Time to catch you up on our journeys since Crater Lake.
I know it has been a few days as we had been without
internet and often any phone service since Klamath Falls.
We continued our trek Eastward through Lakeview, OR
and dropping down into NE Nevada.
To Virgin Valley Warm Springs Campground.
This spot is about 30 miles from Denio, NV,
and that is a small community.
The campground was not very crowded
and the couple from British Columbia seemed very nice.
Yep that was it us and them and the resident Coyote and Rabbits.
On the full day we were there, stayed 2 nights, we hiked up a road/trail
You would need a serious 4X4 high clearance, with all the bolts
recently tightened, vehicle to actually call it a road.
Otherwise you could call it a divided trail.
We went to the end, about 2 miles and maybe a 1000 feet above the campground.
Found amazing views of the valley and enough cell service to get out a few texts.
Back at the campground we donned our swim suits and went and relaxed in the pool.
Gravel bottom and one side built up to have the ladder.
It was the warm spring at about 95 degrees.
Just perfect for relaxing after a long hike.
The same morning it had been 12 degrees when I got up
and only got up to mid 50's during the day.
Yeah, it was chilly getting out of the pool.
But, it was right into the bathhouse for free flowing showers direct from the spring.
We also found out the "potable water" was direct from the spring and warm.
Reminded us of the free drinking water at Hot Springs, AR.
Very good water that we filled all our water jugs.
Did I mention this was all free!
Saturday we packed up and moved on to Rye Patch, NV
A very nice State Recreation Area Campground.
Stayed 2 nights, did a little sightseeing and mostly relaxed.
Again only a few spots occupied the first night and only 2 of us second night.
We did share the campground with a herd of deer,
about 10 with one being a good looking buck and a few rabbits.
Very high desert area and wide open, except the campground in the valley
just below the dam, and only about a mile off the interstate.
During the sightseeing, we found reasonable cell service
and I made reservations to get us to Las Vegas by Dec. 3 where we
will meet up with our daughter Chelsey, she is attending a conference for her work.
Packed up the next morning and headed for Hawthorne, NV
On the way we learned more about diesel engines and how the little things
add so much to the cost of running one.
Mostly the pollution control schemes we have been forced to tolerate.
Won't go into it as it only cost us a little time and a few gallons of fuel.
I will put out a big "Thanks" to the Ford garage in Fallon, NV
and the tech that gave me advice. He could have scheduled me in
and done the same thing for $100 per hour.
I really do appreciate free, accurate advice.
Well, we made it to Hawthorne a couple hours behind what we anticipated.
Got set up just as it was getting dark, had an adult beverage and relaxed.
Yesterday we got up and headed to Lee Vining, CA
About an hour drive to see Mono Lake.
The drive over was very boring as it is just high desert
and fairly monotone.
However once we crested the pass,
the Sierra Nevada mountains were in sight.
Very enjoyable skyline as we approached.
Could see Mono Lake nearly all the way as we came down into the valley.
On the south side of the lake, we hiked the trails down to the shoreline.
Now those of us that are near lake country in Minnesota
wouldn't think that much would be different at another high desert lake shore.
Well, this is one that is worth the hike.
What Mother Nature does with the materials handed her is amazing.
Late afternoon and overwhelmed with sights and hiking.
We stopped in Lee Vining for a bite to eat.
Only one place open but, the food and service were excellent.
Sun was to our backs and twilight in the desert changes the look so much.
Was a great day with perfect weather and with the love of my life.
Today we have chores, laundry, cleaning, groceries, fuel and hope for time
to visit the Ordinance Museum here in Hawthorne.
Make your day great and may you find blessings throughout.
Tom and Millie
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