Patterson Pass (Part 2) in Bloom – May 2023

Patterson Pass in Bloom

Sunday May 21, 2023

Patterson Pass is turning out to be a great place for us. We had seen the highway sign for it on other trips north/south on the highway 93 corridor through Nevada, but didn’t check it out because it looked to be too far off the highway and possibly too steep for towing Cougar with our old Suburban. However, the grade is milder than it looks, it’s quiet, very few people here, exceptionally scenic, and the wildflowers are amazing.

Cougar at Patterson Pass Campground
Scenic Views – Snake Range Across the Valley
Larkspur Adds to the Palette of Colors
Indian Paintbrush Brighten My Day
Penstemon
Aster’s Yellow Cousin

The sky is less hazy today and it is very pleasant sitting out with coffee and my stack. I am happy and grateful to be alive! As always, wherever we are, Clifford works on his ham radio and antennas to get the best reception he can. it is always fun to put out the sign our friend LeeAnn made for him.

Clifford is Radio Point

Monday May 22 – We sure do like this place. I’m glad I didn’t talk Clifford out of coming – not that I can talk him into or out of anything, but he had concerns about not having enough propane. We are being as conservative as we can with the propane. It’s so peaceful and scenic here, really a perfect spot for us right now.

There is a heavy rain in the afternoon, great for the trees and flowers.

Looking Out at the Rain

Wednesday May 24 – It is mostly cloudy again this morning, but very pretty. I take photos of paintbrush with snow-capped mountain in the distance. As the clouds build, it looks to be an indoor day, but out my window I have a view of the sky, mountains to the east, juniper, and paintbrush, so I’m happy.

Paintbrush with the Schell Creek Range in the Background
Clouds Building

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Today I talk to the neighbor Kristine as she is out walking her dog. She is very friendly and it is nice to chat with a woman. She is solo RVing and has had quite the interesting life this past year. She is very adventuresome and I admire her courage!

(kristinedidit on Instagram)

In the early evening, across the valley we see a storm cell of over the Snake Range. Very interesting to see such a localized formation.

Storm Cell Over the Snake Range

Saturday, May 27. So lovely this morning as I sit in the shade of one of the junipers with coffee and journals. I love my front yard with the junipers and so many wildflowers. The wildflowers are totally delightful, but as clouds and breeze increase, it becomes too windy for good photos. However, life is good and I am grateful to be here now.

Sitting in the Shade of Junipers

Clifford is taking advantage of the pleasant weather to work on his bicycle. He enjoys pushing the limits and going where many bikes don’t go.

Clifford Customizes His Bicycle

Sunday, May 28. This morning we get up very late, but the extra sleep is needed after staying up late working on projects. Every day I see different wildflowers on my way to and from the restroom and as I walk about the campground. Globe mallow are beginning to bloom. I love the wildflowers here, the views, our site with Junipers hugging us, but especially the wildflowers.

Globe Mallow are Beginning to Bloom
Globe Mallow in Bloom

Tuesday, May 30. I went to bed a little earlier last night, so was up before 7:00 and went for an early walkabout. Our friend Lori has come to this campground and is camped nearby. She and I chat as we walk down the road where the globe mallow are more fully blossomed.

Flower Seeker – Photo by Lori

Wednesday, May 31.

I get up early as we are leaving Patterson past today.  Lori left before we got up, as she has a long drive to her next destination. It was fun to see a friend, and I hope her travels go well. I didn’t do any packing last night, but will get started as soon as Clifford gets up. This has been one of my favorite campgrounds ever, largely because of the flowers. I’ve taken hundreds of photos, but nothing captures the essence of just being here with them in person. I am grateful that we have had this opportunity and look forward to coming to this campground again some day.

Good-bye to Patterson Pass for Now

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