By Barry Zander, Edited by Monique Zander*, the Never-Bored RVers
This is the second of two articles about our trip to Death Valley earlier this month, the sequel to our excursion to China Ranch Date Farm. Included at the end is my golf story about why I’m glad I four-putted the 18th hole.
A Sea of Fellow Travelers -- No Mirage!
PART 2, THE ENCAMPMENT — There are those who return each year to the Death Valley 49ers Encampment to don the outfits of the American West as it
was back in the 1800s. It’s a four-day variety show, complete with horse riders alongside buckboards pulled by mules, a “return to the days of yesteryear,” as we heard on the Lone Ranger radio and TV shows.
Many come to the Encampment to commune with history, but everyone comes for the entertainment – top-notch singers and musicians who rank among America’s most notable western performers. Some venture into the desert to escape the cold. There’s no quiet like the quiet of the desert, and there’s no more beautiful landscape than the striated hills in every direction.
Yet, I’ll bet the most compelling reason most drive hour after hour to return year after year is to socialize with friends they’ve camped alongside for years if not decades. 2011 was the 62nd year of the Encampment [http://www.deathvalley49ers.org].
Monique and I made the 600-mile round-trip for the second year in a row seeking adventure. Like last year everyday held new vistas and opportunities for
Western Singer Mary Kaye, One of the Top-Notch Entertainers
entertainment and exploration. Folk and western music is everywhere, emanating from several formal stages … to groups of chairs placed randomly … to friends gathered among the thousand or so RVs to do a little “pickin’ & grinnin’.” This year’s Friday night “Coyote Howl,” a mostly musical talent show, was our highlight, not only because of the quality of the performances but because of the many fun, off-beat songs.
Wile E. Coyote's Cousin "Fearless"
There’s the costume contest, an art show highlighted by the quick-draw segment that climaxed with a furious auction, parades, movies about Death Valley history and oddities, crafts, horseshoe matches and the golf tournaments …
Our reason for returning was simple – we had such a good time there last year that it was a natural choice to pull our RV across the stark wilderness knowing we would eventually arrive in time for all the excitement of the Encampment. We look forward to our next Death Valley adventure.
It was a come-as-you-were costume contest
PART 3, MY GOLF STORY — I have a golf story to tell about why I’m glad I four-putted the 18th green. Asked for my handicap before teeing off, I admitted I only play about once a year, and last year I shot a sucky 110. That earned me a 26 handicap for this year: as it turns out, highest in the contest. I was fortunate to be paired up with Dennis, Ron and Ray (unknown to me before then) to play the second-day tournament.
Unlike last year when I averaged about 3.2 putts per green, last week I was averaging two putts per green going into the final hole … and that’s when I four-putted. Had I two-putted, I would have won the tourney, which would be mighty embarrassing and undeserved with a 26 handicap. But, no matter what, we all had our lowest round of golf in Death Valley – 214 feet below sea level.
Before ending, I’d like to commend both Larry and the dozens of commenters about last week’s blog on being too old to continue RVing. Very interesting discussion. We, too, are aware that someday we’ll probably reach a time when hitching up a travel trailer to the bumper is impractical and maybe move to a Class C or a motorhome to continue our journeys. But until then, we live in the present, enjoying and appreciating the blessings and opportunities in our lives. We always focus on bright horizons.
*Any errors in this article are mine. Monique is minding our cabin this week while I visit with my new granddaughter in Louisiana. I’m making the trip on Amtrak, but that’s a whole ‘nuther story that I’ll talk about in the weeks to come.
"Who'll give me 225? Now 250! I need 275 ..."
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
© All photos by Barry Zander. All rights reserved
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Stephanie Henkel
Thanks for a great overview of the Death Valley 49ers Encampment. This looks like SO MUCH FUN! We want to go back to Death Valley as it is an awesome place, but next time we go, we’ll definitely try to be there for this event. I love the costumes!
Mark Kenway
I felt like I’m also within the story. Such a wonderful trip where momentous adventures can be preserved. The furnace creek may have been the center of the events.
Barry & Monique Zander
I try to write about my impression of the experience. If it interests readers, they may check out the website to learn more … or even better, plan to visit the same place. If I told you that the Chaparrals were pure honey, and Mary Kaye and Belinda Gail sang like desert meadowlarks, would you know any more than my opinion? Last year I ran a photo of the wagons and cowboys, so I didn’t want to show the same things this time.
I wrote about 40 blogs during our Alaska trip last year. Many people indicated that they want to visit because of the blogs, which is all I can hope for. I assure you, you can’t really appreciate the trip to Alaska or the 49ers Encampment by reading about it. At least you know that I feel it’s worth the effort to experience these places.
stoopid
This article said nothing. I have no more information about this event than before I read it. Dont just “go through the motions”, actually write something next time!
Larry Nutter
From a former full-timer I really like reading your interesting stories. Thanks.
Ron Butler
Barry,
Sounds like a great experience. Since we haven’t made it to DV yet, sounds like this is a great introduction to it. Did you stay at Furnace Creek? Have any problems getting in – getting a space? It sounds like the majority of activities are centered around Furnace Creek. Is that correct?
Thanks for the great story about a fasinating place.
butterbean carpenter
Howdy Barry Z,
YOU SHOT A’ HORRENDOUS’ 110!!! THATZ THE BEST I EVER SCORED!!!
Thanx, for the trip to the desert and all of the fun!!! You go– I can’t stand the crowds!!
richard7072
One of these years I’ll make it there, I think I’d really enjoy it but untill then I’ll just enjoy your blogs about it. Happy Trails!! Thank You.
Erec
Thank you very much for this post. I felt like i had a trip myself)) How is it great to have a time and good opportunities to travel in historical countries!