Clifford and I are camped in our RV, Cougar, on Black Rock Road not far from our friend David, a fellow nomad. The last weekend of January, Clifford, David, and I make a trip to Mesquite, Nevada, to the balloon festival. We meet friends Rick and LeeAnn there, go to a casino for a great lunch, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, and a pawn shop while we wait for the evening Balloon Glow when the balloons are filled and lit up. At the pawn shop I saw an old fiddle in a brand new case; I was tempted to buy it, but since I don’t really need another instrument, I talked myself out of it.
At the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum with Friends
We parked on a hill on the edge of Mesquite to watch the activity below until dark, then found a place to park near the balloon field so we could walk through and see the balloons up close. The balloons are huge and colorful and it was fun to walk among them.
Mesquite, Nevada, Balloon FestivalBalloon Glow at Mesquite, Nevada, Balloon Festival
In my miscellaneous reading, I come across something called “Five Minute Journal,” which I added to my daily journal writing: 1) – Inspiring quote. 2) – List 3 things I am grateful for. 3) – List 3 goals for the day (and did I accomplish them, if writing pm). 4) – List 3 things that were amazing or made me happy. 5) – Anything I would have done differently. In reviewing the journal for this blog, I find what I wrote in the Five Minute Journal to be quite interesting. I am glad I did it, at least for a while.
As January draws to a close, the temperature is warm enough for Clifford to sit outside on the sunny side of Cougar to play music, even getting bit of a tan.
Clifford Plays Dulcimer in the Sunshine
An exciting change of weather happens the very next day – SNOW! I spend a long time walking in the snow taking photos. It doesn’t last long, but it was delightful for me while it was happening.
Falling Snow Blurs the HorizonSnow Defines the MesaMountain to the West Covered in White
By the next day, the last day of January, the snow is all gone, except for the new white coat on Pine Mountain. What will February bring?
Clifford and I are camped in the desert south of St. George, Utah, for this winter season. Although it is warmer than Montana, which is now our home-base and where family is, it is definitely winter in this very northwest corner of Arizona. There are some days when we can sit outside to play music, many days when I go for solitary walks, and days when Clifford sits outside to review Carnicom Institute research. However, there are nights that are in the low teen and days when all projects are done indoors.
Grateful for a warm place to spend cold days.
On my birthday we join forces with our friend David and a couple he met camping here at Black Rock, and we pick up more trash from the campsites and the parking area at Black Rock Road. David has arranged for a dumpster to be delivered and on the delivery day, other folks join in and a large dumpster is filled to the brim with all the trash we have picked up.
Waiting for the dumpsterThe trash picker-uppers
Picking up trash wasn’t what I had in mind for a birthday celebration, so we watch the weather and wait for a forecast of a sunny day with mild temperatures. A few days later when the right conditions materialize, we head to the Virgin River Gorge, about ten miles away, for a picnic outing to celebrate. I want to go to Cedar Pockets, the campground in the Virgin River Gorge but it is still closed for repairs. So, we take the overpass to the other side of I-10 and drive up the dirt road to a spot that works for a picnic.
Finding a place in the Virgin River Gorge for a picnic
We pick up trash using our “grabbers,” before we set up a table and spread out the picnic.
Birthday picnic in the Virgin River Gorge
After eating, we play music – Clifford with his dulcimer and tongue drum and me with the fiddle, playing fiddle tunes.
Music in the Virgin River Gorge
While we are there, a woman who had stopped to walk her dog stops to chat because we are such an unusual sight, a couple fuddy-duddies having a picnic and playing fiddle music in the middle of the Virgin River Gorge. We exchange contact information before she goes on her way.
After picnic and music, Clifford and I hike up the ridge behind us, enjoying the sunshine on this winter day and the view of the mesa on the other side of the gorge from where we are.
A short hike in the Virgin River Gorge
The gorge is grand, rugged, and scenic and I am grateful that the weather cooperated to allow us to have such a fun outing.
The Virgin River Gorge is grand, rugged, and scenicHiking to a plateau on the picnic side of the Virgin River GorgeThe Virgin River Gorge is grand, rugged, and scenicHiking on the plateau near sunset
Later in February, Lori, the woman we met on the picnic day in the Gorge comes to play music with us, as she also has a tongue drum and was eager to play with us. So fun to have a new-found friend in the desert.
Lori and Clifford playing tongue drums
One other outing in February is to the town of Colorado City on the border between Arizona and Utah to have dinner with a friend and while we are there, we go to Maxwell Park for spring water and the opportunity to take photos of the red cliffs, which look to be part of the same geological formation as that of Zion National Park in Utah.
View of the red cliffs from Maxwell Park in Colorado CityView of the red cliffs from Maxwell Park in Colorado City
A new activity that is fun and engaging for me is experimenting with making creative composites using photos that I have taken on my walks as well as photos in my gallery. I like the process of using photos that might not be anything more than snapshots and coming up with an image that is creative and unique. I call these images BeCreative. They are a good stretch for me from my usual documentary style photos.
In addition to playing music, Clifford always has a focus on the ham radio and improving the antennas. He is also using portable scientific instruments to do some research on a topic that is coming to his attention.
Daily I watch the sunrise and sunsets, finding great pleasure in the light and colors that are special at that time of the day.
Yesterday we woke to 14 degrees outdoor temperature where we are camped on Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona. That’s a bit chilly for Cougar, our RV, but we turn on the heat and once the sun comes up, it doesn’t take long for the outside to warm up also. Our friend David comes for coffee to compare how our RV’s held up to the cold temperature last night. Pipes froze, but soon thaw as the sun does its job.
Brrr……
David, Clifford, and I, along with another couple that he recruited, have been picking up trash from the desert every day. People coming into the large parking area and those camping on the little dirt side roads have left literally tons of trash. It is wonderful to return the desert to its more natural state, but a big job and so much more needs to be done.
David Picking up Trash on Black Rock Road
As part of my birthday celebration week, a couple days after picking up trash, we (Clifford, David, the other couple, and I) go to a beautiful scenic canyon just a ways outside St. George, Utah – Snow Canyon.
Overview of Snow Canyon
Going to Snow Canyon was what I wanted to do for my birthday and it was the perfect day for it.
Carol and Clifford at Snow Canyon OverlookRick and LeeAnn at Snow Canyon Overlook
We hike and enjoy a really good picnic thanks to LeeAnn. I walk barefoot up one of the towering petrified sandstone dunes, feeling the rough stone under my feet, knowing that even in my 70’s, I can do this.
Clifford Hiking on the Petrified Sandstone DuneHiking BarefootSnow Canyon
While the men relax, LeeAnn and I go hiking across the road from the picnic area. Such an interesting scenic place!
Hiking with LeeAnn in Snow CanyonSnow CanyonSnow CanyonA Great Day with Friends
On the way back to the campsite, we stop at a shop in Santa Clara where Clifford and David buy a stain glass butterfly for my birthday.
David, Clifford (reflected in the window), and Carol in Santa ClaraStained Glass Butterfly
Once at camp, I discover that Rick and LeeAnn have given me a string of solar lights – dragonflies that light up the night. What a great day!
As January proceeds, there are many overcast and windy days at Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona where Clifford and I are camped near out friend David in a wide desert basin. Sometimes there is rain, which is good, and I don’t mind walking in the rain, but all too often it is too windy to walk, so indoor projects take the place of walks in the desert. Some evenings we play UK fiddle tunes after dinner. That is always fun.
Even on the windy indoor days, I keep an eye out for color in the sky as the sun nears the horizon morning and evening.
Moon Rising at SunsetSunset Color Reflects Off the Snow on Pine Mountain
Saturday January 7, it is 27 degrees this morning and there is frost on the creosote. I quickly head out to take photos of the frost, so sparkly and pretty, just as the moon is setting.
Frost on CreosoteMoon Setting in the West
During the days we are inside, my projects include publishing blogs I’ve work on and rereading Fate of Angels, the last book in the epic fantasy series, Novels of Shannon. (Now renamed Saga of ShaHaNon by Ang MacDonald.) Clifford’s indoor projects include ham radio, but he always has a list of projects to keep his mind active.
I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.
Sunlight on Pine Mountain Viewed from our Doorway
In mid January, I start the Holden 5-day Qigong challenge. Qigong has been so good for my health, I would recommend it to anyone. I am also taking a 5-day class on proofreading to see if it is something I’d like to do when we are traveling/camping, as long as we have internet, which certainly isn’t a given, but could be a way to earn money while traveling. Catching sunrise and sunset and walks in the desert still fill my day.
Sunrise Golden Light Reflects off Mountain to the WestThe Mouth of the Virgin River Gorge in Northwest Arizona.
Clifford knows that an electric bike is something he would would like to have, since he and David go bike riding often and he would enjoy it for his own explorations, so one day he orders one for himself.
Thursday January 19, 2003 Today is Clifford’s birthday. Since this is a special day, David comes over to help Clifford put together the new electric bike. I do some of the daily tasks while they work on the bike and then we go to St. George to the Wildlife Museum followed by an early dinner at Cracker Barrel. Good birthday for Clifford.
The next few days are so cold and windy that I don’t bother to go walking as I don’t do well with cold wind. Sometimes I pop out for a photo of sunrise or sunset, but mostly these days are indoor project days for both of us.
Early Dawn on Black Rock RoadSunset Color on Pine Mountain
Toward the end of January, as temperature moderates a bit, we go on an outing with David to the Pioneer Museum and to Santa Clara, a village outside of St. George where I buy a stained glass sun at a little shop that David knows about. Then we go on a scenic drive to another small village, Vejo, where there is a well-known pie shop, the intention being to have pie. Unfortunately, today the pie shop is not open, but the drive was still scenic and worth the outing. A pie is purchased at Smith’s on our way back to camp and shared there.
View from Gunlock State Park on the way to VejoView on the Outing to Vejo
Another fun outing is on the horizon before the end of the month, so January 2023 is off to a good start.
December 2022 was a hard month for Clifford and me, with neither one of us feeling well while camping south of St. George, Utah. We are looking forward to getting 2023 off to a better start.
Sunday January 1, 2023 starts off with rain in the night and off and on during the day. This is a good thing.
Droplet on Creosote Pod
I do a sound meditation from Wayne Dyer, also good, and then send New Years Greetings to family and friends.
Welcoming the New Year
I walk to the wash to the east and up the mesa a ways. The wash is strewn with rocks: boulders to gravel and sand, many of them black from their lava origins. These black rocks give this area its name – Black Rock Road. This is my favorite place to walk most days.
Today is a very good start to the New Year – 2023.
Hiking in the Wash
The next morning is overcast and windy. As I look out I see the moon setting, fresh snow on Pine Mountain to the north and an interesting cloud formation, like a sky dolphin chasing a small cloudfish, It s a good day for indoor projects; I complete a blog and post it on my website.
Moon Setting over Mountain to the WestFresh Snow on Pine MountainSky Dolphin
In my planner I have a list of daily activities relating to Purpose: things that relate to what’s important to me, including journaling, photography, Qigong, the morning quiet-time routine, and so on. Thanks to having the internet at this location, I am able to do live Tai chi and Qigong classes, as well as other classes that interest me. Most days I manage to complete at least 4 of the regular 7 Dailys, but the days are not long enough for everything, as there are always domestic tasks and other items that pop up needing attention.
Photos Shared as GreetingsJournaling Outdoors Weather Permitting
Photos at sunrise are one of my favorite things. Colors are so very vivid some mornings. It is exciting to see and acknowledge the daily miracle, as I call the moment of sunrise.
Vivid Color at DawnThe Daily Miracle
Sometimes I cross the wash to the mesa hillside, which gives me a view of the creosote filled basin where we are set up, as well as the desert scenery beyond.
View of Creosote Basin from MesaSkiff of Snow on West MountainMesa View
Although it took me a while to get used to this desert area, I have come to appreciate the beauty and the solitude of being here.
Amazing Vivid Color at Sunset seen from Black Rock Road
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Clifford and I move from Echo Canyon State Park near Pioche, Nevada, to Black Rock Road, just south of St. George, Utah, because of the forecast for more snow in Nevada. Since we don’t want to get stuck in Nevada for the winter, we need to get ourselves to a lower elevation right away.
Leaving Echo Canyon Nevada State Park
There is a mountain range between us and Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona where we intend to camp on public land near our friend David. There are a couple mountain passes to cross, not as scary as Connors Pass south of Ely, but still not comfortable. Pretty, though, with snow on the hill sides and in the mountains.
Through the Mountains
I am grateful for the safe trip from Echo Canyon to Black Rock Road. Arriving at Black Rock, we set up almost exactly where we were last year. Earlier rains have been good for the creosote, but oh, for a tree!
Black Rock Road, Same Site as Last Year
There is, however, a perfect view of Pine Mountain from the window where I sit at the table.
View from the Window – Pine Mountain
Monday, November 7, 2022
I’m up at 7:30, which is nice as it gives me a little more quiet time to get myself centered for the day. It is not as dark and cold here this morning as it was in Nevada. We have enough internet/cell service here that I can also listen to Pandora and inspiring videos.
Today is a town day in St. George. It is good to get our propane tanks filled and then return to camp to put things away just in time to see a very dramatic sunset that I almost missed.
The Sunset I Almost Missed
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
The storm forecast yesterday was little more than a drizzle until late. Sometime after going to bed, the rain became a downpour, waking me up, and it was hard to get back to sleep. When I got up this morning, I had a little over an hour before an online Qigong class, giving me time to reread the chapter “Law of Intention and Desire” from the The Steven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, noting the difference between attention and intention and how they correlate for manifestation.
Thursday, November 10….
In rereading the journal entries and looking at photos taken during the balance of November, there are themes that emerge. One is that being camped with no trees offers lots of opportunity to be aware of the sky – sunrises, cloud formations, sunsets. Sometimes serene, sometimes very dramatic.
Dramatic Sunrise at Back Rock RoadA Serene Sunset at Black RockNovember Sunset at Black RockSetting Sun Turns the Mesa a Vivid Color
Another theme is my desire to have what I call QT (quiet time) to get myself centered before jumping into the activities of the day. I find this hard to accomplish, as getting up before Clifford means dealing with the cold and the dark and not making noise. Several mornings, the temperature is in the low 20’s outside and quite chilly inside. Sometimes staying in bed is the best option.
Chilly Night Means Snow on the Mountain
The third theme comes from reading the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, contemplating the difference between intention and attention and how these principles guide one’s life if allowed to do so.
I go for walks in the desert almost every day.
Teepee RockCholla with Cougar (our RV) in the Background
Now and then we make a trip to St. George for supplies. Once in a while Clifford and David go bike riding on the bike trails on the outskirts of St. George. I am always invited to go, but sometimes just having time at camp by myself is the best option for me.
One one trip to St. George, we drive to where we can see Snow Canyon from the highway. One day we will take time to go right down into the canyon.
Snow Canyon from the Highway
Clifford checks in with ham radio nets on a daily basis, and plays his dulcimer and sings – outside in the sunshine when the weather permits, which is actually quiet often. He is also doing interviews regarding his non-profit, as the work is quite significant.
Clifford Plays and Sings in the Sunshine
We keep very busy with all of our projects. Since there is decent internet via cell service at this location, I am able to work on blogs as well as participate in online classes that are of interest to me. It is a good thing we are retired, as we certainly don’t have time to run off to a job every day.
Coffee with David (Photo by David Wasden)Journal Caption to End November
I am especially grateful for our safe arrival here yesterday after leaving Cave Lake Nevada State Park about noon. Connors Pass over the Schell Creek Range at 7,723 feet is much steeper and more curving than either Clifford or I recalled. It was very uncomfortable to say the least and I had to focus on the “I am safe” part of my daily mantra. I would prefer not to go that route again! Fortunately, we made it to the RV park on the outskirts of Pioche by mid afternoon, pleased that the end spot is available.
Pioche City RV Park
After camping 2 1/2 weeks at Cave Lake, it is odd to be in town with noisy vehicles, buildings, and power lines. I like the boulders at the entry to this site and the honey locust tree that I see out the window. I miss the convenience of restrooms, which we had at Cave Lake. It is very convenient that we have decent cell service here in Pioche, so both Clifford and I will be able to caught up on internet related activities.
Monday October 17
Today we drive south toward Pananca for an exploratory outing to Cathedral Gorge State Park just off Highway 93. This state park has quite the amazing landscape with rock formations reminiscent of a tiny Bryce Canyon, but the camping doesn’t look so good for us. Sites are small with additional fee for electricity. We take a few photos at at the campground and then stop at he scenic overlook, Miller Point.
Cathedral Gorge view from Miller PointCathedral Gorge State Park
We plan to go back one afternoon for more photography, but today we are checking out Echo Canyon State Park and Spring Valley State Park, which are about 15 miles east of Pioche. My segment intention is for a safe and enjoyable scenic trip to find the perfect place to camp when we leave Pioche.
Exploring Echo Canyon and Spring Valley state parks is interesting and helpful. Both have reservoirs in what looks like a natural setting. Echo Canyon Campground has a great layout and lots of choices for camping.
Looking into Echo Canyon
Spring Valley is less suitable for RVs, but it was fun to go there to take photos along the reservoir.
Spring Valley State Park in AutumnSpring Valley State Park
At Spring Valley, we take the gravel road to Stone Cabin, a sturdy cabin built by Mormon settlers when they settled in this area. The landscape in this area is quite rugged and hardly seems like the kind of place where families would want to settle with livestock and gardens.
Rocky Terrain on the Road to Stone CabinLandscape near Stone CabinStone Cabin
Tuesday October 18
Today we explore Pioche a bit with a visit to the museum and lunch at the Gunslinger, a small cafe that specializes in subs and wraps. I read that it was originally the blacksmith shop, and even now it is rustic with no inner walls. However, it is quite interesting, the decor like a small museum.
Doc Holiday and Old West ParaphernaliaBilly the KidLunch at the Gunslinger Cafe
Wednesday October 19
This afternoon we go again to the scenic overlook, Miller Point, at Cathedral Gorge for a picnic and late afternoon light for photos, despite spraying on horizon. I go partway down a long flight of stairs set into the rocks. The stairway leads down to the valley floor, but without hiking sticks, I didn’t want to go much further.
Late Afternoon at Miller PointLate Afternoon at Miller PointStairs Through the Rocks to Valley Floor
Thursday, October 20
I am up by 7:30 this morning, giving me a quiet hour by myself. At sunrise, the light through the leaves of the honey locust tree outside the window is delightful.
Rays of the Rising Sun Through the Honey Locust Tree
Friday, October 21
Today is an outing to the Boothill Cemetery. While Pioche is less known than other rough western towns in the mid 1800’s, such as Tombstone and Las Vegas, Nevada, it was one of the roughest, most lawless mining towns of the Old West. In its early days, over 70 men were buried after violent deaths before anyone died a natural death. Sadly, small children and women did not do well in Pioche. We decide to come back later when the late afternoon sun is more favorable.
Pioche Boothill Cemetery
Morgan Courtney, Feared by some, Respected by few, Detested by others. Shot in the back 5 times from ambush
Saturday, October 22
This morning, I am up in time for a quiet hour before Clifford gets up. As quietly as possible, I make flower tea and take photos – a still life of the lovely unfolding leaves, the angel, traveling plants, and a kind of scuffy little box I got at the thrift store yesterday before the outing to the cemetery.
RV Still Life
At the RV, we play fiddle tunes and I do a lot of photo editing in preparation for the next blogs, which are a year behind (October 2021) It is a good and fun day, though I felt a touch of sorrow for the parents whose infants and little children died here. Hard life for them in the 1870s and early 1900s. Very rough town back then.
Sunday, October 23
It was very windy in the night, and when I get up at sunrise, I am surprised to see snow on the ground. Of course I get dressed right away and go out to take a few photos of snow on chamisa before it disappears with wind and sun. Where it’s melting, the droplets sparkle in the breeze. Very pretty. In reviewing the book that I am reading on spiritual laws, today is a review of Witness Choices. Ask yourself if your choices are choices for happiness. I’d say running out to take photos in the snow was a good choice.
Monday, October 24
Since we are leaving tomorrow, we go Panaca, the larger town to the south with a market, to pick up a few groceries and while we are there, we drive to the spring outside of town. Fresh flowing water is rare and precious in this land.
Back in Pioche, we visit the museum and have lunch at the historic Silver Cafe. We have made good use of our time here in Pioche. We are grateful for the RV park on the edge of town and look forward to finding a good site at Echo Canyon tomorrow.
After spending the summer near family in western Montana, Clifford and I are heading south for the winter. I am grateful for all the time I’ve had with family. Despite the early August mosquitoes, hot spell, and forest fire smoke, it was great being in western Montana with my kids and siblings.
Goodbye Montana
It’s a good day for travel with light winds, a great blue sky, and trees just beginning to turn to autumn color as we travel southeast on I-90 along the Clark Fork river.
Clark Fork River Along I-90 in Western Montana
I am grateful for the safe and pleasant drive from my sister’s place where we were camped this summer, to the rest area south of Butte, Montana, where we are spending the night.
Sunset at Rest Area near Butte, Montana, on I-15 South
Sunday September 25, 2022
Sunrise at Rest Area near Butte, Montana on I-15 South
Our travels take us through the ever-changing landscape of southwest Montana.
Southwest Montana Landscape along I-15Organ Pipe Rock Near Dillon, Montana
We take I-15 from the rest area near Butte to the rest area at Dubois, Idaho, grateful for the clean facilities and the large parking area where we find a parking spot on the edge alongside the grass median.
Shrubs at the Dubois Rest Area Attractive in Autumn ColorsSunset at Dubois Rest Area
Monday September 26 was an overnight stay at the Walmart in Burley, Idaho.
Tuesday September 27, 2022
For the first time, we are traveling south through Nevada to avoid going through Salt Lake City. We stay on I-15 until turning south on US highway 93 at Idaho Springs, Idaho.
Tonight we are at the pullover north of Wells, Nevada. It was a harder day of travel due to traffic on 93 as well as more wind. We sure are glad to get to this spot safely and after picking up trash, I take a few photos of the rather scenic desert landscape.
View from the Pullout North of Wells, NevadaView at Sunset North of Wells, Nevada
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Even Weeds Look Good at SunriseCougar (our RV) at Pullout North of Wells, Nevada at Sunrise
Our destination today is Cave Lake Nevada State Park near Ely, Nevada. About half way between Wells and Ely, Nevada, we stop at the Schellbourne Rest Stop which features kiosks that recount the history of the Pony Express, highlighting the bravery and hardships of the young men who traversed Nevada on their route delivering mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco, California in 1860.
Schellbourne Rest Stop Features the Pony ExpressNevada Landscape Near Schellbourne Rest Stop
We arrive at Cave Lake Nevada State Park by mid-afternoon. It is perfect timing for us to catch the park ranger and get the Annual Nevada State Park Pass. The ranger is very nice to take the time for us since he was on his way out.
My research on the two campgrounds indicated that Elk Flat is more favorable for RVs, but since the headquarters is at Cave Lake Campground where we met the ranger, we camp here.
Our campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park Near Ely, Nevada
There is a very scenic view from the only pull-through site, but it is really tricky leveling because of the curve and slope of the land. The landscape is a juniper and opinion pine forest with views of mountains, hills, and mesas all around.
View from our Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park
We like what we see and are treated to a beautiful sunset at the end of the day. I am grateful to be here!
Sunset from our Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park
Friday, September 30. September comes to a close with reading Seven Spiritual Laws and sipping hot tea, as I enjoy the egg sandwich that Clifford made for breakfast. I am very happy there are showers at this campground, quite the luxury for our traveling lifestyle. I am grateful to be alive, savoring the beauty and the perfection of the moment.
It is time for us to begin the journey north to Montana. Clifford and I spent the winter in northwest Arizona, staying longer than intended as we waited for snow and cold to leave northern Nevada. Well, the Ruby Mountains are still cold and very snowy, so a change of plans is in order. We will still go to Nevada, but stay to the east side, traveling north to Idaho on US Highway 93.
Time to Say Goodbye to Black Rock Road, Arizona
May 10th we say good-bye to Black Rock Road and pull out, traveling through a landscape of red and black lava west of St. George, Utah, before winding through juniper covered hills, crossing over the Bull Valley Mountain Range, and across a large valley to Enterprise, Utah. Once past this farming valley, as we take a westerly direction, the landscape with its dead trees does not impress me. Our first stop in Nevada after crossing another smaller mountain range is the small mining town of Pioche.
Pioche, Nevada
Thanks to Clifford doing a little research, we find an RV park on the edge of town allowing a week stay by donation. There are no restrooms, but there is water and garbage cans, a big plus after months of boondocking. The RV park has about ten spaces and we are pleased to find a spot available. We get settled in without unhitching since we won’t be here long.
City RV Park on the Edge of Pioche
The next day, as I am interested in seeing the restored area of town with its museum and old buildings, I head toward the heart of town. While I learn a lot about the town, it is a cold windy day and everything is uphill from the RV park. The walk was stressful on my heart and I realize I must take better care. The following day is a day of rest and indoor projects. A couple days later when the temperature and wind moderate, Clifford and I go to the museum together. It is still a long uphill hike, but more enjoyable than my previous visit to the museum.
Nevada Club in Pioche, NevadaBefore the Days of Cell PhonesPioche Museum DisplayPioche Museum display
The old Lincoln County Courthouse is now also a museum and we pay a visit there, learning that Pioche was a violent nearly lawless town in the 1870’s when silver mining was the rage. There is a Boothill Cemetery we’d like to see, but since we didn’t unhitch, it will have to wait, as it is too far to walk.
Life-like Manikins in the Historic Lincoln County Courthouse Courtroom
In the morning, I go for a walk and find my way down into the pit next to the RV park where I take photos of a few wildflowers at sunrise. It is one of those places that could be made into a lovely walking park, if anyone cared enough to do it. When I am a rich lady……..
Sunrise from the Pioche City RV ParkCatching Sunrise at PiocheWildflowers at SunriseEvening Primrose Greets the Day
Our friend David had told of us a place he camped east of Pioche, so after staying a week at the RV park, having taken advantage of cell service to get caught up on email, blogs, and texts to family and friends, we head to Eagle Valley about 15 miles to the hills east of Pioche to find a place to camp. As it turns out, we find a small free campground, Meadow Valley Campground, just outside of Spring Valley State Park. The spots are small, probably designed for tent campers. We are fortunate that no one else is camped here, as it gives us the opportunity to park in the only spot big enough to accommodate our RV. Since we don’t know how long we will be here, we don’t unhitch, but get set up to enjoy whatever time we have. The rugged hills look like a great place to go exploring and we are pleased to have such a scenic setting as our home for a week or two.
Spring has arrived at Black Rock Road in northwestern Arizona where Clifford and I are camped. The acres of creosote that surround us are now in full bloom, the tiny yellow blossoms like sunshine sprinkled across the landscape.
Surrounded by Blooming Creosote
Warmer days encourage us to spend more time outdoors, including a picnic at Cedar Pockets, the campground in the Virgin River Gorge, about 10 miles to the south of our campsite.
View of the Virgin River Gorge from Cedar Pockets
Clifford takes his kalimba so he can accompany himself as he sings while I hike down to the river. The trail is narrow and steep in spots, but it feels good to be outside and to the see the mesas from the river bottom vantage point.
Clifford Playing and Singing with Kalimba at Cedar PocketsViews of Mesas from River BottomVirgin River
I am not the only one enjoying the river. A cow and her calves splash across the river. When the twins see me, they stop to stare like I’m an alien, which I am to them. Then in mirror reflection of one another, their heads turn to watch the direction that big mom is taking. So fun to see them, as I play a silly game, called Cow Game, with a couple family members, and today I win Cow Game!
Virgin RiverToday I Win “Cow Game”
It is delightful to be near the river with views of the mesas all around, and the frosting on the cake is to find flowers – globe mallow and desert marigolds. Although Cedar Pockets is not so very far from Black Rock Road, it is a very different ecosystem.
Globe Mallow at Cedar PocketsGlobe Mallow at Cedar PocketsDesert Marigold at Cedar PocketsDesert Marigold at Cedar Pockets
While Black Rock Road vegetation is acres and acres of creosote, the gorge displays a greater variety of desert plants with Joshua trees and many types of cacti, including cholla and a blooming hedgehog cactus along the trail from the upper campground to the lower camping area where we are picnicking.
Hedgehog Cactus in Bloom Along the TrailView of the Virgin River from the Trail
For weeks we have been talking about camping in northern Nevada on our way to Montana for the summer. We thought we would leave in April, but northern Nevada has been too cold and snowy, and now it is May and the place we thought we’d go — the Ruby Mountains — is still too cold and snowy. However, Montana is beckoning and it will soon be too warm here in Arizona anyway. So, we begin preparations to leave our winter home. Besides picking up our mail, we also take a day for errands with a picnic of sorts at the back of the laundromat, and Clifford brings the kalimba and sings. Who can resist a picnic and music? Not us, apparently. 🙂
Our friend David pulls out just a few days before our departure date. It’s been good having a friend as a neighbor for the winter. We wish him well and safe journeying. Very soon Clifford and I will also be saying good-bye to Black Rock Road. Although the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Valley are out of the question for us, still too cold and snowy there, we know other places are waiting to be explored.
