I rode out to the secret place with "Outwest" in his Ram Diesel 4x4, going a hundred miles per hour I couldn't say what the road conditions were. It was an "E" ticket at Disneyland for those who remember what an "E" ticket was.
Ghostcount and others, I was filled with anxiety my first time there, I flew into Las Vegas with 50 pounds overweight in the luggage, I fell asleep at the airport going out and missed the flight because I was tired from packing and repacking the night before, they booked me on the next flight, Southwest, I brought everything but the kitchen sink. My advise is to relax, take what you are comfortable with, don't worry about having the wrong equipment and look forward to a really fun time. I rented a Toyota Prius and it was on a plan of its own, I drove off the road in Death Valley when it just took off.
I'm game in the back but managed to go everywhere the others went. I did have boots which were nice for the trekking we did, all easy stuff. I have to say this about the Tonopah workshop, the people I met there were the greatest bunch I've ever been with. I will always remember it as a highlight of my life. No kidding I didn't know that there were people out there who met at these events and loved the craft and had a really super time doing it.
It's too bad the restaurant in Goldfield closed up, they had a great Buffalo burger, but there are other places to eat. Maybe it's me having grown up in a small town but I really enjoyed Tonopah, a few blocks long but all that's needed. The grocery store has everything you forgot to take, I went there for bottled water and other treats. Be sure to obey the traffic laws and speed limit. They will follow you around at night and if you speed through town you will probably get a ticket. Other than that the people there are are really friendly.
If you come for the first time and have the time Rhyolite is down the road, it's a very special place, often seen on the History Channel, Death Valley is there too but most of you know this.
Bring prints if asked and have a lot of fun, I'll be thinking of you folks.
Curt