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.
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
Today Clifford and I move from Pioche, Nevada to Echo Canyon Nevada State Park, about 15 miles to the east of Pioche. I am mindful of Segment Intending and everything goes well – packing, hitching, driving, finding the perfect site, and getting set up. We find a really a nice spot with a couple of trees and a hill in front of us on the door and window side for privacy and views.
Our Site at Echo Canyon State Park
I hike a short way up the hill at sunset and have a good view of the surrounding area and the reservoir below.
Hike Up the Hill to View the LandscapeEcho Canyon Reservoir Below
From our campsite we get a glimpse of the reservoir, which I like. It looks like the weather will be very nice for us. Only one other party is here.
Wednesday October 26. The sun is behind the hill until 9 o’clock a.m., but I watch the light creep across the land until it finally rises right in the kitchen window. It is exciting to watch the approach of sunlight, and now it is time for coffee. Maybe I’ll sit outside if it’s warm enough in the sunshine. I am happy to be here. It’s a great day to be alive!
By afternoon it is warm enough for us to sit out for projects.
Warm Enough for Projects Outside
Thursday October 27.
It was 27° this morning at Echo Canyon and we very grateful for the heater that we got at Bretz. It is satisfying to again watch the sunlight move across the land, and soon it will be at our campsite. I call sunrise the daily miracle as it brings light and warmth to the cold and dark of winter.
Friday October 28.
We sleep in this morning due to it being a chilly 22° outside and only 33° inside.
Chilly Morning at Echo Canyon
It is still dark the first time I get up. After breakfast, it begins to warm up and we decide to go on a photo outing up the canyon, as it is a good day for photos with a clear blue sky, lovely autumn colors, and the great rugged mesas of Echo Canyon.
Photo Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo CanyonPhoto Outing at Echo Canyon
Saturday October 29.
This morning I was up a little before seven, which gives me time for inspirational reading and journaling, along with hot tea, followed by a Qigong routine. I feel gratitude watching daylight approach. Today is the sixth anniversary of Mom’s passing, and my brother is back in the hospital, even needing a mercy flight. My sister calls, concerned, as am I. It is good to have family who care about each other.
Sunday October 30.
The last two clocks I have purchased don’t work, so I don’t know what time it is and I don’t want to get up in the dark. It’s hard to even make tea without waking Clifford, and it might be much too early for that. I hold the positive thought that I am going to enjoy this beautiful day. It is a great day to be alive and there is good stuff on the to-do list.
We decide to back up the canyon again, this time for a picnic along the creek.
Reflections on the Creek Flowing Through Echo CanyonReflections on the Creek Flowing Through Echo CanyonPicnic at Echo Canyon Alongside the Creek
Friday November 4. It has been an interesting few days, as Wednesday rain turned to sleet and then to snow. It was very pretty and there was more overnight.
Rain Turns to Sleet and SnowSnow Begins to Stick at Echo Canyon Reservoir
I went walking both days and have a lot of photos to sort through.
The Beauty of Newly Fallen SnowThe Beauty of Newly Fallen SnowCougar in the Snow at Echo Canyon
Within a day, the snow melts, but the forecast is for more snow and much colder temperatures.
Snow Has Melted Already
Although we really like this campground and had intended to stay longer, the weather dictates otherwise and it is time for us to move on over the mountain to Arizona to meet up with a friend and find a less wintry spot to camp.
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.
View from Summit Road Near Cave Lake Nevada State Park
Wednesday October 12
Since we will be leaving this campground fairly soon, we decide on one more trip up the mountain. Once again, we are blessed with a beautiful blue sky, gorgeous autumn colors, and another picnic.
Autumn Colors on Summit RoadBeautiful Blue SkyPicnic on Summit Road
Friday October 14
We thought the steam engine train rides at Ely were closed for the season, but somehow Clifford figured out that they are still open and running. We get permission from the park ranger to stay a couple more days at Cave Lake Campground. I don’t think the ranger minds since there are so few people at the campground. The lake has been drained so as to allow for repairs to the dam. Normally this campground is full of people coming to enjoy the lake, but now it is mostly vacant.
So we make another trip to Ely for the tour of the Northern Railway Train Museum and steam engine train ride. The train takes us on a route through the local countryside where railroad cars once carried ore from mining sites. Of course, this outing also entails another picnic.
Picnic at the Northern Railway Train StationNorthern Railway Train MuseumRailway Snow PlowNorthern Railway Steam TrainA Fantasy Village Along the Train RouteAutumn at Cave Lake Nevada State Park
It has been a good stay here but tomorrow we will be leaving Cave Lake Campground and heading further south on US Highway 93 to Pioche, Nevada.
Cllifford and I have been camped at Cave Lake Nevada State Park for about a week. We are thoroughly enjoying our time here. Today is a photo outing/exploration day, as we drive northward from the campground to Success Summit, the high point on the Success Loop Road. We are exploring where we might go camping at some future time. Although going up in the suburban was fine, it is not a place that we could take our RV. It is a good day for a drive and a picnic with a great blue sky, gorgeous autumn colors, and expansive views.
Expansive Views on Summit Loop Road near Cave Lake Nevada State ParkHardy Aspens near the SummitAutumn Colors on Summit Loop Road
Friday, October 7
Reading Altogether in One Place has taken up too much of my time, but I did get almost everything done on my list, except finishing a blog due to poor Internet. I reflect on the book, which is an account of a wagon train on the Oregon trail where the men had all died. The women had built their lives around their men until they come to a point they had to make cooperative decisions based on the desires and abilities of each one individually, but also as to the needs of the whole. It was interesting to read, as well as insightful.
Saturday, October 8 is another photo outing, this time close to our campground. We are again exploring the possibilities for camping in the future, but stopping for photos where the autumn colors are especially engaging.
Autumn Colors Near Cave Lake Nevada State ParkAutumn Colors Near Cave Lake Nevada State ParkCave Creek
In just a few more days we will head further south, but in the meantime, we are grateful for the opportunity to be here at Cave Lake.
I am sitting outside in the sunshine at Cave Lake Campground at Cave Lake Nevada State Park outside of Ely, Nevada. Clifford and I arrived here just a couple days ago on our journey south for the winter. Although the sunshine is pleasant, it is still a bit chilly as I sip tea and write in my journal.
Cave Lake Campground – Tea and Journal
Monday, October 3
The mornings is cool, but the afternoon is warm enough that Clifford is sitting outside minus his T-shirt to do a sewing project while I find myself a nice spot to play the fiddle where I won’t be likely to disturb any neighbors.
Clifford’s Sewing ProjectPlaying Fiddle Tunes
Wednesday, October 5
Today we make a trip to Ely for errands and admire the murals on the walls of the old downtown buildings.
Murals in Ely, Nevada
Murals in Ely, Nevada
Then we make or way to Renaissance Village, a portion of the original mining town that has been restored. Although the Village is closed for the season, we are free to walk the streets and peek in the windows of the buildings. Fascinating to think about all the folks who lived here in the early 1900’s and how much life has changed in the past century.
Sitting Outside the Country Store with an Oldtimer
Renaissance Village, Ely, Nevada
Renaissance Village, Ely, Nevada
Renaissance Village, Ely, Nevada
Back at camp, we are treated to another rich sunset. Today was a fun day in town, and tomorrow we plan to head up the mountain to explore what is that direction.
