Every single hour of that incident is vivid in my memory, and if I had to do it all over again.. I wouldn't change a thing, realize that our families were and will always be our top priority, its easy to look back in hind sight and see what you could have done different or better. But in reality, it was a miracle that nobody was hurt or frozen, and that we made it out on a junk yard axle that was 20+ yrs old, without rear brakes (the replacement axles brakes were ruined, and rebuilding with the broken axle's brakes didn't fix it) Had circumstances been different.. weather, # of people, etc. It would have been a different story, we even had the help of a few passers by lift the axle into place, huge thanks to them. Unfortunately, none of them had room to haul out the axle either.. a couple Jeep JKs loaded down or a Toyota 4 Runner, there was a Tacoma loaded with gear and a bed rack without any room as well.
We're grateful to those that did stop and offer to help, some just drove on through and took pictures and didn't take a second to try and understand the circumstances, in the meantime I stopped what I was doing and helped guide 7+ rigs through the canyon throughout the day. I have talked to Administration and Law enforcement at DV and they have both expressed their gratitude for the contact and appreciate that we are making an effort. Luckily we have a great community here on OB, I've been able to share information about DV that I learned that has helped others safely make it home.. the information on DV is extremely sparse and as a result.. we went over prepared, which turned out to be a blessing.
Since, I have reached out in several places, including on Posted Routes here on OB, to help inform and educate those that are traveling through Death Valley about conditions, routes, fuel, etc. It is remote, dangerous, and extremely worth while trip.. do not expect to be able to communicate to the outside world in any shape or form unless you have a form of satellite communication. We experienced 65 degree temps, down to 15 deg with winds up to 70 mph. Went from 282ft below sea level to 7500'... where we hit black Ice and spun out of control and barely missed the canyon wall in the middle of the night, where my wife went into shock due to the days events. It was a high stress, adrenaline pumping, prayer inducing experience that we made it home safely from as a result of the intervention of God's hand. So please don't assume the worst, the world is full of good people that are trying to do their best with the cards they are dealt.
![[DO]Ron](/forums/data/avatars/m/5/5154.jpg?1711577950){kind=avatar}
