I left Sequim, WA without my computer power cord. I have no idea where it is at this point. I cleaned out the RV and van looking for it and can only guess that I left it in the library. No computer cord meant no writing! I could keep up with most things, like email and news on my phone. However, without a computer, I cannot write blog posts or anything else!
You may be wondering why I didn’t just buy a cord. Well, I had to be in one place long enough where I had both access to the Internet so I could order one through Amazon and also access to a main post office where it could be delivered via General Delivery. Bingo, I have a 4-day layover in Pahrump, NV, waiting for temperatures to drop a bit in neighboring Death Valley. I ordered the right cord and it was delivered the next day. The local PO doesn’t go through their UPS deliveries until the wee hours that night, so I had to wait one more day for it to be sorted into the General Delivery bin. This morning, I struck gold. Ahhhhhhh. Access to my computer and writing software again.
Below: my sweet new computer power cord. Such a simple thing made my life so much better!
While in Pahrump I have tended to lots of things: topping off propane tanks, visiting an RV dealer to ask about my RV paint finish, purchasing groceries and supplies, doing laundry, washing and waxing the van/RV, visiting the library, checking in with Verizon about my Internet hot spot on my phone and much more. Regarding my phone hot spot that no longer works, there is nothing they will do unless I upgrade my phone and data package. I have a basic Motorola phone and their prepay service which is a great deal, but Verizon has decided not to allow the use of phones as hot spots with the bargain plans. For another $70/month I can have hot spot service again. No thanks. I am so accustomed now to using restaurants and libraries for the Internet I cannot justify the price for now. My plan is to write several posts, upload them to my blog site using a Wi-Fi connection, and set them up as scheduled releases.
Below: Pahrump, NV has an awesome library for such a small town
I am WAY ahead of myself. I have not written at all since I left Washington towards the end of September, nearly a month ago, and I have so much to share. The bad news is that I was caught up in that first early winter storm that hit Idaho and Montana. It slowed me down for several days, and it was cold. At one point, I could only go about 100 miles before I had to stop. The nighttime temps where I was headed would be in the low 20s, too cold for the RV water lines when I don’t have hookups and cannot let the water drip through the lines. I had been so excited about hitting warm weather but that did not really happen until weeks later. The other bad news is that, as usual, I grossly underestimated mileage (approx 2000 miles already) so I had to double my gas budget. Ouch.
The good news is that I have had a relatively easy time with the RV. Knock on wood: everything is working great, including my solar panel, which I need for stays over 24 hours when I don’t have an electric hookup. I have had time to clean the van/RV inside and out and do some minor repairs. A few nights have been bitter cold but I have more than adequate long underwear and sleeping bags. That is all part of the grand adventure, and over the years Tango and I have learned to enjoy bundling up and snuggling in on cold nights (yes, Tango has a warm winter coat that he wears to bed). Other good news: I have met some new friends along the way already! That is the best part of traveling!
My route so far:
Sequim, WA to Spokane/Couer D’Alene: Stopped for a night en route in Wenatachee National Forest; after arriving in CDA, hung around for my grandson’s 2nd birthday party. Stayed at the CDA Elks Lodge RV Park. It snowed for two days here!
Couer D’Alene straight south to Boise, ID: this took two long days due to the bitter cold and wet weather. I overnighted en route near Lewiston, ID at the Hells Gate State Park. Lucky for me, the park was full of easy trails that Tango and walked extensively.
From Boise, I spent a couple of days driving to Great Basin National Park, along the Nevada/Utah border.I stayed there for 4 nights and have lots of stories to tell about that adventure.
Below, Great Basin National Park in the small green area midway down the Nevada-Utah Border. There is nothing out there besides the park, which I write about in my next post.
From there, I drove to Red Rocks Conservation Area, west of Las Vegas. Hot, desert weather at last and great hiking. On the Nevada map above, find Las Vegas to get the general area
Next, about 40 miles north up another canyon west of Las Vegas, to Spring Mountains Recreation Area. I attended and volunteered at an outdoor bluegrass festival.
Then, a couple of hours further west to my current location, Parhump, NV.
Below, you can see both Pahrump and my next destination, Death Valley. Pahrump is just west of Las Vegas
Tomorrow I head into Death Valley, for 2-3 weeks. Temps will hover around 90 degrees or a bit warmer. Death Valley is about 60 miles from Pahrump, so I plan to return in about 10-12 days for groceries and whatever else I will need. They have everything here, including a Walmart. While at Death Valley, I will meet up with a group of single RVers, the Escapees Solos. Some of my friends from NM who belong to Loners on Wheels may also be there as well. Really excited about meeting up with other travelers for the first time in over a year!
Once I got to the Las Vegas area, my long haul trips ended, which is nice. It took a lot of driving to get from the Pacific Northwest down to the Southwest. Now I am wandering between winter destinations and enjoying the sunshine.
So, that is the overview. Next up, tales from Great Basin, Red Rocks, and the Bluegrass Festival. I will get caught up fairly soon, and then I will have stories from Death Valley! Thanks for reading.
