Coach Weber's Badwater 2000 Photo Album
Part 2 of 6
Stovepipe Wells to Lone Pine
This section takes the runner from Stovepipe Wells (Mile 42 at 0 feet of elevation) up and over Towne's Pass (Mile 58.7 at 4,956 feet of elevation) and then down to the oasis of Panamint Springs (Mile 72.3 at 1970 feet of elevation). After Panamint Springs, a climb of 3000 feet challenges the runner on the way to the Darwin Turnoff (Mile 90 at 5050 feet). After Darwin, long downhills and rolling hills are the norm until reaching Lone Pine (mile 122.4 at 3610 feet).
(above) 7/28/2000 6:16 AM. Mile 61. The second day of the Badwater race dawns. For me, it was coming down Towne's Pass (4, 965 feet) heading down to the Panamint Valley Floor (1640 feet). I had covered 60 miles in the first 24 hours. In the distance is the next wall of mountains that must be ascended. At the top of that wall is Padre Crowley's Viewpoint (Mile 80, 4000 feet)
(above) 7/28/2000 10:03 AM. Mile 72. Looking back from Panamint Springs towards Towne's Pass Summit. The runner crosses over that wall of mountains at mile 58, leaving Death Valley, and descends 3325 feet in just 9.5 miles to the floor of Panamint Valley. The oasis of Panamint Springs at mile 72.3 (1970 feet) is a welcome relief for the runner. At Panamint Springs, Dr. Ben Jones and his wife Denise provide a Hospitality Room for the runners and crews complete with a shower, ceiling fans, beds and sofa, cold drinks, and fresh fruit. LUXURY!! I traditionally stop there for a rest break and have a breakfast of scrambled eggs with ketchup and hot sauce, hash browns, buttered toast, and coffee. At this year's race, I spent approximately 1 hour relaxing, eating, and getting my feet fixed at Panamint.
(above) 7/28/2000 3:50PM. Mile 83. 100 degrees. Having reached Padre Crowley's Viewpoint, I was now into the "high rolling plains" of the Badwater course. It is very deceiving here as the course still climbs, subtlety, to 5050 feet...1050 feet higher than Padre Crowley's.
(above) 7/28/2000. 6:14 PM. Mile 89. Forest Fires darkened the skies. White ash floated in the air. This picture is taken nearing the Darwin Turnoff. The Darwin Turnoff is at mile 90.1, elevation 5050 feet, and marks the beginning of a long, gradual descent to the 100 mile mark and Owen's Valley. I had been riding a mental and physical roller coaster from Panamint Springs to Darwin. Ascending the 2000 feet of climb to Padre Crowley's I felt strong and was moving well. I continued to feel better and better through mile 85. I started running for the first time in the race. This running, and feeling super...talking and laughing...quickly turned into a "monster bonk" that left me tired, unsure of the mileage, hurting, and edgy. A switch to mega-doses of Mountain Dew pulled me out of this funk by mile 90.
(above) 7/28/2000 7:21 PM. Mile 93. 89 degrees. Night approaches. The long white line leading into the blackness. The mountain range in the distance includes Mount Whitney...the summit still 50+ miles away. Part of running Badwater is dealing with being able to see such distances and knowing that it will take many hours to reach that next horizon.
(above) 7/28/2000. 8:00 PM. Mile 96. I was feeling great on this section. It was a glorious time for me...jogging comfortably, spirits high, confident that I would finish. In this photo, I am running astride Major Maples, USMC (behind him is his radio man and pacer). We had a good time walking, talking, and laughing for a mile or two. Now, it was time to get moving again. Theresa hands off another bottle of Mountain Dew...sugar and caffeine was feeling just right as night approached.
(above) 7/28/2000 8:00 PM. Mile 96. The crew vehicle's lights draw the runner to the next "oasis". In the distance, Mount Whitney. Just to the right of the 'shark's tooth" shaped mountain in the center of the photo is the serrated profile of Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney appears smaller than the surrounding peaks as it is set back farther west from the "shark's tooth". I ran and walked throughout the night. I reached 100 miles at 9:03 PM, 39 hours and 3 minutes after the start. The next milepost was the small town of Keeler, Mile 108, at 12:30 AM on 07/29. The turnoff to Whitney Portals was reached at 7:04 AM on 7/29/2000 (Mile 122.5).
End of Part 2
Badwater Photos Part 1: Start to Stovepipe
Badwater Photos Part 2: Stovepipe to Lone Pine
Badwater Photos Part 3: Lone Pine to Whitney Portals
Badwater Photos Part 4: On the Mountain
Badwater Photos Part 5: Higher on the Mountain
Badwater Photos Part 6: The Summit
©2006. Scott Weber. All Rights Reserved.