Nevada State Park – Quiet Walk Photography

June 28, 2023March 29, 2026

Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park (Part 3) – June 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Clifford and I are camped at the Willow Creek Campground in the Ward Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park. The day we arrived, we discovered a leaking wheel bearing on our old Suburban, which has been in Ely for repairs for the past week. My cell phone was accidentally left in Ely when we dropped the Suburban off. Yesterday, we got a ride to pick up the Suburban. We are glad to have our vehicle back and I am especially happy to have my cell phone back

This morning with my phone in hand once again, I go for the morning walk, past the bench alongside the creek and on to the old bridge. I take more time with the iris, as they are abundant now, but soon they will give way to other flowers.

Mornings are often calm and that is the best time to go, as walking in the wind is too energy draining. This particular morning, I leave later than I want for the morning walk and it is already getting gusty, so have to cut it short. Flowers photos don’t work well when the flowers are whipping around. Ah well, there are plenty of indoor projects – working on blogs, taking care of email, meals and dishes.

Saturday June 24

We are still at Willow Creek even though we are at the 14-day limit. Without having the Suburban for over a week, our travel itinerary has changed. The park ranger is understanding and we are given permission to extend our stay for a couple days, which I take good advantage to walk to the bench again. Acres of wild roses in bloom, columbine, and flax have replaced the wild iris as objects of my attention.

Wild Rose Bushes Make Their Appearance Along Willow Creek

Columbine by Willow Creek on a Blue-Sky Day

Back at camp, working on a blog, writing in my journal, tai chi, and sharing a few photos keep me busy, and fiddle comes out before it is too dark to see the music. This is Amateur Radio Field Day, so the radio has Clifford’s attention much of the day.

Sunday is filled with taking care of mundane projects. Looking ahead at maps and weather app, it looks like Wednesday or Thursday will be the day to leave. The temperatures have been in a range of about 50 at night to 70-80 high and it is time to move north. One of these last days at Will Creek CG, I discover a tick biting me. The head is not embedded fortunately and it was easy to remove, bur it doesn’t make me too comfortable with hiking off-trail for photos of flowers and the creek.

Interesting light at sundown catches my attention.

Wednesday June 28 is our last day here. Despite the forecast for a high wind day, it is the calmest day we have had in quite a while. I take photos of the white prickly poppies along the road and then walk to the bench. Despite the tick bite, I still walk off-trail, but shower and put on clean clothes when I get back to camp. In the evening, I pack up as much as I can to make tomorrow’s leaving easier.

This has been a very good campground for us and we hope to return on a future journey through Nevada.

June 19, 2023March 27, 2026

Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park (Part 2) – June 2023

Tuesday June 13, 2023

Clifford and I are camped at Willow Creek Campground in the Ward Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park. Yesterday we took the Suburban to D&S, the vehicle repair shop in Ely, Nevada, to fix the leaking bearing that we discovered right after we arrived at the campground.

Today Clifford got a message from the mechanic at D&S. The mechanic says the failed bearing is because we are carrying too much weight (6-gallon containers of water) and other stuff on top of towing. The weight could be an issue, but it doesn’t explain three failures in 250 miles of highway driving at moderate speed. One failure was shortly after a bearing replacement when the Suburban was not loaded and we weren’t towing. Things are not adding up here. (Eventually it is determined that the bearings from Big O are cheap Chinese imports inadequate for the size and weight of the Suburban.)

It was only after our ride dropped us off at the campground yesterday that we realized that we left the mail with some items that Clifford needs, my purse, and my cell phone in her truck. I was totally bummed about not having my phone for taking photos until we get back to Ely to get the Suburban.

For the next week (except for taking photos with Clifford’s cell), I work on little projects that don’t involve my phone – texts and emails with Clifford’s cell, journal in the morning, fiddle in the evening, and work on February 2022 blog. I am reading Law of Attraction. Of course, this is not new to me, but the presentation is different and I appreciate the Words of Wisdom that come forth for my consideration. I write my favorites in my journal.

“Today, no matter what I’m doing and no matter who I am doing it with, it is my dominant intention to look for things I like.”

The weather has been interesting with clouds and rain some days, even thundershowers with very loud and close thunder, a beautiful rainbow one day, hail another day, but sunshine often. On windy days, except for a couple photos of flowers or clouds, I focus on indoor projects – preparing photos for blogs, journaling, and reading, while Clifford continues fussing with antennas trying to get better reception and transmission on his ham radio.

Although we can’t sit out every day, Clifford works on his antennas frequently, and I do Tai chi outside as often as I can.

Once in a while it is warm and calm enough to play music together, mostly fiddle tunes from the Phoenix Folk Group in the UK. Clifford also plays and sings a great variety of popular songs. It’s always nice when this can be done outside. Since there are few people here, there is no one to complain.

One day Clifford and I walk to the charcoal ovens together, which was a fun hike and interesting as we read the kiosks about the reason for them being there. It was an environmental disaster to cut all the trees, changing the valley ecology. Sometimes the people making these decisions are looking only at the profit motive, not the long-term welfare of the land and it’s ecological systems.

Another day, Clifford and I hike on the trail toward the mountain. There are a variety of flowers along the trail and the wild iris are especially delightful.

I show Clifford the bench I discovered along the creek and then we continue on to an old foot bridge. It has a special ambiance, but I am reluctant to walk across it. We want to take a different route back to camp anyway.

Bench Along Willow Creek (Photo by Clifford)

I make chili for dinner and it is nice enough that we are able to sit outside to eat. No word from the mechanic as to status of suburban.

Despite the inconvenience and expense of the Suburban issues and no cell phone, I am grateful and happy to be alive. Today’s Words of Wisdom from Law of Attraction confirm that that is a good idea! “Get your eyes, words, and thoughts off of WHAT-IS (if what is is not what you want) and put them purely on what you want now, which encourages me to stay focused on the positive, including the trees for shade and ambiance, flowers, using Clifford’s phone since mine is still in Ely, pleasant temperatures, scenic views, and the fun hikes together.

One morning, after making a smoothie for our breakfast, I go on a hike by myself. The sky is amazing blue and wildflowers are plentiful. I work with Wild Child, as I call the wind, to get moments of stillness for photos of flowers, still using Clifford’s cell. It is getting warm for me by time I head back, but what a lovely time with nature.

In the afternoon I send photos to family and friends, get in an hour of fiddle practice, and still have time to work on the next blog. It is an enjoyable and productive day.

The next day is much too windy to go walking, so the focus is on indoor projects: fiddle inside, work on next blog, journal, and tai chi for me. Clifford always has radio and a list of projects that he works on.

Monday June 19 starts with breakfast, my usual projects, and radio for Clifford. He is always tweaking his antenna to get the best communication possible no matter where we are located. Finally a call from Jennifer, the receptionist at D&S. The Suburban is done and she comes out to get us. Back in Ely with wheels again, we run a few errands before heading out to camp. I am very happy to have my phone back!

June 12, 2023March 27, 2026

Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park (Part 1) – June 2023

Wednesday June 7, 2023

Clifford and I are leaving Cave Lake Nevada State Park today but before we finish packing, I take a shower at at the bath house and do some Tai Chi in a spot of sunlight while Clifford checks into his net on ham radio. Then we have yogurt and fruit for a quick and easy breakfast with no cleanup involved. I packed as much as I could last night, so it is not hard to finish up and we are on our way to Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park by 10:00 or so. Both of these state parks are near Ely, Nevada, in east central Nevada, so it does not take long to get there. Wildflowers are on hand to greet us at Willow Creek Campground.

Arriving at Willow Creek Campground in the Wards Charcoal Oven Nevada State Park

We drive around the campground loop and agree on site #6. A little tricky backing Cougar in with the big pine tree right next to the driveway, but once in place, Clifford unhitches and parks the Suburban at the front of the driveway. That’s when I notice the oil leak from a rear bearing. This is not a good thing!

Clifford has enough cell service to call a mechanic in Ely, D&S Repair, and we are scheduled to take it in on Monday – almost a week from now. If we are going to be somewhere while the Suburban is repaired, Cave Lake with flush toilets and hot showers would have been nice, but the advantage here is that the friendly ranger will be understanding if we have to stay longer at this out-of-the-way park. T-mobile (Clifford’s provider) service is okay here, but no Verizon (my provider). However, I can use Clifford’s phone for communication to stay in touch with family. We get set up, trying not to worry about the issue with the Suburban.

This is a great location in the foothills of the Nevada Egan Range. There are scenic views across the valley to the Schell Creek Range.

I really appreciate the trees here creating ambiance, shade, and privacy. The old junipers have a lot of character. Willow Creek Campground is small but nice with plenty of native trees and shrubs for privacy between sites. Each site has gravel, a new picnic table and canopy over the picnic table for a pleasant camping experience. We are grateful for water here, and the vault toilets are maintained. I am pleased to see wildflowers all around.

Wildflowers at Willow Creek CG – Ragwort

The morning after arriving, I walk about near camp to take photos of the mountains and wildflowers, and then I explore the trail across the road that meanders through the woods.

Wildflower Friends – Wild Buckwheat and Phlox

I discover that this trail leads from the campground to the ovens. I only go as far as a junction with a trail along the creek, as I need to be better prepared before heading further.

The next morning, armed with water and my 2-meter radio, I explore the trail toward the mountain to the west and discover a bench right alongside the creek, which often becomes my morning destination. The views from this location are peaceful with trees, shrubs, mountains, and wildflowers every direction. It is not long before my morning walks take me off the trail and along the creek itself for many more delightful photos.

Monday June 12 is our day to take the Suburban to the mechanic. It is a beautiful day with big cumulus clouds and only a touch of rain.

Although we are a bit uneasy about driving the Suburban to Ely with a leaking wheel bearing, we have to get it there, so off we go. There is a ride service that we plan to use for a ride back out to camp. When we call to set up a ride, no one answers. Hmmm While we wait for a return call, I go to a cute place down the side street called the Flower Basket Coffee Shop. I order a coffee and settle at a table to write in my journal. I am looking forward to some quiet sitting time with coffee and journal. But Clifford texts to let me know that Jennifer, the receptionist at D&S, the mechanic shop, will give us a ride back out to camp.

Back at the campground, we unload the groceries that we had picked up on our way to D&S. It is only after Jennifer leaves that we realize that we left the mail with some items that Clifford needs, as well as my purse and cell phone in her truck. I am totally bummed about not having my cell phone to take photos. It may be another week or more before we get back to Ely. Clifford offers his phone so I can continue taking photos, which is much appreciated, and in the meantime, we will continue to enjoy this lovely peaceful place.

June 6, 2023February 8, 2026

Cave Lake Nevada State Park – June 2023

Wednesday May 31, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May 9, 2023January 15, 2026

Moving On – Echo Canyon, Nevada – April 2023

Our last days camping at Black Rock Road are especially pretty with filaree extending for acres, a beautiful green carpet dotted with purple blossoms. Soon there will be other wildflowers, but it is time for us to move on.

Wednesday April 26 is moving day. We are up by 7:30, have breakfast, finish packing, and are on our way by 11:30. It is good to have gotten a lot done yesterday despite the shopping day and Clifford not feeling well. Luckily, he is feeling better today. I don’t have much time for my morning routine, as getting ready to travel is a big deal for us. Lots of things need to be in place for safe travel, in addition to hitching up.

Suburban and Cougar Ready to Leave Black Rock Road

We have a safe and beautiful drive except for that area on Highway 56 where the trees are all dead – very dry, and negative energy there.

Happily, we make it to Echo Canyon by mid afternoon and find a nice spot on the side of the loop that we like, next to the site where we were last fall. We are happy to be here. I walk to the reservoir for photos of the water, getting reacquainted with this campground, one of our favorites.

Campsite at Echo Canyon Nevada State Park

A couple days after our arrival at Echo Canyon, our camping neighbor from Black Rock comes to visit us on his motorcycle, bringing sugar for hummingbird juice. I make a good lunch of pork steaks, wild rice, and salad. It is good to see him.

Words of Wisdom from my daily reading from the Law of Attraction: “The more you come to understand the power of the law of attraction, the more interest you will have in deliberately directing your thoughts – for you get what you think about, whether you want it or not. Without exception, that which you give thought to is that which you begin to invite into your experience.” I am keeping this in mind as I go about my daily activities. it is interesting to notice how often my thoughts stray to things that I don’t want to manifest.

The next day Clifford and I go for a picnic to a spot that we know of on the edge of the park where there is (was) a picnic table. When we get there, we find the creek overflowing and the picnic table is gone., but that doesn’t stop us from having our picnic. We just sit alongside the road using our own table and chairs for the picnic. After we eat, Clifford plays music until the wind gets too rambunctious.

I often climb the ridge behind the campground loop to get a bar of cell service. It is enough for me to send and receive text and connect to short “Begin with Breath'” tai chi routines. One day I come across a bench on the ridge, oddly out of place, but a nice place to sit for a great view of the area and a good place to prop my phone up for the tai chi class.

There are not many wildflowers, but some trees are in bloom, possibly crab apples, which are totally delightful for me to photograph. They also seem oddly out of place, but in a very pleasing sort of way.

The weather was pleasant when we first arrived, but then there are several days of cloudy, windy, rainy weather, and even hail. One morning we see some sunshine, but just a teaser. It is soon cloudy and windy again. The day before, I kind of wore myself out walking in the wind, trying to find a spot with cell service. Someone has camped at the site right below the bench, so I can’t go there now. So we don’t have much outdoor time, but I’ve been able to do tai chi inside, as well as other indoor projects, like journal writing. Clifford always has projects. We neither one are ever at loss for things to do whether inside or out. On the days that it is too windy for me to do the uphill climb, I get a boost from Clifford’s hotspot.

Finally we have a day calm and warm enough to sit outside. I take photos of Primrose on way back from restroom and then sit outside with coffee to listen to Clifford sing while I write in my journal.

Monday, May 8, the sky is a beautiful blue, but El viento no es divertido. Café is muy Bueno. Studying Spanish with Duolingo – the wind is not fun. Coffee is very good. The trees don’t seem to mind the windy days and are as attractive as ever.

We have just a couple more days to enjoy our stay here before we head to Pioche for a few groceries and better internet. This has been a good stay, but it is time to move on.

November 30, 2022May 10, 2025

Black Rock Road, Arizona – November 2022

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.

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.

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!

There is, however, a perfect view of Pine Mountain from the window where I sit at the table.

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.

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.

Setting 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.

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.

Cholla 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.

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)

November 4, 2022April 8, 2025

Echo Canyon Nevada State Park – October 2022

Landscape at Echo Canyon Nevada State Park

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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.

I hike a short way up the hill at sunset and have a good view of the surrounding area and the 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.

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.

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.

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 Canyon

Picnic 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.

Snow Begins to Stick at Echo Canyon Reservoir

I went walking both days and have a lot of photos to sort through.

Within a day, the snow melts, but the forecast is for more snow and much colder temperatures.

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.

A Final Sunset at Echo Canyon Nevada State Park

October 31, 2022March 4, 2025

Arrival at Pioche, Nevada – October 2022

Sunday, October 16, 2022

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.

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.

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.

Spring Valley is less suitable for RVs, but it was fun to go there to take photos along the reservoir.

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 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.

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.

Stairs 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.

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.

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.

October 15, 2022February 16, 2025

Northern Railway Train Museum, Ely, Nevada – October 2022

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.

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 Station

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.

October 8, 2022February 11, 2025

Cave Lake, Nevada, Autumn Color – October 2022

*Landscape at Cave Lake Nevada State Park*

Thursday, October 6

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 Park*

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 Park*

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.