Pahrump to Quartzsite, and everywhere in between!

 We left 'The Pads' camping area just outside the east boundary of Death Valley National Park, and headed down Hwy 127 south of Shosone.  Almost zero traffic, very scenic and peaceful.

Highway closures seem to be following me around, fortunately several days later!  First, I came down 395 near Mammoth Lakes, Ca, and a few days later a large brush fire near Crowley lake closed the route.  Then, a few days after leaving The Pads, there was some serious rains in and around DV Park, and highway 190, as well as other roads in the park were closed because of washouts!

Anyway, we headed southward towards Baker, Ca, and pretty much had the road to ourselves.  Made me wonder if this time a closure ahead had preceeded us?  We stopped for a couple of days near the remains of a ghost town, Silver Lake, named after the dry lake bed, in a previously enjoyed spot.  The town was active on a nearby railroad in the early 1900's, but it and the railroad are history now, leaving only a dusty graveyard and a few relics.  No photos of the camp spot, but I did some touring around the area. 

Next stop was just south of Baker, within Mojave National Preserve, at another spot we have previously enjoyed.

The rock pile next to us provided plenty of places for Bailey to hunt and explore.

 

(No Ravens were hurt during the making of this video!) 

 

Most of this area has a volcanic history, so a tour of a local lava tube was in order.

 

Bailey and I watching the Riders win the Grey Cup!

From Mojave National Preserve, we exited on the south side onto I-40 for a short run east, and a stop in Fort Mohave for some fuel and groceries.  After a night out along the road near Oatman, we ended up at our hilltop BLM camp Mi 174, just south of Lake Havasu.  My truck came with a couple of free oil changes and tire rotations, so that took place at the Chev dealer in town.  Also spent some time biking around, but the weather was off and on rain, so the annual hike up Lizard peak will have to wait till our spring migration.  I also took advantage of a couple nights at the Flying X saloon in town, to see if I still remembered how to 2-step!

For some reason, Bailey was not that enthused about where we were camped, so after a few days there, we loaded up and headed down to Quartzsite.

The recent rains have really gotten the desert turning green, and these Ocotillo cactus sprouted their leaves and started to flower.

Even normally bare areas began to sprout lush green grass!  The rabbits and the deer will be happy.

Luckily, there is still lots of bare ground for a good back scratch.  Much better than trying this in the snow at home!

Desert back massage!

The hunting options were much better here too!

 

 

Chances are, we'll be here - till we decide to leave!  Stay tuned ...