deathvalley march 18,2005

My little Brother Johnny and I began our weekend at about 9:30p.m. Friday night staring into the dark chasm that during daylight would be known as Surprise Canyon. Due to traffic delays and other issues beyond our control we would be getting a very late start on our hike to Panamint City. Darkness and a severely water eroded trail took its toll on us and we did not make the City limits till just after 4 in the morning.

This hike was initiated by an invite from Tim Wagg aka. The Beveridge Flier to meet him and his guests for a weekend in Panamint City. Johnny and I would wait till later Saturday morning before we would meet up with the rest of the group. We quietly made our way up Sourdough Canyon and secured the Castle for some well deserved sleep.

After about two hours of shut-eye, I left Johnny in peaceful slumber and headed around the mountain to meet up with E. Clampus Waagus. Most were up exploring the Wyoming Mine so I decided to Patrol the beat around town and make sure everything was in order until they arrived. While wandering around, I encountered a dog that was not to sure about me and while trying to calm him down I saw a familiar face poke out from behind a tree. It was Chris aka. Lucky Pabst whom I had met on my last Panamint trip. The dog was "Buddy" his faithful trail companion. The rest of the group soon made their way back to camp and introductions were made and stories were shared. After a while, I excused myself and headed back to the Castle for a nap.

Nap time now being over Johnny and I made our way back to the Panamint Hilton to partake in a pot-luck dinner that would make any hard-rock miner envious. Tri-Tip, Languisa? Sausage, baked potatoes, chili, and fresh peas were on the menu and a few bottles of wine made the rounds. Not being a drinker, I took relish in the one Coca-Cola that found room in my pack this trip. To round out this fine meal, we enjoyed some really great brownies made by Tracy.

Sunday would find us all packing up and heading back down the Canyon where we all said our farewells till next time.

Johnny and I made our way to Panamint Springs Resort for lunch and a camp spot for the night. We then drove to Stovepipe Wells and enjoyed the sunset by walking around the sand dunes.

Monday found us loading up and heading out through Death Valley, enjoying the wild flowers as we drove home.
Happy Trails