Consider these 24 suggestions prior to embarking on a safari
Map reading at end of Johnson Canyon road
Consider these 24 suggestions prior to embarking on a safari
Map reading at end of Johnson Canyon road
Once you have decided that you are going to brave the remote reaches of the Death Valley region, whether it be for a day or a week, you may wish to use this list to assist in making sure nothing is overlooked prior to departure. Remember, some of the time you'll be a very long way from normal human resources, perhaps a drive of many hours and miles! Your enjoyment of the outback, not to mention your personal safety, depends on proper preparation. Enjoy the occasional humor contained below.
Journal Entry: Day One - November 28, Monday Having finally made the move to a smaller, more nimble, and fuel efficient backcountry exploration vehicle, this is my first overland journey with it. I have traveled on many safaris over the years up through Goler Canyon, but this year the trail is more challenging than I can ever recall. Severe rains have washed out most of the dryfalls, making passage a dicey affair. My primitive camp tonight will be at Geologist's Cabin and Anvil Spring, on the eastern side of Mengel Pass. To get there today will test my resolve and spirit. This first dryfall is a little tough, but the next one proves to be a nasty. Up this canyon is where the notorious Manson gang hid out during the sixties, until the law eventually caught up with them at Barker Ranch near Sourdough Spring. They reportedly drove an old bus up this road ... lucky for them it was a year of little rain, for they never could have driven a bus over what I am witnessing this afternoon! I am totally alone today, not a soul to be seen in miles.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THINKING:
___ 1) This complete website, as well as all the other Death Valley websites known to exist on the Internet, have been thoroughly read, completely studied, and memorized prior to the decision to leave on the trip. Every book has also been purchased and read in its entirety, so that not the slightest infinitesimal item has been overlooked.
___ 2) The BEV (backcountry exploration vehicle) has been thoroughly inspected by a competent mechanic, and anything that could render the vehicle inoperable has been satisfactorily repaired, including fan belts, radiator hoses, fuel filters, etcetera. This is definitely not the time to skimp or put it off until the next trip into the outback. Remember Murphy's Law!
___ 3) There is a full-size spare tire with decent tread on the BEV, along with all the tools necessary to mount it on the vehicle in a remote area.
___ 4) There is an operable Citizen's Band (CB) radio mounted in the BEV for communication and safety purposes. If not, a bullhorn and signaling mirrors are ready for use.
___ 5) One gallon of water per person for each day has been stored in the BEV in leak-proof containers. Double that has been placed in the BEV for those who venture out during the hotter months of June through September. A person can survive weeks without food, but only a few short days without water.
___ 6) The BEV has an operable "low range" transfer case for traversing obstacles, and the four-wheel drive is fully functional, an important consideration for those contemplating the rougher roads.
___ 7) The physical fitness levels of all people who will be riding in the BEV are adequate to meet the demands of multiple days of outback living (should there be a breakdown in the middle of nowhere). The fitness levels of anyone wishing to hike are of a superior level. Any doubts about personal fitness have been answered by a medical professional if necessary.
___ 8) All five tires have a 6-ply rating or higher, and have tread sufficient to resist damage caused by most rocks. If the BEV has 4ply rated tires, the BEV is loaded with spares and lots of industrial-strength repair apparatus since it will be traveling on roads notorious for causing leaky tires. Tires are the last place to be skimping when journeying into Death Valley.
___ 9) The BEV is legally licensed for street use, and it is insured as required by its state of registration. Backcountry roads are patrolled by law enforcement rangers, and all normal rules of the road apply, even out here.
___ 10) There is extra clothing in the BEV to keep all the occupants warm in the event of cold weather or an emergency situation, including warm headgear. Yes, it can get cold at night even after warm daytime temperatures.
___ 11) There are sleeping bags for each occupant of the BEV, as well as rain-proof nighttime shelter, such as a tent. A bag rating for temperatures below zero would be preferable in the event of inclement weather. Remember that Gilligan, the skipper, and their guests only went out for a three hour tour.
___ 12) There is food to last at least five days for each occupant of the BEV. Extra emergency food would be an added safety feature. Remember, no food is provided by convenient stores or vending machines, so just ask yourself how you want your emergency to transpire. And no, doughnuts don't count as food.
___ 13) The BEV is stocked with emergency life supplies, including a book on wilderness survival, complete first-aid kit, waterproof matches, mirror, whistle, small strobe light, hatchet, tarp, rope, nylon cord, bungie cords, knife, sun still, fish hooks and line, flashlight, fresh extra batteries, chemically activated hand and foot warmers, rain gear, sunscreen, venom extraction suction syringe, freeze dried emergency food, cold weather gloves, long underwear, cellular or satellite telephone, emergency GPS beacon, and anything else that will contribute to a safe return of all occupants in the event of an unforeseen emergency ( I need a bigger BEV :).
___ 14) The BEV is stocked with tools necessary to complete field repairs in the event of a breakdown, including vise grips, pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, star wrenches, wire cutters, electrician's tape, duct tape, shovel, complete wrench and socket set, spark plug wrench, tire repair kit, air pressure gauge, tire air compressor, silicone sealant, liquid wrench, WD-40, liquid steel, pry bar, bailing wire, radiator hose, hose repair kit, hose clamps, fan or serpentine belt, spare fuses, radiator stop-leak, battery jumper cables, engine oil, brake fluid, and anything else that will contribute to returning the vehicle to operable condition (I really need a bigger BEV now :)
___ 15) The BEV has appropriate items for emergency extraction, including heavy-duty steel tow hooks or eyes mounted to the frame front and rear, strong tow strap, strong snatch-type strap, shovel, traction aids, heavy duty canvas gloves, and anything else that will contribute to getting the rig unstuck and back on the trail. A winch can be reassuring, but don't worry too much about it if you don't have one - you can rent an industrial strength helicopter to remove your rig for about $20,000 per hour (it might be cheaper to just write your SUV off and leave it, except that once the Park Service finds it, you may be assessed a daily penalty for cluttering up the natural world).
___ 16) A planned itinerary has been left with someone who will remain home, including the estimated time of return, as a safety backup in the event of trouble. Give yourself a little leeway here (maybe into the next day even) so that your backup person doesn't have the state's search and rescue personnel combing the hills for you if we're only several hours late.
___ 17) A hide-a-key is located on the BEV in case a wild burro eats the usual key, or, more unlikely but still possible, you misplace the normally used keys.
___ 18) There is a detailed map of the area to be traveled in the BEV glovebox. And if you happen to have a map to Charles Breyfogle's lost gold, bring it along too!
___ 19) All BEV occupants have a pair of sunglasses, and have left an up-to-date last will and testament at home (just kidding on that last part folks!).
___ 20) There is a fire extinguisher in the BEV.
___ 21) I have read the frequently asked questions page in its entirety, and have had Steve call me on the telephone with any questions that I still had. Now I know everything he knows (How much is that?)
___ 22) No boastful statements have been uttered that would prompt Murphy to invoke his law, thereby contributing to an event that would take even the smallest portion of enjoyment out of this expedition. If you want to test Murphy's Law, do it in some other aspect of your life please.
___ 23) I have read the "WARNING OF INHERENT RISKS" information box that follows below, and realize that despite all the fun and good times that await me in the outback, I must be ever-aware that this is indeed serious business. I am prepared!
___ 24) And, last but not least, I've read The Old Trailmaster's poem to get me in the mood to go four wheeling and exploring the backroads. In fact, I've even typed it up and put a copy on my dashboard.
DEATH VALLEY Inyo Independent Newspaper, 1883
"The country around Death Valley, and lying in the triangle formed by the eastern line of Inyo and the northern line of San Bernardino counties, is perhaps the least explored region of the United States. The intrepid prospector, though suspecting the presence of great mineral wealth and eager to open new districts, hesitates to penetrate its center for once lost within its embrace, without water, the poise of the mind swerved by fever, phantasy unseating reason, bewildered, he wanders without aim, his blazing eye beholding heaven in the snowy outline of the distant Sierras, in the flame of the desert he falls to die. Thus, many in these desolate ranges have lain them down in despair, forever uncoffined and unknown. It is not a rare event for prospectors to find the bleaching skeletons of those who in early years dared these treacherous solitudes. The whitened bones of the dead seem a natural part of these landscapes - dead men lying on the slopes of dead mountains. Such a skeleton was lately discovered in the Coso Range, where it had, by the evidence of papers also found, lain undisturbed for ten long years. What a picture for the imagination is that of the dead lying in these solitudes at the blast of the last trumpet starting again to life - alone!"
A Word About Tires by Roger Mitchell, Author of Death Valley SUV Trails
"The high road clearance, the added traction of four-wheel drive, and the carrying capacity of most SUVs make them a good general-purpose backcountry vehicle. SUVs are a reasonable compromise between the comfort and luxury of a conventional automobile and the spartan raw power of a farm tractor.
Unfortunately, the stock tires your SUV came with do not share that compromise. They are probably "city tires" designed for ease of ride and comfort. They will probably be grossly inadequate to stand up to the rigors of rough roads. If you do much backcountry exploring, your first priority should be making sure that your vehicle has proper footwear.
It is not the size of the tire, or the tread design that should be your major concern, but rather the ability of the tire's tread surface, and sidewalls, to stand up to rocks and other road hazards. In 45 years of four-wheeling in this country and abroad, I quickly learned that a 4ply passenger car tire is going to let you down, and at the worst possible moment. What is needed is a 6, 8, or even 10-ply truck tire. Shop carefully and talk to other four-wheelers before making your selection."
WARNING OF INHERENT RISKS Backcountry exploration, travel on unpaved primitive roads, and hiking far from human habitation can endanger yourself and your vehicle. Such activity carries with it inherent risks including, but not limited to, tire punctures, sheet metal damage from rocks, paint scratches, vehicular destruction, hypothermia, dehydration, starvation, wild animal attack, consequences from medical problems arising in the absence of a medical professional, and death. Prior to embarking upon a backcountry safari, you must personally evaluate these potential outcomes, voluntarily choose to explore with full understanding of the inherent risks involved, and do so while fully accepting personal responsibility for yourself, your vehicle, and anyone in your care. While all reasonable diligence has been brought to bear in the creation of this website to inform you how to keep you and your vehicle safe from harm, there are no guarantees or promises, stated or implied, given to you by WildDeathValley.com with regards to the risks involved in any backcountry activity. Backcountry exploration is always unpredictable and often dangerous. Never go alone or with only one vehicle. Always inform Rangers of your intended route. YOU CHOOSE TO EXPLORE THE BACKCOUNTRY ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK!
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