With uncertain grace Malika cooked, served and bussed her bistro. French dining had been a least expected delight after a handful of nuts provided the fuel for subzero explorations of the windswept Bristlecone Pines up at 10000 feet.
Monthly Archives: May 2010
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine
Katja flashing Leonosphere. Alabama Hills, where getting to the first bolt of a 5.7 might involve a 5.10 smear.
Panamint Valley Jump
Mesquite Dune Tai Chi
Bad Water Bizarre
State Line Cabin
When you are in Gold Point, look for a Walt. Actually, don’t look for him, he will find you. You’ll get good stories and cheap burritos. Look in his eyes and you won’t ask why he moved from New York, back when it had seven million people to this town which now has seven. Tip him well, perhaps he’ll tell you how to get to this cabin, “Free. First come, first serve.” Less than ten miles of dusty road and you’ll be the only ones in perhaps 400 square miles. Never mind the myriads of spent bullet cartridges of more gauges than even my friend David has tried. Your woman won’t mind the busty handygirl calendar. The view of Death Valley and the Milky Way so thick you have to clean the cream off your mustache will make up for it. Tread carefully, you are on Howard Hughes’ old property and there are plenty of mine shafts gaping.
Gold Point, Nevada
You may decide to drive here, you may not. It is a 34 mile detour off a minor highway. Do go, you won’t regret it. The sign at the town entrance reminds of better days, “Population 22”. You can’t buy beer here, but you might get one free. Donations accepted.
Life and Death in the Big Smokey Valley
Winnemucca Hotel & Bar
The oldest place in town, serving Basque food and sad stories. Michael, bartender and second generation owner, recommended we skip the food and go to Martin’s Hotel instead. Family style Basque-Amercin feast and friendly conversations with Australian mineral prospectors.