Pictures from the trip to Death Valley on Dec, 2005
Death Valley, Christmas 2005
The 4th Annual Troop 206 Desert Adventure took us once again to Death Valley
between Christmas and New Years’ Eve, 2005. Our 20-Mule Team headed out from
Menlo Park to the Furnace Creek campground and encountered glorious weather the
whole time (except for the drive home!)
Scoutmaster Roger and ASM’s Emma, Dave, and Don, along with Committee Members
Frances and Cathy accompanied six Scouts and siblings on a mixture of very
out-of-the-way day trips and the usual but fascinating tourist fare. We hiked up
Desolation Canyon to an unclimbable fall (except by Glenn S) and Scouts Peter H,
Patrick R, Scott M and Laura M clambered up the scree-sloped ridge for a view of
Artists' Canyon and the Valley. Short trips to round out the days included
Natural Bridge and the Salt Creek Nature Trail. A visit to the Keane Wonder Mine
provided a hike of 2 miles to the top, but really steep, with 1600 ft elevation
gain. Scouts Peter, Patrick and mom Frances climbed even further, and Glenn
elected to climb up the canyon. Thursday the Sheltons and Reneaus investigated
Grotto Canyon, close to Stovepipe Wells but lonely and mysterious. A tough but
interesting scramble for a mile up a steep boulder-strewn canyon revealed why.
Scott and the McVeys and Hardys chose a tour of Scotty’s Castle, of course, a
must-see for every DV visitor. We all got a 4-wheel drive journey through Titus
Canyon, with an adventurous 4 mile hike down Titanothere Canyon thrown in for
fun.
A Death Valley visit always requires a hike out on the Sand Dunes for sledding,
yoga, and views of the sunset. We were also fortunate to be at the Park at the
same week as the Sidewalk Astronomers Club, and enjoyed a delightful lecture at
the Visitor Center by John Dobson, originator of the Dobsonian telescope, along
with views of planets and nebulae.
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