Hi all, time to catch up now that we are back in the digital world. Quiet time was nice, at least for a short time.

Day 43

Travel day headed to Bly, OR and the Lone Pine RV Park. 

Lots of mountains, clouds, some rain and beautiful views. The Aspens were in full color and were a bright spot in a dreary day. No problem finding the RV park and did not even need to disconnect from the truck. So we plugged in and had a great talk with Josephine and Carissa on a video call. Then a short call with Chelsey. Simple supper and with good cell service getting the blog caught up. Soon to bed then up and off to Virgin Valley Campground and some more days off grid. Soon to bed and rest up for another travel day, but shorter.

Day 44 (Oct 27)

Shorter travel day, just with the narrow curvy roads it did seem much longer. Drove slower and with little to no traffic was a pleasant, scenic drive. Made it to Virgin Valley Campground on the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge. Absolutely no cell service, tv or radio reception. I think the guy with satellite TV may get something. Millie took advantage of the hot spring and we both enjoyed the warmer, drier weather. A spectacular sunset and twilight finished off the day. 

Tried the fire pit around dark, but for some unknown reason the gas flow seemed low. Will have to investigate. Nice evening with LOTS of stars, a little DVD watching and early to bed.

Day 45

Up early and watched the sunrise, not as spectacular as the evening before, and happy to see a clear sky, calm yet cool day begin. Millie got to sewing and I got lazy and read my book. Day warmed up to 65⁰ and the wind did not pick up until afternoon. Millie made bread and I made a batch of chilli. So supper was great. Took the Boyz on a good walk, exploring the campground and nearby structures. 

Visited with a couple from Florida and shared some travels and places between us. I took advantage of the hot spring and with the stiff breeze, 65⁰ and lower humidity, it got down right chilly until I got dried off. Still felt good. The spring pool is around 85-90⁰ and the same spring provide continuous warm showers and drinking water. Pretty amazing place and other than the campground, treeless. Beautiful in it’s own way and so different than west of the Cascade mountain range. Great supper, as I mentioned earlier, a bit of DVD watching and off early to bed.

 Day 46

Again up early, to a great sunrise, I guess that goes with getting to bed early. 

Lazy morning, coffee, breakfast and walks with the Boyz. After noon we fired up the truck and decided to explore the dirt roads. Drove, very slowly in 4 wheel low, up to the Virgin Creek Gorge Overlook. On the way we found a hill with cell service and did a video call with Carissa and a phone call with Chelsey. 

Was great to check in and find all is well at home. Was able to send them a video and a couple of pictures from the “hill in the middle of nowhere”. From there we went to the overlook. WOW, Ma Nature sure did some work there. A big crack in the mountain and a creek flowing through. Very much a hidden gem in NW Nevada.

 

After the overlook we headed to the mouth of the gorge. Was not as impressive comparatively, although still a great view.

  

Worked our way back to camp and got a snack then headed, in the other direction, to see what the Opal mines were like. The hills and valley were scenic, but, the Opal mines looked like RV junkyards. Could not actually see any of the operations and all were closed. Back to camp and a dip in the hot spring. I then made an adult beverage and walked up to visit with Prescott and Tom from Florida. After talking with Tom, I realized that we are Nooby’s compared to their travels. Although, this was their first time at this campground and we have been here before. Back to the RV and Millie had supper ready to sit down to. A bit of DVD viewing and off to bed. Tomorrow is a travel day and it could be a long one.

 

Day 47

Yes, it was a long travel day for us. Pretty much all the way across Nevada. 

Beautiful scenery, generally good roads and a lot of time behind the wheel. During our drive, Millie, Carissa, Chelsey, Josephine and Levi had a video chat as we sped down I-80. Was great to hear Jo sing Happy Birthday to her Grandma. They had chocolate cake with candles and ate some in front of us. Guess we need to get some for ourselves. Plans were made to have a birthday supper out after we return home. Tonight we decided to get an RV Park in West Wendover, Nevada. I think we will be in Utah as soon as we get back on I-80 tomorrow.  Adult beverage, chilli and Millie’s homemade sourdough bread. During the drive the truck decided it needed attention, change oil soon, change air filter and DEF fluid needed. Best part is tomorrow is Sunday and there isn’t a Ford garage open. Called Chris and Rob for a reservation in their driveway and they said yes. So at least one more day added to our return home trip. Lost an hour moving from Pacific time to Mountain time, making early to bed a little later.

Make your day great and share your good fortune with others.

Tom and Millie