Hunter Mtn., Hidden Valley, Racetrack, Lippencott and Saline Valley 12/02 - 04/05

December may seem like an odd time to go camping but odd people do odd things so Kyle, David 
and I headed to Death Valley National Park and its environs for some wheeling, camping and fun! 
Kyle and I spent Thursday night in Ridgecrest and then got up early to head up Hunter Mountain,
through Hidden Valley to Teakettle Junction then back down via Racetrack Road and Lippencott 
after which we headed to the Panamint Springs Resort for gas before hitting camp. On the way up
Hunter Mountain we scouted a camp site and marked it with cones. Later on the way back 
we established radio contact with David who'd come up Friday night, and the cones guided
 him to camp. 

Camp up high on Hunter Mountain was beautiful but bitter cold. It dropped into the 20s if not the teens.
Each of us had our cold shivering moments to remember. I thought I could miss mine by using a
Zodi Tent Heater, but in the middle of the night it ran out of propane and was blowing cold
air in my face. When I got outside to change it, my hands we shivering so much it was difficult 
to get the propane canister threaded. Our water and supplies froze and we were more than anxious
 to head down to lower ground!

So, in the morning we headed down into Saline Valley and visited many spots along the way
including Petroglyph Point and Hunter Canyon. We ended the day at Saline Warm Springs
where we took a night time soak in the warm water. Total relaxation on a clear desert night with
all of the stars above, miles from the "real" world in this rustic and remote place, with hot tubs! 

Sunday we got up and headed out the North Pass, visited a mine and then at the end we were 
presented with a spectacular view of the Easter Sierras. It was a fantastic trip! Truly one of the
best I have been on!