From Searchlight, it's a long downgrade to Lake Mohave, which is actually the Colorado river, downstream from the Hoover dam, and Lake Mead. The last few miles to our preferred spot can be pretty rough with washboard, so it can be slow going.
Last year, when we first arrived, there was no one else camped here. This year, there was about 5 rigs total, and someone had the nerve to park in my preferred spot! We found a nice little private nook, back into the thick bushes. Unfortunately, the spot came with a lot of free shade, which is not going to keep the solar charged, or the occupants warm. It also boasted poor cell reception.
There was some good trees nearby for Bailey to practice his climbing skills. I'd slept in my hammock among those trees in years past. The brush there is incredibly thick, and full of sounds and smells to attract a curious cat, so unfortunately he had to be on leash for most of his outdoor time here. Lots of coyotes and racoons likely hiding in there.
After a few days, the 'trespassing' rigs departed, and I was able to move over to my proper spot, with much more sun, and much better cell signal than my shady spot. Now that my Starlink is on 'pause', it is nice to find solid cell coverage.
This area has historically suffered from a garbage problem, despite a huge oversized waste bin. Every time I go there, I devote a lot of time to collecting and disposing of other peoples trash. This year was no exception, as I collected at least 5 pails full of stuff from the beach and bushes, and others were doing the same, though it hardly makes a dent in the ongonig problem. I can't even imagine the ignorance of some of the visitors that come here!
There is a sign asking people not to enter into the old workings, for both personal safety, and to protect the vulnerable population of bats.
Our next intended destination was Lake Havasu, but after loitering for a while in the Bullhead City area, it was getting late, so we headed out into the Oatman area on old route 66, and found a familiar spot vacant.
It was a camp spot for mixed feelings though, as I had spent close to a month here a few years back when previous cat ms Hailey began her multiple problems. We'd camped here over the Christmas holidays, visiting the vet in Fort Mohave every second or third day, trying to figure out what was going on with her. They conducted multiple tests, and ultrasounds, all of which which were made much more difficult because no one else could even get close to her without complete sedation. She had a tummy ache, a serious tick infestation, a urinary tract issue, and some mystery irnjuries to her tongue that prevented her from grooming herself or eating. She spent a few nights incarcerated at the vet hospital, hooked up to IV's. She didn't eat or drink anything for over two months! EVERYTHING she got, I had to put in a large syringe, and attach it to a feeding tube they inserted into her neck.
Here she is, patiently waiting for me to mix up some food and water to push into her feeding tube. She also developed mystery sores on her body, one of which eventually resulted in her front leg being amputated in Las Vegas. She was a tough little gal though, and persevered for another 4 years, getting around fine on 3 legs, but some of the sores never did heal ... After two months, she ripped the feeding tube out and began to feed herself again!
A photo of our camp there in 2018-2019
And, one from this year, with Bailey out hunting lizards in the same area.
Looking down into the valley, at the lights of Fort Mohave and Mohave Valley in the distance.
Now, we're on the way to Lake Havasu to find a place to hide out and lay low for the long weekend!
Please hike "the crack" for us!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have the nose for parking. I have yet to find a good place to park that I wasn't kicked out of. LOVE the videos of the critters. It was a busy night!!
ReplyDeleteMr. Bailey looks to be enjoying the tree climbing. Ms Hailey was indeed a very tough lady, l am sure she is appt you have found a good traveling partner. Love the photos. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Adventures in the desert. I am upset too when we find our special spot has someone in it! The nerve! 😁 Interesting seeing what goes on after dark. I remember one time coyotes eyes glowing in a bush, looking at Moki as a potential snack when we were sitting around the fire one time at Kofa. Enjoy! Ernie and Debbie
ReplyDeleteI just recently found your blog again. Thank you for the info on Ms. Hailey. When I first found your blog she was already 3 legged. I always wondered why only 3 legs.
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