Exploring Death Valley | Abandoned Mines | Living The Van Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
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Get ready for an epic journey as we venture deep into Death Valley's untamed wilderness in our Sprinter vans. From camping at Trona Pinnacles to chilling at Minnieta Cabin, we'll soak in the desert's raw beauty.
But the adventure doesn't end there - we'll delve into the area's history at Defense Mine before tackling the rugged trails of Goler Wash for some off-roading excitement. And don't miss our daring trek over Mangel Pass to reach Geologist Cabin.
Join us for a wild exploration of Death Valley's hidden gems and adrenaline-fueled escapades. Hit subscribe and join the adventure!
Chad please don’t stop your TH-cam videos. Your exploration videos saved me from a dark place. They gave me tools and knowledge that I use today on my full time lifestyle. Carry on!
Chads aweome
Brought back memories, late 60s & early 70s in early spring for 8 yrs straight went to DV, set up base camps, explored areas, mines, deserted homes, via Kawasaki 175cc . Used wht chalk to mark our way through shafts so we could find our way back out. Even used old mining lamps to detect any methane gas. List goes on, thanks for sharing your adventures. Now this 80 y/o is going to pull out pics and slides of those journeys for a blast in the past.
That’s so cool! Thank you very much for the intriguing comment. Sounds like you’ve had quite the adventures out there. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
3 takeaways from this awesome video:
1. Exploration of that mine was insane...I live vicariously through your lense, I could never do it.
2. Stella is absolutely gorgeous!
3. Tears for Fears coffee mug for the win!
Peace and blessings, Chad.
As always another great ride along & seeing the desert & abandon mine. I was an underground coal miner here in central Illinois for 37 years U ran the roof bolting machine but nothing like the mine you went into. We marked our fresh air with green reflectors red was return air & yellow was neutral it definitely was an experience in life & we lost 5 good men in my career. But keep them coming so i can ride along from my chair i have been to the Arctic Circle with Timmy and now Death Value with you places i'll never see & do in what time i have left here. But i'm enjoying the ride along to new places it's my escape from life. Thanks & i loved seeing the dogs get to go also they always bring a smile to me being from animal rescue times
Always a great morning to wake to Chad adventures! And not just any adventure, you're at one of my favorite places on earth, Death Valley!
It was awesome to see you traverse Mengle Pass out to Butte Valley. Where you were in the valley is infamous for area where the Death Valley Germans got lost.
Back in the late 90s a rangers found a 2wd mini van in a wash in a canyon across the valley where you were SE of the geologist cabin. They found out a German family rented the van. They never caught their flight back. Their bodies where never found until 13 years later.
They were able to retrace what happened. They were trying to find a shortcut through the valley. Took Warm Spring rd to Butte Valley. It wasn't until they saw the crazy Mengle Pass road they knew it was no way their mini van could make that road. So they turned around and tried to drive through an area across the valley and got stuck in wash. They were in the middle of death valley during the summer with limited rations. Instead of going back to the geologist cabin, they tried to hike out to try for help since their flight back home was in a couple days. Very likely they died from heat related sickness. It was a man, his young son, his girlfriend and her young son who all died. Pretty wild story and your video reminded me of it since you were in the area.
Anyways, your videos are the absolute best my man! Just love everything about them. Wanna learn more about that story, pretty cool video about that story here: th-cam.com/video/AjEOYOZpGPo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hTru_DaT1f4AnX4L
Foresty forest vibes right here. Love you both!
Hey Chad , This is my first time commenting on any of your videos. Don't mind me, but this is kind of going to be a long message.
I just want to thank you so much man for making this channel I just found you a couple weeks ago. I have been trying to catch up and watching as many videos as I possibly can at least try to get one a day in when I'm drinking the coffee in the morning and it really sets the day just right for me.
We have a lot in common you know I'm a trucker and I watch your video and you used to do a little driving yourself. I also love Vans I've had multiple VW buses and vanagon. However I sold all that stuff and I'm into the Chevy van in the late '80s and early '90s model. I have a full custom camper I built just with some simple tools. You are living the dream my friend and through you and your videos you push my limits there's a couple videos where you've made me cry because I miss my parents and the memories and moments that they created for me like taking me camping when I was young and fishing at the lake. You're encouragement gets me out of the house and out to the lake spending time with nature and getting reconnected. Also learned a lot and some of your camping gear I bought off the Amazon which really helped out our camping experience this last weekend. Makes life so much easier.
Just keep doing what you're doing!!
What a great trip. The mine, the desert and then the almost crazy offroad-driving with the vans. Right rear wheel in the air and the sun aside of the mountains. Beautiful.
I can’t believe you drove two Sprinter vans over Mengels Pass!!! That’s freakin’ hardcore dude! I’ve been up Gohler Wash twice, and crossed Mengels Pass once in my lifted Toyota, and that trail is gnarly. My hat’s off to you, that’s pretty damn impressive.
Hahaha. Thanks. It was a fun adventure. Fun to explore the limits of a vehicle
Explored the limits of John's grey water tank and your ladder. Ouch.
You guys are undoubtedly pushing those vans further than I see anyone else.
Good stuff!
I love exploring old abandoned places and have gone into a few mines before, even got physically stuck in one once but there is no way I’m trusting that ladder with my weight
Awesome video as always Chad. Death Valley is a bucket list place to visit it's such a epic and spectacular place to explore it's full of history every where you lay your eyes on. Thanks for letting us ride along with you on your adventures.
My claustrophobia just kicked in the high gear after I saw you go inside those shafts😮! I'm very claustrophobic but I used to go caving in Kentucky a long time ago with family and friends! But the last trip was my last time in.... Over 3 hours in and over 20 people and only one person knew the way in and back out 😮
And part of the group left for over an hour on a belly crawl, while the rest of us were idle, I about lost my shit! When we finally got back out it was late and dark! But I've never been so happy to feel the wind on my face! But I will say when you enter a chamber in a cave large enough to fly a jumbo jet thru, it leaves you speechless 😮!
Never again.... Nope never AGAIN!
Many things can go wrong to explore an old mine like this. Situation can go south very quickly. Although I admire your courage to explore, someone will need to risk their lives to save you when you are in trouble.
You and John out killing it. Love it. Just got back from Death Valley. Took the van to the race track and spent a couple days. Such a special area.
Anyone loving this will also love Brent ‘ghost town living’ who bought an abandoned mine at Cerro Gordo and is rebuilding it. His adventures in those mines is fascinating.
Loving that new Ineos Grenadier! Beautiful trails and scenery. Great video as always Chad!
OK, you guys are pretty brave for going in that mine. Thank you for a great spelunking segment!!
Thank you for taking us along, we love your channel! ❤
Another great example illustrating the importance of the journey over actual destination.
💗Love this episode but the mines scare the _____ out of me ugh that was crazy. Such beautiful canyons area I was sooo amazing. Makes me want to go there too but I don't have a 4x4...but maybe one day 😋.. that driving over the rocks is very very technical but it could be expensive too ouch.. LOVE LOVE LOVE this episode Chad!!!!!!💗💗💗💗💗
Wow! Looks like you're on the moon out there! So cool!
Дякую LTVL за подорож у вашій місцевості❤
Привіт, звідки ти друже?
That mine was crazy!
You guys had me scared for you when you went in that cave that is an adventure and I'm glad you guys made it back out safely😊
Great adventure thanks for taking me along for the ride
That mine was amazing & SO cool. It just blows me away thinking about how those miners lived & worked in shabby conditions. Not like our Miners with all the safety gear, lights, hard hats, location gear so top knows where you are.. Thanks for showing us & for the other guys its so fun when you go with a group. But also when it's just you. NZ CHEERS & hopefully no rockfalls
What an interesting place the landscape phenomenal, the mines very epic, would be scary to get lost or worse hurt in there. love that a person can stay in the cabins, Id enjoy that for sure. Mangle pass Yike's. what an interesting video this was Chad thanks for bringing us along.
you guys were scaring me not going into the tunnels with any bump caps or safety gear lol
"Never done that on the channel before". Buddy, that was one of the most interesting things i've ever watched on this platform. We should all spend less time watching what others are doing and try something totally new.
Love this video! It's nice to see you have people with you, sometimes it's worrisome that you are in some of these places alone. Plus, it has to be more fun for you to have some buddies with you. : )
Good way to overcome claustrophobia in that cave! Yeesh!!
Those Ineos Grenadier's are pretty sweet. Very impressed with them so far.
Got to give you guys kudos! Every squeak of the ladder rungs gave me shivers!
Credit where credit is due. You gave us an entertaining and informative video of your trip to the Panamint Valley region. Your footage of the Defense Mine was more than I will ever see in person. I followed and understood your route from the cabin to Ballarat and Goler Canyon. I've used the same route, so I didn't have to air up for the highway. Goler Canyon had been freshly graded by Inyo County before early December, while Mengal was reopened in mid-January by the NPS. I know the route well and recognize the wash crossing at 41:00. The boulder you moved was in that location for a couple of reasons. The first reason was to direct traffic to the right and create a more acute angle for crossing the wash. Another purpose of that boulder was to anchor the bank and reduce future erosion. Now that you have moved it, time will tell if that crossing has to be repaired again. My point is that moving rocks for your convenience is similar to creating a new bypass because you want to avoid driving through some mudhole. Try moving rocks on the Rubicon Trail so your van will fit through, and see what kind of reaction you get. When traveling on a tight forest trail, do you cut trees so your giant van will fit through? I don't believe you would do either of those things, so please do not promote the idea that Sprinter vans are suitable for traversing Mengal Pass.
SPECTACULAR !!!!!!!!
Yall done a great trip together. And having that freedom to do it was the best of all.we all got to join together and save that pass time and stop the Government from locking those area down and taking it from us to injoy for future to come.so please take care of our public land and keep it clean. Thank you both.
Beautiful scenery. I loved it. Scary mine excursions. And no you don’t need a dog. Too much responsibility and prevents you from doing stuff like going in a mine shaft. Take care
I was looking and a 94 ltr fuel tank for a Sprinter is about £300 here in the UK could be a good upgrade as you continue to push the boundaries of what a Sprinter van can do. Great episode.
Hi 😊 Omg 😱 total respect ✊ for those Miners and you both! My legs went to jelly lol 😂 what an amazing vlog thank you so much for sharing and glad you had the best time all of you keep safe keep trucking 💙
Those Mines Were Making Me Have Nervous Tensions.🤗
Another fantastic video Chad
Such a shame we don’t have the freedom here in the UK to do what you do when it comes to Van Life
I rode through the big mineshaft a couple months ago but didn't know at the time there were smaller entrances. I want to go back and explore more now.
Thank God another LTVL video! The evening is saved ❤ You're the best Chad
I love how the van lifts its leg to pee
Hey, Thank you! Actually Death Valley was my recommendation to you, almost a year ago. I remember.
What a landscape and adventure. Absolutely crazy!
I hope the vans are still fine after this rocky trip.
Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
The best You ever made and that's says A LOT 😎 Thank you for the GREAT work You do 👌👍🙏🇩🇰 Keep Trucking 😎
Wow! Yes, that was some adventure! When you got to the technical skill part, was cringing waiting for the bangs and dents on those really nice vehicles. You,Vanner’s are quite daring for sure. Great video and beautiful landscape.
Epic journey! Amazing how those Sprinter Vans are able to handle that insane terrain. I was in the navy stationed at China Lake in the late '90s and I'm disappointed in not getting out to explore those areas. Thanks for allowing me to experience it through your lens. Cheers!
I'm not claustrophobic, but this video gave me some chills.... my heart rate was literally above 100.
Too funny, I was just at Geologists cabin a couple days ago reading your entry in the visitors log.
54:13 looked like a dog lifting its leg to pee on the trail 😂
ABSOLUTELY LOVE this show! You are our favorite! Always look forward to watching you! EXCELLENT!
LEGEND 🤟
So cool to see these vans get after it!!! Super impressive.That blue sprinter is in sore need of sliders, I see some battle scars 😂
It was so scary the one van wet itself😂
You Guys went right by Barker Ranch! That is the place that Charley Manson was arrested at. And when you were in Ballarat, Charley's Power Wagon was right there as well. They say Tex Watson left it there. We always come in on our bikes from the West Side road and up Mingal Pass. You guys did a great job of getting the vans down it!! And that mine?? WTF??? That looked like a great place to die!! lol. Thanks for taking me along Chad!!
The best part of the desert, besides the natural beauty, is that it's so unhospitable, no one can easily live there.
@@keferitizdobasauretti yes, definitely the weed.
Having fun , challenging your skill set is an adventure Another great video! Ty Chad ,John and Carne❤
Très belle vidéo, de belles images, merci, bonne continuation, à bientôt .
Gnarly. I took my lifted 4Runner with full armor down Mengel Pass and was still sweating it. Can't believe you took a Sprinter down it.
Love seeing the Grenadier, takes over where the Land Rover abandoned the Defender
Love this video❤!! But I literally thought that you are going to meet an old vampire in the mine😂
WOW!
Keep on truckin'!
Barbecue party was great 👍
One of the best vids I've seen on LTVL
Sprinter never fails to amaze. Thanks, Chad.
This was a great one!! The mine walk/climb through was awesome! Thanks for sharing!!!
Bravo Chad! this episode was epic! Thank you For taking the time Do this.The editing was also Very moving The music And Everything Right on time. I was almost moved To tears I had to search that last song to put it on my list,
Thanks Chad, you're truly "Changing the man's life"
Thank you for the videos. My son and i love ur videos unfortunately I cannot live the van life yet maybe in the near future... Safe travels.
I love watching you guys test out the vans on this crazy crap!
As for the cave…nope no nuh uh 😮 claustrophobic over here! Awesome video…hope all is well Chad.
You took the visuals, editing and soundtrack to another level since last year Chad! They’ve been unbelievably immersive. Cheers and keep on trucking!
Freaking awesome video!! Almost on the last clip, I noticed John's van when coming down the hill. It's something leaking..o, well, you made it back down. That's most of a priority . 47:45
47:47 what is up with that water where is it coming from?
Was wondering too???
Chad, check out Ghost Town Living. You were near Cerro Gordo and Brent has been living in his ghost town since March 2020…yes, the beginning of the …
I loved this one. Near and dear to my heart as my grandpa (I’m retired & edging up against ‘7’) was a miner and I got to spend time with him & grandma when I was around 10. I loved being in the mine, yet it’s freaky to see this on a screen.
Yes, more please. Thank you very much.
SUPER FRICKN DOPE BROTHER 👊🏼😎🫡!! Those mine tunnels were radical my guy. Appreciate all you put into these episodes and taking us to places like this. Peace out, Keep on trucking Chad
I just watched something on the grenadier on TFL truck this morning.
Awesome 4x4!!!!
46:23
STOP THE BUS ! 😂😂😂
Fantastic! That mine was crazy, as always another great video......Cheers.......Steve
I dont think I have ever seen a van lift its leg and take a leak before 😂
This was a very exciting video. I love watching you goes off-road. I don’t like tunnels, so watching this part was like watching a scary film 😂. How exciting for you guys though. It’s always great to see what adventures you guys get up to. Thank you.
Your mine exploration made me ANXIOUS! I was worried until I realized you posted the video afterall.
Good to see the vans getting used for what they're designed for 👍
Some of the things don't look super old but others do. Were you able to capture how deep (feet/altitude) underground you were. It is trippy.
I don’t know but I think going back down the mine is more dangerous than the mountain 😅
Very exicting going over the pass 😮
Be safe always.🙏
WOW!!!!! Excellent driving, I couldn’t do it.
Outstanding 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Wow that was awesome 👏 great video!👍
Heh bro kau adalah pembuat vidio kehidupan di mobil yang terbaik jadi semangatlah love from indonesia
Awesome Chad! The mine adventure was waaay over the top...
Hi we love watching your videos and because of your videos we are planning on getting a home on wheels my son who is 7 is the one that found your videos he started watching them first and showed use the videos if you give him a shout on the video that would be great his name is Logan
Love the landing on Mars at 4:24. Always spot on sir!
Absolute fantastic video. Hope the Sprinter van wasn’t too battle damaged!
That grenadier is nice
Good to see the cabin is in good shape.
Looks like that dog just wants to go home 😂😂😂😂😂
That's a hell of an adventure! Safe travels!
It looks like a good way to tear up your Sprinter Van. Lol
Bravo! 👏 I would pay for the excursion experienced trail guide. 😂 does it come with the dog? 😂😂😂