Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:26 pm
Spent 16-19 Nov. at Saline Valley hot springs, New 'Chicken Strip' was in great shape, picked-up large rocks, gravel was smooth. Windsock is almost torn off at top from sun, doesn't matter much since a one-way strip unless in a helo. South entrance was very slow-Grapevine canyon especially, I have never seen it so poor. Of course, 'road closed' signs were up from Inyo County. Every time creek crossed road-had to build road, deep washouts in valley. There are, however, several long enough places to land on the road in the valley if one needs to. The original Chicken Strip I used w/ Elmer in his 120/140 from Novato in '72 or '73? has fallen out of favor-it seems less susceptable to washouts since it is on a ridgecrest, even though it is 'hilly,' long enough, wonder why it was changed-Smokey? Signed log even though in car. Could bring some more tiedowns and a sledge next time, what length r-bar would be best?
Dropped off load of wood @ hot springs, noticed all the random trailers no longer there-great, springs pools very clean. Saw one burro, heard none, saw no snakes, scorpions. Ravens will poke hole through foam coolers, not mine. 70'sF during day, no wind, lots of other campers spread all over the place, most were courteous, hated to leave. North exit much better. Can't figure out how to enclose px w/ 'Img' note:first time, any help? Thanks