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 arrive at Cave Lake Nevada State Park after leaving Patterson Pass this afternoon. This small campground is very popular, but we find an available site on the downhill side of the campground. We are happy to be here, but will only be able to spend a week.
Campsite at Cave Lake Nevada State Park
Cell service is marginal, but using Clifford’s hotspot, I am able to make contact with family and friends to let them know where we are and to keep abreast of the news.
Hot showers are a real plus at this campground. Since there is no one camped near us, we can play music outside, which is something we always enjoy.
Although there are not many wildflowers here, the views are good and I enjoy the walkabouts.
Ground PhloxWild Buckwheat
I can see a mountain range to the west with snow-capped peaks even though it is June, but in looking at the map, I can’t tell what range I am seeing. There are numerous mountain ranges running in a north/south direction in this state with wide valleys between.
View from Cave Lake CampgroundView from Cave Lake Campground
When we were here last fall, we drove up the mountain for a picnic and to take photos of autumn color. This time, we go on an exploratory outing to find where we might camp when we leave here. Ward’s Charcoal Oven State Park, about 10 miles south of Ely, is one of our outings. Quite the history of how all the trees were cut and burned to make charcoal needed for smelting steel for the railroads carrying silver ore. The land has never recovered and is barren for miles, but fortunately, the campground in this state park, Willow Creek CG, is situated in what remains of a juniper and pinon pine forest.
Charcoal OvensOven Door
We also check out a large forest service camp to the southwest of Ely, but all the sites seem to be reserved although there is almost no one there. Odd. There is a BLM road across the highway, but no sites, not even any good places to pull off the road. Then Egan Summit, another BLM area with cell service and a good view of the nearby mountain range, but no shade and it appears to be an ATV place, which is not so good for camping. There could be dust and noise much of the time.
Nevada Views
We go to the little village of Ruth, just to check it out, desolate, almost a ghost town. Back in Ely, we find a city park with picnic tables and have a picnic before heading back to camp.
Picnic in Ely Nevada
Wednesday June 6 is our last day here. I pack up as much as I can to make moving preparations easier tomorrow. We have enjoyed our time here, and perhaps we will come again.
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 CampgroundScenic Views – Snake Range Across the ValleyLarkspur Adds to the Palette of ColorsIndian Paintbrush Brighten My DayPenstemonAster’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 BackgroundClouds 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 BloomGlobe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In mid June, Clifford and I leave Divide Bridge Campground near Divide, Montana, where we have been camped for several days. We travel north to I 90 and then west to Missoula where highway 93 takes us south through the Bitterroot Valley to my sister Nancy‘s place. Several years ago she and her husband had horses, but the back pasture is now a beautiful big lawn bordered by trees. We are grateful for the safe trip here and this is where we will park for the time being.
Once a Horse Pasture
After we get set up, Nancy and I walk along the road and I take photos of the wildflowers and the ponds left from rain a week ago. We hear news that the Yellowstone River in southern Montana has flooded and caused much damage, including the closing of Yellowstone Park. That is Flooding!
Daisies Along the RoadRoadside Beauties
I am grateful for so many things: Pieces of Perfection, as I call them. A friend of ours comes out with greens and good cheese from the farmers market and then we all go out to my daughter Ang’s place. She cooks tasty pork loin steaks over a campfire and we look at the spot she thinks would work for Mountain Cougar, the used RV that Clifford purchased last fall. The spot needs cleanup and leveling, but it will be a very nice spot when all is said and done. Ang and I stay at the campfire after the others leave, have great leftover meat sandwiches, and I go to bed in Terry, the 30-year-old Terry Resort RV that used to be our RV, so it almost feels like home.
As Ang and I have coffee on her deck in the morning, I admire the raindrop covered blossoms. Such a beautiful time of year in Montana.
Raindrops on Iris
I do dishes while she and Rama work on the wind tunnel greenhouse until it is time for Ang and me to leave for Seeley Lake where we are meeting with my daughter Becka, who is visiting from Hawaii. The landscape is lush and very green. The rivers are high, but not flooding.
The Land is Lush and Green
We find the Airbnb that Becka has rented for us on the edge of the town of Seeley Lake, not far from where my daughter Merri is staying with her husband at a job site.
Becka at the Airbnb
When we walk down the road to find Merri, a little piece of perfection that the job site is so close to the Airb&b, we discover a city park nearby and despite the rainy weather, the wood pile is dry enough for us to build a bonfire and hang out as we watch a pretty sunset.
A Pond at the City ParkCarol and AngBonfire at the Park with Becka and AngSunset ReflectionsBecka, Merri, and friend Miles Enjoy the BonfireColorful Sunset
Although the next day is cool and rainy, my son Matt arrives and we all go to Seeley Lake so Becka and her friends can go boating and those of us on the beach build a little campfire.
Matt ArrivesWarming Wet Feet at the Bonfire on the Beach
Back at the Airbnb, we visit and play cribbage, snack on all the good food that Becka and her friends brought, and enjoy having time together out of the rain.
Journaling at the Airbnb Out of the RainCribbage With Becka
The following morning is sunny for a change and we all go to the lake to enjoy sunshine, boating, and great views of the lake and the mountains.
Bridge Where the Clearwater River Flows into Seeley LakeCruising Along the Shore
After snack time, Ang and I say goodbye to Becka and her friends before we head back over the mountain.
Mountains to Cross
It sure was a fun couple of days having time to spend with several of my kids and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Although Clifford has kept himself busy while I’ve been gone, I am thinking he will be glad to have me back at Cougar.
