NPS line, I got a very helpful guy on the phone saying that the road was passable, there is no rain/ weather in the forecast, so the dunes should be a good destination, except.. When I mentioned that we would go from the Eureka dunes, to Saline hot springs, then exit from there, Would it be better to leave the north pass route, or south pass? "going from Eureka dunes to Saline is not recommended- ugh.

So, lets forget about the dunes and just go to the hot springs.

Good idea.

The road is long and rough- like 37 miles long and rough, but the oasis that is Saline hot springs is nothing like we read, or saw. It's truly an oasis, but the people are laid back and maybe it's an old hippie enclave!?

Planes!

F1, F5 , F35, in the morning 4 F15s!

White Mountains 11/6

We camped in the white Mountains, at Grandview Campground, 8540 feet elevation, and woke up to 13 degrees! Welp, seems like hell froze over because we picked up a few bars cell service to find out that we will have another DJT presidency- it's like a day of mourning. I'm happy that we have been out of touch so as not to be so bombarded and fatigued with all the news stream, nonetheless, it’s a shock and "I can't believe this!"

Susan mentioned that perhaps it was fitting to be in the presence of the ancient Bristlecones, as they have withstood 4,000 years of existence in a very harsh place. Let's gather some of that resiliency and know the long game is not about these 4 years. Yes we'll need to fight to retain our democracy.

The sun came up today the same as ever, and that feels good. Stick to what's important, and carry on.

Perhaps it's a time to reflect, and listen to what it is that the conservative voters are searching for? The voters are believing in a dream that I don't quite understand, but to listen, and understand, maybe we can come together on some cornerstones of what we deserve as a nation.

In the meantime, I have a newfound respect for Pinyon Pines (or Pinyon trees if you don't want to seem redundant). The Pinyon and Juniper woodland is so impressive. The Pinyon are shedding their cones, and pine nuts are all over the place! The trees seem to have a competition with the bristlecones for tenacity. They are growing in the rocks, enduring the high altitude severe weather, and have a similar twisted form, they are amazing.

Once the sun came up, and warmed us to at least 20 degrees, I went for a Mountain Bike ride from camp to an old mine site, with breathtaking views of the Sierras, the Pinyon pines, Utah Junipers and rock formations in this magical woodland. Dang those climbs are brutal! Maybe it wasn't the view that took my breath away! A great start to the day!