Wednesday June 7, 2023
Clifford and I are leaving Cave Lake Nevada State Park today but before we finish packing, I take a shower at at the bath house and do some Tai Chi in a spot of sunlight while Clifford checks into his net on ham radio. Then we have yogurt and fruit for a quick and easy breakfast with no cleanup involved. I packed as much as I could last night, so it is not hard to finish up and we are on our way to Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park by 10:00 or so. Both of these state parks are near Ely, Nevada, in east central Nevada, so it does not take long to get there. Wildflowers are on hand to greet us at Willow Creek Campground.
We drive around the campground loop and agree on site #6. A little tricky backing Cougar in with the big pine tree right next to the driveway, but once in place, Clifford unhitches and parks the Suburban at the front of the driveway. That’s when I notice the oil leak from a rear bearing. This is not a good thing!
Clifford has enough cell service to call a mechanic in Ely, D&S Repair, and we are scheduled to take it in on Monday – almost a week from now. If we are going to be stuck somewhere, I would have preferred Cave Lake with flush toilets and hot showers, but the advantage here is that the ranger is not likely to care if we have to stay longer at this out-of-the-way park. T-mobile (Clifford’s provider) service is okay here, but no Verizon (my provider). However, I can use Clifford’s phone for communication to stay in touch with family. We get set up, trying not to worry about the issue with the Suburban.
This is a great location in the foothills of the Nevada Egan Range. There are scenic views across the valley to the Schell Creek Range.
I really appreciate the trees here creating ambiance, shade, and privacy. The old junipers have a lot of character. Willow Creek Campground is small but nice with plenty of native trees and shrubs for privacy between sites. Each site has gravel, a new picnic table and canopy over the picnic table for a pleasant camping experience. We are grateful for water here, and the vault toilets are maintained. I am pleased to see wildflowers all around.
The morning after arriving, I walk about near camp to take photos of the mountains and wildflowers, and then I explore the trail across the road that meanders through the woods.
I discover that this tail leads from the campground to the ovens. I only go as far as a junction with a trail along the creek, as I need to be better prepared before heading further.
The next morning, armed with water and my 2-meter radio, I explore the trail toward the mountain to the west and discover a bench right alongside the creek, which often becomes my morning destination. The views from this location are peaceful with trees, shrubs, mountains, and wildflowers every direction. It is not long before my morning walks take me off the trail and along the creek itself for many more delightful photos.
Monday June 12 is our day to take the Suburban to the mechanic. It is a beautiful day with big cumulus clouds and only a touch of rain.
Although we are a bit uneasy about driving the Suburban to Ely with a leaking wheel bearing, we have to get it there, so off we go. There is a ride service that we plan to use for a ride back out to camp. When we call to set up a ride, no one answers. Hmmm While we wait for a return call, I go to a cute place down the side street called the Flower Basket Coffee Shop. I order a coffee and settle at a table to write in my journal. I am looking forward to some quiet sitting time with coffee and journal. But Clifford texts to let me know that Jennifer, the receptionist at D&S, the mechanic shop, will give us a ride back out to camp.
Back at the campground, we unload the groceries that we had picked up on our way to D&S. It is only after Jennifer leaves that we realize that we left the mail with some items that Clifford needs, as well as my purse and cell phone in her truck. I am totally bummed about not having my cell phone to take photos. It may be another week or more before we get back to Ely. Clifford offers his phone so I can continue taking photos, which is much appreciated, and in the meantime, we will continue to enjoy this lovely peaceful place.
