And so, to add to what started out as a beautiful, clear blue sky day, and a 'less than an hours drive' from Las Vegas, we took the opportunity to do a slow drive through the Atlatl Campground. Now I'd be the first to admit we've had some luck in our journeys but this morning comes near the top of the evaluation scoresheet. There aren't a lot of sites to choose from (did I mention they are first come, first served?) at this campsite. All have covered picnic tables. Some are just large enough for a trailer and tow vehicle. Some are just big enough for a camper van. One loop was for dry camping and the other loop had power and water (only). Also, three buildings housing toilets and/or showers are scattered within the campgrounds. We began to drive slowly around the first loop and, about half way around, stopped at the first site that was showing signs of packing up. Kathy approached and tactfully asked if they knew of any campers that were leaving... The woman she spoke to admitted that, actually, they were just about to leave. Then she took Kathy on a tour of the campsite. It seems... we struck gold. This particular site sits on a parcel of land that is at least half an acre in size. It's like sitting on a point of land if this were an island. Not only is there room to park the trailer and truck, but it also has a very large, flat and gravelled tent site. It also has beautiful rock formations with wind worn 'bubbles' big enough to sit your chair in and get out of the wind. Then there's the view, a 360 view, and the space... We must have moved our chairs three times and enjoyed a different view each time.
Well, we were tickled pink; and when they left (about 30 minutes later) we moved in. By 0905 hrs. we were all set up and enjoying the brilliantly coloured beauty of what must be... the best site in the Valley of Fire State Park. On the advice of a fellow camper we'll just pay up each morning until we decide how long we can stay. And one more good thing... it's only $20 per night as this is one of the 'dry camping' sites. We're lucky it's not freezing at night AND this will be a chance to to try out our new Mr. Heater portable propane heater. We picked it up in Sun City West and Kathy figured out how to run a line from the heater, out through a little hatch to the compartment where the power cord is stored, and then out through the exterior door of that compartment (which is designed for a cord to run through with no space for varmints to climb in), to a small propane tank outside the trailer. Note: we added the recommended propane filter at the heater end of the hose as a safety feature. We are now fully independent and able to dry camp in comfort.
There's only one downside which really isn't all that bad (rather restful actually). The closest place where there is any 'connectivity' is down the road a few miles and it's just a place where you can pull off the road, stand on a rock, and hope to connect.
So.. this posting will introduce where we are, but it won't get sent out until later tomorrow.
We are doing well and happy to be here. Yesterday we hiked the short 'Mouse Tank' trail, complete with beautiful soaring red rock, petroglyphs, Mountain Sheep posing for photos, and the brilliant greens and blue-greens the desert can produce when she's had a little rain. The vision of green grasses and shrubs with the red rocks and crystal blue sky in the background takes your breath away. Photos won't do it justice but we'll try.
This place has caught hold of our hearts. We'll be staying a few more days. Today (Sunday) we're going to hike two trails, also down the road.
Hope all is well with each of you. TTFN for now. CJ
