Page 12 - Volume 14 Number 1

Two of the famous “Racing Rocks” resting on the cracked mud surface Death Valley’s natural bridge with the moon reflecting above. of Racetrack Playa with their “trails” imprinted behind them. This utterly
remote portion of Death Valley shrouded the mystery of these moving
rocks for centuries.
pavement ends at Ubehebe Crater. Its south face was covered with vibrant wildflowers as visually explosive as the steam eruption that created the crater centuries ago. From the parking area near the north rim, you can take the moderate hike along the rim or the grueling hike to the bottom of the 700-foot crater (and back up again). Be advised, sturdy shoes are required to negotiate the steep terrain and loose rocky soil.
After touring Ubehebe, you are faced with a decision. All points further west in the park are via unpaved roads. You could simply return whence you came, or if properly prepared and equipped, you can choose to venture down one of the dirt or gravel roads to more remote tracts of DVNP. For us, the decision was to brave the notorious Racetrack Road to walk among the mystifying racing rocks. Not to be taken lightly, the 26-mile drive (each way) alternates between tooth-chattering washboard surface to inching across jagged rocks, all while twisting through ruts, gaps, washes, stands of Joshua trees, and the occasional patch of vivid wildflowers. You’ll rarely exceed 20 mph, if you want tires and suspension to remain intact. Yet, who can skip such an opportunity and not regret it later?
Racetrack Playa is a dry lakebed imprinted with the “tracks” of stones (large and small) that “sail” across the surface. At the north end, an island of black rock erupts from the playa in stark contrast to its surroundings. With a quick climb, this “grandstand” provides a perfect viewpoint of the “racetrack” that encircles it. Theories of how the rocks move across the playa’s beige, mud
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surface abounded for decades. The remoteness of the lakebed, harsh conditions endured to remain on-site for long-term observation and research, and years between the right set of conditions, have stymied scientists since the 1940s. Finally, in 2013 scientists were there at the right time to narrow down the mystery.
Fortunately, nothing adds to an adventure like a bit of mystery and Death Valley has that in spades. Consider a trip to this remote, yet easily accessible national treasure. Complete with a choice of airports and resorts to choose from, a visit is yet another reason to exercise your King Air and flying muscles. KA
Copyright 2020, Matthew McDaniel.
First publication rights granted to the Village Press, for King Air Magazine. All other rights reserved by copyright holder.
Matthew McDaniel is a Master & Gold Seal CFII, ATP, MEI, AGI & IGI and Platinum CSIP. In 30 years of flying, he has logged over 18,500 hours total, over 5,500 hours of instruction-given, and over 2,500 hours in various King Airs and the BE-1900D. As owner of Progressive Aviation Services, LLC (www.progaviation.com), he has specialized in Technically Advanced Aircraft and Glass Cockpit instruction since 2001. Currently, he is also an Airbus A-320-Series Captain for an international airline, holds 8 turbine aircraft type ratings, and has flown nearly 90 aircraft types. Matt is one of less than 15 instructors in the world to have earned the Master CFI designation for 9 consecutive two-year terms. He can be reached at matt@progaviation.com or (414) 339-4990.
JANUARY 2020