April 16 - 17, 2024 - Aliens and Hanging Out

April 16th, 2024

Most of you know that we just LOVE Roadside Attractions and they are abundant here.  So off we went this morning to check them out.

First stop was the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign (we will be traveling that highway in 2 days).

Our next stop was the Alien Research Center and Gift Shop where "every alien hunter gets their supplies".  We were greeted by this lovely LARGE alien:

Inside there was even more aliens:

The ET Wall where folks left their mark.  (They are no longer doing this because of some of the notes - this is a family oriented place.)

Even Marilyn was here:

And lets not forget these cute dinosaurs:

He talked and moved his head and arms - too cute:

The mural in the parking lot:

We had a great time talking with the sales person and looking over the items.  She did tell us that the owners will be redoing the place to have more "alien" areas.

Our next stop was the ET Jerky place where "alien hunters can stock up on snacks." 

They had this awesome mural there.  I photographed it in sections.

Beautiful artwork!

Flying saucers all over:

Even on the outhouse:

Aliens all around:

Trump even stopped by:

Once we got our fill of aliens, we took a little ride to Hiko and Ash Springs.  Crystal Spring was between Hiko and Ash Springs and there is only a Wildlife Refuge left.

Part of the Wildlife Refuge:

What a beautiful area!  Coming back to the highway, we went past a farm with cattle and horses:

We made a stop for more wood and headed back to the RV.

We started a campfire, had great pork chops cooked over the fire, and then ended the evening hanging out until the sun went down.

What a great day!

April 17, 2024

Today was hanging out day!  We got a few things done around the RV.  I finished up some paperwork and some blogs.   Also did some more trip planning.  We need to change some of our routes so tomorrow I hope to get some reservations in place.

More shots from my backyard:

We ended the evening with another great campfire.

We have really enjoyed staying here and will come back.

Tomorrow we head northwest so stay tuned and enjoy today.

April 15, 2024 Part 2 - Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

After setting up and talking to the camp host, Marion, we set off for the Visitor Center.

I wanted to learn more about this valley:

In the visitor center, we saw a wonderful video on the history of this area.   

In its forming stage a geological event happened.  The mountains cracked and turned like a see-saw.  That explains many of my pictures of the levels.  Over time, weather conditions pushed all of the rich soil to the valley floor.  Those cracks absorbed the rain and created springs and aquafers.  Thus became this rich oasis in the middle of the desert.  (That was the simplified version.)

So the springs start at Hiko Spring and move their way down the valley.  

The valley provided food and water to the animals, the natives and to the pioneers that followed.

One of the springs:

We decided to take the one mile loop hike to see the two cabins on the property.

The railroad tie cabin:

The backside of the cabin - those cottonwood trees were HUGE!:

The Petroglyph Cabin:

Check out the face:

They have no idea why it was there and what was its use.  They can only surmise.

Love those cottonwoods:

On our way back to the truck:

Since we can have a campfire, we went looking for wood.  We ended up getting a bundle at a little shop in Ash Springs.  The little town near us in Alamo was out but they will be getting more tomorrow.  

Here we are:

Life doesn't get any better than this!

Tomorrow we are going to try to find aliens so stay tuned and enjoy today.