Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had planned to take the 12+ hour road trip to my land in NoCal so I could break ground on the cabin to be built there. I had hoped to dig and pour a 15'x 15' footing so it would be set to build walls and floors and roof on during the spring and summer. Unfortunately, I think the ground will be too hard for hand-digging since the temps up there are pretty low. Just as well, since I hate cold weather.

Instead, I've decided to enjoy the lonely trails and backroads of Death Valley, which is less than 200 miles from Vegas. It will be my first excursion into the deserts of Death Valley, which at 300 feet below sea level is the lowest point in the western hemisphere. The weather there should still be pleasant on Thanksgiving, in the low 70's during the day. That's perfect hiking weather.

The nights will be quite a bit cooler, but I plan to camp at the hot springs in Saline Valley. Those same springs served as a type of permanent home to nudist and hippies until the early 90's when Death Valley Nat'l Monument was expanded to include them. The federal government doesn't like naked people in the park.

Palm Springs, Saline Valley, Death Valley, CA

I've got a few pieces of gear I need to get. My sleeping mat needs to be replaced. I also need to get a gas can mount for the jeep. The nearest gas station to the springs is about 80 miles away. I don't think I can push it that far and I really don't feel like dying alone in the desert.

Jeep Gas Can Mount