DESERT EXPLORERS RONDEZVOUS
MARCH 20, 2010

GOLD VALLEY AND DEADMAN’S PASS


Leading our small group; Bob Dodds, MayBelle and Tug. Following us were Ron and Barbara Midlikoski, Leanard, Rebecca and Hanna Friedman, Willie and Faye Kalajian and Mike and Donna Munford. With this small of a group we didn’t leave until 08:30, after correcting a C.B. problem. We headed out 7.5 miles to the dirt road taking us to Deadman’s Pass. The weather was great for being Death Valley. There was a slight cool breeze. Tug loved it. We arrived at our first stop where lots of pictures of the U.S. G.S. marker, elevation 3,264’. The wood sign was 3,300’ and my GPS said 3,197’, so much for accuracy. Ron found a treasure, a cylinder head with the fins bent and broken with a large valve and valve spring. It appears to be an aircraft cylinder.

We crossed over green valley water road (dirt) and continued on toward Gold Valley and Willow springs taking in the geological formations of the valley. We then drove between the mountain walls and entered Willow Springs and the turn around. By now it was close to lunch time and this was a good place to have a break. We were quite sure we were at the springs, I took a GPS reading and sure enough, right on the spot.

We were a little disappointed the wind flowers had not bloomed yet and I did find out after our return, there were a couple of pools at the springs had we walked further. Our weekend was great and everyone enjoyed the wild horses at the hotel and I had never seen the paintings on the walls that Marta did. What an artist.

Thanks to all who joined me on this trip.