Optical Overload

Hi all
Yep, it has been a few days and I would appologize
but it was the internet's fault.
There was none.
We went out to Valley of Fire State Park, NV.
No service of any kind in the campground.
Although occasionally we would get a text come in,
we could not even send  a text.
I think the cell signal would occasionally reflect off of
an overflying airplane or weather balloon.

Anyway, this state park is a must see if you are in the area.
If you are camping, the campground is very nice and pretty.

Not camping, Las Vegas is only about an hour away.

The campground had an area with full hookups and an area without.
We stayed in the full hookup area, where the sun don't shine till about 10 AM.

There are other good things about the campground, besides us being there.

They were friendly but only showed up one morning.
We did see more of the herd on our multiple trips through the park.

The scenic views along the park drive are spectacular.
Hard to believe this is in the desert with so many colors.

We spent a lot of time hiking some of the trails
and some not on trails.

Just hiking among the rocks and exploring little canyons was a highlight.

I was going to report this graffiti, just could not find a tribe elder.  LOL
Chelsey and Millie even posed for some shots.

Along with Lefty

Chelsey caught me in a rare photo.

And all four of us RV'rs.

Then of course the highlight is Fire Wave trail.

Unbelievable what Mother Nature did to make this amazing area.

Did you ever wonder how long children have been fantasizing about space flight?
Well, they even had space ship toys to play with even when they weren't out
chiseling graffiti into canyon walls.

So our journey to Valley of Fire has come to an end
and we are back in Las Vegas.
Today planning a trip to the dam.
Tomorrow we put Chelsey back on the plane home, with lots of great memories
and one or two things crossed off her bucket list.

Make your day great and "see" what's around you.

Tom, Millie and Chelsey

Bright Lights, Big City

Hi all
OK, the sun was shining and the city was still big.
At least the "Strip".
Great day weather wise
with a beautiful sunrise at the RV Park,

so we headed to the Las Vegas Strip.
After a nice shuttle ride from Sam's Town to Harrahs,
we spent much of the day walking and enjoying the sights.

Walked to New York, New York and had lunch with Chelsey.

She is in the middle of the conference she is attending and running.
Something about weeds, but that is work. and I'm retired.

Chelsey went back to her conference after lunch
and we headed back to Harrah's to get the shuttle back to our LSF.
Lots of sights and people to watch.

Glad we only spent one day there, not my preferred venue.
I did enjoy it, just not likely to want to spend much time there any time soon.

Got laundry done when got back and tomorrow Millie is going to join Chelsey.
They get a girls night out then back to the LSF
and off to Valley of Fire we go.
I get to do the grocery shopping and fueling up the truck.
Maybe something else, but as of yet, unknown.

Good night and make tomorrow great.
Tom and Millie

Last day: The life of leisure in Pahrump

Hi all
Yesterday we enjoyed the RV Park (trailer duties)
and the Pahrump Winery (part of the RV Park)
Well, maybe the winery came first and built the RV Park.
Either way this is a great property with helpful staff and friendly residents.
Plus, the views are excellent. Charleston Peak in the morning.

Early afternoon we went for the winery tour.
Autumn is still with us, where there are trees.

Great tour, learned about the owners
and the property.
The main temp controlled room with the "reds".

Laundry done so we had to gather it and put away right after the tour.
With that done, back for wine tasting.
Then home for Millie's best meatloaf and a couple of movies.
Millie worked at packing her sewing, prepping for the move today.

Today we move to Las Vegas.
Millie will meet up with Chelsey for a couple of girl days.
Well, when Chelsey isn't involved with her conference.

Make your day great
Tom and Millie

Local shopping

Hi all
Headed out to the Farmers Market here in Pahrump.
Local craftsman and some agricultural booths.
Probably about 20- 25 stands of varying products.
We purchased a few items, some as gifts and some just for us.
Was able to purchase a couple of paintings by cousin Peggy.
Just love the talent that is either in our family or married in.
Could not transport any of Steve's works,
even though we found them so comfortable,
his version of Adirondack yard chairs just don't fit in our LSF .

Drove out to where the "Race for the Gold 250" would be passing.
People lined up like a parade.
Was not what we were planning,
but was interesting so see people lined up along a desert road,
waiting to see off road vehicles race by.
A 250 mile circuit off road race sponsored by a local casino.
We didn't see any of the race and
had learned a little about it from a couple we met at breakfast.
Expensive, fast vehicles that take the desert trails much better than our 1 ton truck.

On the way back down into Pahrump.
The town stretches from edge to edge of this photo and beyond.
It is hard to see down in the valley, but enlarge the photo and you can see it.
Pahrump is a very spread out town, 360+ sq miles and averages 100 people per Sq  Mile.
Being so spread out it is hard to find a "downtown".
The casino's at a major intersection appear to be a center, although it is not.
Also a bit of trivia, it is the largest "settlement" (unincorporated) in the country.
Some fun facts   wikipedia.org Pahrump,_Nevada

Spent the afternoon relaxing (also a nap) in the RV Park.
Out for a walk and visited with a few other residents.
Sunset

Then off to have supper with Steve and Peggy
at El Jefe's Mexican.
I had the best bacon wrapped shrimp.
I think everyone else had good meals, but the shrimp was the star for me.
Another great day with nice weather, interesting sights and people.
So much fun to spend time with Steve and Peggy.
Millie and I are so lucky to have such great relatives
and getting the time to spend with them.

Today, lots of RV duties and getting prepared to move to Las Vegas.
Make your day great
Tom and Millie

Shoshone and Tecopa

Hi all
We did a road trip yesterday.
Shoshone Museum to obtain some local history and
mostly to get a beer at Death Valley Brewing.
Added adventures were the China Ranch Date Farm
and a beer and lunch at Tecopa Brewing Co.
Nice day for a drive, no wind, sunny, upper 60's
just a gorgeous day to be out enjoying the area near Death Valley.
We did not actually go into the park as that is a whole day
or two by itself due to long distances between things.

At the Museum, Millie found one of her favorite displays.

Was a fun and free (donations accepted) 45 minutes learning about
the local settlers, wildlife, mining and minerals.
The minerals appears to be what settled the Death Valley area.
Mining was a big deal in the late 1800's into the early 1900's.
Now it is tourism, don't know of any active mines in the valley area.
There are still many mines operating in the region.

When we finished at the Museum
we got to Death Valley Brewing just in time to open the doors.
Well, it was noon.
Had a nice beer, a little conversation with the proprietor
and sat in the sunshine with the Boyz to relax and enjoy
the quiet, fresh air and each others company.

Ok, that could only last so long.......
off to the China Ranch Date Farm, since we were only a few miles away.

Fun road in, from asphalt to gravel, to one lane gravel in tall canyons and sharp curves.
Had not changed since the last time we were there.

The views were spectacular
and the orchards were loaded with dates.

We sampled dates, cookies and bread, both made with dates.
They were delicious.
Bought some dates and walked the Boyz.
On the way out I had to stop and get some photos.

We were getting hungry so we headed to,

where the Tecopa Brewing Co and BBQ is located, for lunch and a beer.
BBQ was very good, a little expensive, I guess being in the middle of nowhere
was a pretty good explanation for the cost.
Millie said the beer was good too!
I was driving and had all ready had one so I had home brewed ice tea, it was good!
RV Park daily rates were reasonable, just remember this is a winter destination
and what shade is available you pretty much have to make it yourself.

Then home to our LSF and relax.
It was dark when we got home and a light supper a couple hours later
some TV and off to bed.

Today, we are going to the Farmers Market.
Don't know what that will bring as it is local craftsman and artists.
Maybe even some farm stuff.
Will let you know.

Make your day great.
Tom and Millie