The North County 20 Somethings

Death Valley Camping Trip

January 21, 2011 · 12:00 PM
Salton Sea State Recreation Area

How's this for an idea... a group camping trip to the Salton Sea? We're heading into the cooler weather so it'd be hospitable. Any camping fans out there? 3 hours in a car, two nights in tents, and we plan out some trails and possibly boating. It's a wild place. Alright, 12 pm it is! Lets meet at my place. Xavier is driving and either Kris or Sean is driving. Paul you can definitely carpool with us (and you can leave your car in our parking lot) and if anyone else decides to tag along, the more the merrier! I posted a checklist in case anyone needs it below. I also want to know if anyone wants me to make extra meals since I'm already making some for Xavier and myself. I posted the "menu" below with the cost estimate for the weekend. This is completely OPTIONAL so do not feel you have to take part. Checklist What to Bring: -Camping Gear (Tent, sleeping bag, flashlight or headlamp) -towel and toiletries (there are showers; not sure if they’re pay so you may want to bring some cash) -snacks/energy bars -extra clothes, raincoat or poncho, hiking shoes, shower flipflops -roll of toilet paper **The forecast predicts low 70s during the day and low 30s at night. Remember to bring lots of layers!! Extras: -small daypack -fishing gear -swimming attire -camera -camp chairs -entertainment (I'll probably bring some cards) -whatever else you need **I probably forgot some stuff, so post your comments Does anyone know if there’s a place to buy firewood around the campsites? Should we bring our own? We can provide all of the main meals (you provide your own snacks and lunch on Friday). I will also pick up several gallons of water. Feel free to bring beer/other drinks. I will also pick up paper plates and bowls, utensils, and napkins. If anyone has an extra pot they don’t mind getting dirty could you please bring? We have a medium size pot and a small camping pot. Friday: Dinner: Campfire chicken packs with veggies *If you want dessert for any of the meals, I will have orange cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and s’more ingredients Saturday: Breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit (instant coffee/tea if you would like) Lunch: Cheese/salami sandwich and veggies/chips Dinner: lentil soup and grilled cheese Sunday: Breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit Lunch: mac n cheese/tuna salad/PB&J (we’ll have a little of everything) The grand total per person for the weekend is about $20 - $25 Let Xavier or Brittney know by Thursday morning if you're interested!!

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Kris Barrett

4 Stars! I am subtracting a star because of the hurricane force winds that knocked my tent over. Other than that, it was awesome!

0 · February 2, 2011
Paul Hanson

You know it's gonna be a good time when you pull up and are instantly offered beer and s'mores. Everyone was fun and friendly. The Sea itself was definitely...interesting. Thankfully we didn't have much of a smell issue and was just far enough that it was an awesome view. The painted canyon hike was awesome! It was a lot of fun going through those tight canyons and up those ladders. Definitely the highlight. A low profile tent or use of guy-lines is suggested though. We got some freak wind Sat night that tore the camp up. Not sure all of us appreciated it, but it added to the experience and was a little fun.

Britt & Xav made a yummy camp meal, and the warm showers were a nice touch. (totally camping right? lol)

0 · January 24, 2011
Sean Parker

Excelent trip! Well planned and a fun crew. Perhaps organizers could order less sand and gale-force winds next time :P

0 · January 24, 2011
Xavier Lange

The trip went swimmingly... first night we all met up at the Mecca Campground and setup near the water. Thankfully upwind from the beach of dead fish.

We made a big ole fire and had our taste-y chicken in a bag. Paul arrived a little later and the party really started! Smart guy that one -- had everything you could ever needs. Smores rounded out the night and we went to bed for a chilly desert night.

We reach the painted canyon after a lengthy ride along a washboard-tastic dirt road -- amazing sheer cliffs of funky-patterned rock. Then the great ladder section! A series of ladders took us out of the canyon and onto ridges. What an experience.

Then saturday night we had a sand storm wreak havoc on the camp. Sean and Kris' tent fell and funneled sand into their mouths-agape and sleeping bags. Hilarious disaster. To say nothing of Brittney's distressing Lentil soup. After recovering: Dos Palmers desert oasis for lunch then a beautiful car ride back to civilization. Great trip!

0 · January 23, 2011
Xavier Lange

It's too bad she can't make it! Well... we'll have plenty of grub and grog waiting for you at camp. My phone number (to avoid that google voice thing) is [masked]

0 · January 21, 2011
Paul Hanson

She is still pretty sick, so no go on the gf. I slept in a bit, but will be on the road by 1-1:30pm probably.

0 · January 21, 2011
Paul Hanson

[masked]

Do you guys want me to bring my cast iron pan/pot thing? I won't be using it, but just in case you guys want to. (also you guys can use my stove as well)

0 · January 20, 2011
Xavier Lange

Hey Paul, what's your phone number? That way we can tell you where we set up camp.

0 · January 20, 2011
Sean Parker

You can usually buy firewood at local grocery stores. If there isn't any in Carlsbad, there will definitely be some closer to the boonies (i.e. in Mecca). If we're in the the desert there may not be good wood to collect, so I suggest we bring some. 2 chords would probably be fine. I can pick some up if we need it.

0 · January 19, 2011
Paul Hanson

I won't know until last minute if my gf can make it or not, and if she can we will be leaving late friday. Sooooo...just plan on me driving myself afterall.

I <3 cooking while camping, so I am gonna bring my own foods.

I know nothing about firewood. I am used to camping places you can just gather nearby lol.

0 · January 19, 2011
Kris Barrett

12pm works for me!

0 · January 14, 2011
A former member

We decided on Salton Sea right? We need more girls!! Is everyone able to leave at 12:00 PM?

0 · January 12, 2011
Sean Parker

I'm in more or less the same boat at Kris. 2 doors, 4 seats, big trunk. I've got a big ol' 4-man Tent (it was only $10 more!) I've still got a work trip "Tentative" the week of the 17th-21st, so I can't commit yet, but I so want to go.

0 · January 7, 2011
Kris Barrett

My car isn't that big (there isn't a lot of legroom in the back), but I can fit a lot of cargo if I fold the backseats down.

0 · January 4, 2011
Xavier Lange

The famous quantum tent! I have a few of those as well (I should do a complete inventory) -- I'll say I've got 2 for now. 1 extra mummy bag as well.

Trip inventory:
3 tents
2 extra sleeping bags
1 car available
1 more car needed

0 · January 4, 2011
Paul Hanson

I'm okay going wherever. Car has had better days recently so if I can catch a ride I would much rather. Let me know. Have a stove/propane tanks, and an extra mummy bag, and possibly an extra tent.

0 · January 4, 2011
Xavier Lange

Salton sea sounds good to me... anyone else mind if we do the switcheroo? We'll go to death valley afterwards.

So now we have more people than can fit comfortably (plus gear) into one car. I'm driving. Who's the lucky individual? Speak up... I can't hear you!

0 · January 4, 2011
A former member

I think we may want to reconsider Death Valley and change to the Salton Sea. Checked temps for Death Valley and the area will be in the 20s and 30s for most of the day and night. Salton Sea will stay in the 40s and low 50s. Let me know what you think!

0 · January 2, 2011
Xavier Lange

So now we need to organize travel. I'm volunteering my trusty ride, so 3 more can fit in there, with enough room for our gear plus firewood. I have an extra sleeping bag and two tents (a 1 person and a 2 person). Let me know!

1 · January 1, 2011
Kris Barrett

I'm down.

0 · December 9, 2010
Paul Hanson

Far enough away I can't even think of what might conflict...so sure! I am pretty sure I have an extra tent and an extra sleeping bag, though it is a mummy :/

0 · December 9, 2010
Xavier Lange

Alright, I'm throwing Jan 21st out as a suggest date. What do you think?

0 · December 9, 2010
Xavier Lange

So any movement on this salton sea idea? December work?

0 · November 6, 2010
Vanessa and Jim

That, and um...I've always wanted to head out that way and never have.....

0 · October 30, 2010
Vanessa and Jim

I know Death Valley has name hype, but something like camping around the Salton Sea http://www.saltonsea.ca.gov/rec... might be a good first time thing. It's closer, it's got lots of camping and hiking, and it is supposedly one heck of a trippy place. =)

0 · October 30, 2010
A former member

Finally get to try the dehydrated meals a bought a couple of months ago!

0 · October 28, 2010
Kris Barrett

Sounds like a great idea. I am due for a camping trip!

0 · October 27, 2010