Here's the pix from the Natedawgg Run (http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20302) trip I took last weekend with my nephew.

Our first stop was Armstrong Canyon in the foothills of the eastern Sierra Nevada. The view was tremendous as we rose above Owens Valley northwest of Independence.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/e80652a6.jpg


Incredibly steep both above and below us, often much to our discomfort, there were a few obstacles to navigate. This photo was taken on the way out the following morning. The biggest obstacle was the butterflies in my stomach with the knowledge that one poorly placed tire could result in a very, very long roll down the steep escarpment.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/05f38e84.jpg


The trail ends at the very scenic camping spot that was nestled in a group of pines. Despite a perfect 75 degree day there were still snow pockets here and there on the ground. I'm getting a little older and am happy to report I can still whoop a teenagers ass in a snowball fight!

:D

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0771.jpg

We went for a hike to take in the sights before settling into camp.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/c81fa16b.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0770.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0772.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0769.jpg


It was really windy, so we built a structure around our fire as a preventative.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0764.jpg


My nephews mom is bribing him to read more. 4 books this summer earns him several Xbox games.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0775.jpg


Fireside self portrait.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0784.jpg


It was so nice out that we didnt actually sleep in our tent.

Next morning we drove the treacherous road back down, stopping to inspect a future camping spot with an amazing view that we'd overlooked on the way up.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0791.jpg


My Xterra enjoying the view.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0793.jpg


Before heading into the scorching desert, I gave into my hippie upbringing to stop and pick some sagebrush.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0795.jpg


Then we headed across Owens Valley to Mazourka Canyon and heat. We stopped for a snack. Looking back across Owens Valley you can see the foothills of the snowcapped mountains where we camped the night before.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0797.jpg


Out of Mazourka Cyn and down into the north end of Saline Valley. Into some real heat. Not that pussy 101 degree stuff we were in earlier. We're talking blowtorch hot. I can't find an official NOAA report on Saline Valley because there is NOTHING in it, but Stovepipe Wells boasted 120f on Saturday. Stovepipe Wells is one mountain range over, a few hundred feet lower in elevation and a bit further south, so I would imagine we were somewhere in the 115 range.

We found abandoned mines and structures to explore. Because we were using the AC, my eye was always on the temp gauge. Though we were well prepared, I dont need to tell you that getting stranded there would've been a very, very miserable experience.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0801.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0799.jpg


The back looks fine for a trip like this, but I've never had so much dust inside my Xterra before.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0805.jpg


Then we went to the very bottom of the valley that had a mostly dry saline lake bed. Surprisingly, the area was populated with bushes, stunted trees and grasses. Near the wet end of the lake, hidden in the bushes, we stumbled upon a spring that bubbled up out of the ground and took a much needed swim in cool, fresh water.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0806.jpg


Refreshed, we continued south and up out of the valley.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0808.jpg


We opted to camp in an area called Jackass flat which is about 2000 feet above sea level. Translation: Much cooler. As we set up we enjoyed a nice 80 degree breeze.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0811.jpg


Here's some pix of the area.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0817.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0814.jpg


Heres a pic of my nephew roasting a hotdog. But lets be real, its really about how cool my X looks near the fire.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/NJP_0821.jpg

We slept on the ground in our sleeping bags in the most perfect weather I've ever experienced for camping. Just cool enough that you loved your sleeping bag, but not to cold that you minded getting up in the night to go take a piss and enjoy the stars.

Next morning we headed south into Panamint Valley and then back to LA.

If you look at that map and find Owens Valley you can see our general trip. Armstrong Cyn is in the Sierras immediately west of Owens. Saine Valley is unmarked but is directly east of Owens Valley and directly north of Panamint Valley. Stovepipe Wells is in the north end of Death Valley.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Wpdms_shdrlfi020l_death_valley.jpg

Hope you enjoyed the report!

:wink-big:

Beautiful pics! I wish we had camping like that here in FL...

Dude that looked like an awesome adventure!
The pics look great and so does the X!

Beautiful pics! I wish we had camping like that here in FL...

Hahaha! Just remember, FL camping may suck unless you like mosquitos, heat exhaustion and wet, but you will always have one thing we out west do not: a warm ocean to swim in. And that's kick-ass!

This is true but I think I'd trade to get away from the mosquitos, and humidity...lol

Yea.... there is a reason I've opted for CA over FL. Though I do enjoy business trips to the Keys.

:)

If I wasn't born and raised here I would probably move else where. All my family is here so I really don't want to move. I'd love to live in the mountians. I've been to the Carolina's many times and I love it more and more there. One day I'll make it out to Calli and be a tourist...lol For now Vegas is as far west as I've been and my skin couldn't take the dry air out there...lol I felt like a lizard when I was there.

Yup. I grew up in Tucson so I can handle the crackly skin.

Beautiful shots man. I wish we had areas here in the east where we could take extended offroad trips like that. I really want to get up into that area some day and do some hiking and camping. Looks awesome there!

Thanks dude. I forgot to mention that I taught my nephew to drive on the trip!

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r99/nattybread/Off%20Road%20Trips/June%202010/4ac18240.jpg


:)

Great pics & nice looking X!!! Avalanche is the best. ;)

Storm troopers, yo.

awesome pictures... I think I need to add that place to my idea list!! :)

Yea, its truly an awe inspiring area.

I'm driving through there this fall, definitely going to check out saline valley now...