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Heading Home

This trip didn’t last as long as I planned, but I have a good Dr at home that will take care of my back so I can get back out as soon as possible. One more drive-thru.

Rhyolite, Nevada

Only an hour north of the Death Valley Junction.

Death valley junction

Rhyolite is well cared for, definitely going back for a walk around.

Caboose
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Early trip home.

I woke up to the fact that I am a young person in an old body. I have had an iffy back for many years due mostly to being stupid and thinking I can do things I shouldn’t. So I woke up to limited movement, but I tried for another day, because I was so close to Death Valley.

Darwin

There is a great documentary on Darwin,CA on YouTube.

Post office and Dance hall

Art everywhere but no other services for miles.

My drive through of Death Valley is not much, all the good stuff picture wise is a hike I could not do.

First pull out

I spent the night just outside the park at the Pads on blm land. Lots of room but no signal.

Adding this for Solo Travelers. I live with my daughter, and I caused her a little anxiety by staying in a no-signal zone. The saving grace is that we use the 360 service on Google. She knew where I was, but was still worried since I hadn’t talked to her since the night before. I got in touch as soon as I got a signal, but I had caused her unnecessary worry. Most of the West has a lot of areas, especially in National Parks and Monuments, with no cell service. Be aware that your family will worry, so check in often if you fall Ill or hurt yourself as I did.

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Painted Rock Petroglyphs

This is a really nice place to rest for $8 a night. It is BLM, and camping fees go toward upkeep. No hookups, but nice clean pit toilets. The camp hosts do a great job. Must register via Recreation.gov; they accept no cash. Per hosts, if you have T-Mobile like me, there is no signal. When you exit I8 register with site pending, when you arrive, pick a site, and when you have signal, pay and done.

Special thanks to Glenn of the Cactus Atlas for his YouTube video of this site.

The petroglyphs are believed to be from the Oldham peoples. My pictures don’t do them justice.

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Organ Pipe Cactus

Why AZ, why not? Just a few miles north of the park is a big blm area where I stayed the night before. Lots of room and a great T-Mobile signal. Make sure you do what you need to because there is no service in most of the park.

Organ pipe cactus

I took the Ajo mountain loop, pay attention to the length restrictions and prepare to spend at least 2 hours driving time. This is a one-way loop with a potty 2/3s of the way. Next time I will plan to spend the whole day on the other loop it is a lot longer.

Ajo mountain loop.

The song below touched my heart the first time I came to the desert Southwest.

Man walks among us.