Panamint Valley Days
November 2010
Attendees: Jason & Alli, Jeff, Betty, and Lawana & Tom
A small group of us (3 rigs in all) attended the Silver Anniversary (25th) Panamint Valley Days near Death Valley. This was the first time any of us have attended this Cal 4 Wheel event and we are likely to put this on our annual calendar of “must do” events. This area is rich in history and there is a lot to see, way too much for just a single trip.
We arrived just before midnight on Thursday and immediately hit the sack as we had to get through safety inspection prior to our 8:30 line-up for our first planned run to Jail Canyon. Departing at 9 am, we fell in line with @40 other rigs for a half day run to the site of the first water wheel powered stamp mill in the Death Valley area. En route, we stopped at cabins, toured the Gem Mine and enjoyed the colorful narration via CB radio. The stamp mill was quite impressive and we could picture the miners working the area to eke out their hard living. The canyon was very scenic and was a good first taste of the weekend to come.
We arrived back in camp just in time for our 2 pm departure for the Lookout City Sunset Run. On this trip, we climbed the Argus Range until we hit the ruins of Lookout City. Our view of the Panamint Range and valley below were spectacular. Arriving just before sunset, our timing was perfect to see the afternoon dim and the evening shadows grow atop the peak. We toasted a bottle of wine to our good fortune to be there.
Needless to say, our early morning arrival and full day of wheeling meant for an early goodnight. It was lights out @8:45 on Friday.
Saturday morning found us up early and lining up for a 7 am departure for the Goler Wash Run. This was to be another full day of wheeling starting with a stop at Ballarat Ghost Town. After visiting the cemetery, we headed past a working mine towards the canyon entrance at Goler Wash. The trail winds up a narrow canyon with sheer walls on both sides. Water flowing down the trail made a small waterfall interesting for the unlocked vehicles in the group. Soon we visited Newman’s Cabin and then the former site of the Barker Ranch, the infamous site of Charles Manson’s capture. We spent quite a bit of time at the Barker Ranch, had some lunch, and headed for Mengel Pass. After visiting the site of Carl Mengel’s remains, we turned around headed down the canyon. Our thanks to Gary Hicks for his interesting narration along the route.
Saturday night’s raffle started off with bicycles, toys, and games for the kids, a nice touch for a family event such as this. The winches, tires, bumpers, and other goodies were saved for the adult raffle. I forget the exact number, but well over 200 registered vehicles and their occupants were in attendance. It was a great crowd and a superb event. Thank you Cal 4 Wheel Association.
Tom
