April 12 - 13, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada - Waiting Out the Storm

 

April 12th, 2024

Our initial plans were to head northeast, however, there is a storm front coming thru over the next few days so we decided to hang out in the area.  Sadly, I could not get some extra nights at the Elks so we traveled to the northern part of Las Vegas and are now at the Clark County RV Park and Shooting Range.  Beautiful area.

Our route took us thru Las Vegas and the last time we did that, I had a meltdown because of the traffic so I wasn't looking forward to it.   Thankfully the traffic wasn't bad and we got here safely.  Since I was on edge, there were very few pictures.

There was some interesting art along the way.

Coming into downtown Las Vegas:

Once we set up, we started on making phone calls to get this inverter situation fixed.  Our RV Technician could not find the same model  - many places were on backorder with no expectation date.  Our research and phone calls showed the same thing.  So we called Magnum to see if they are still making them - and they are.  The next question is where?  We were told to contact their service centers or dealers.  Frustration!

So after getting the list and thinking about it, we found one near Sumner WA and made an appointment for May 7th.   On that day, they will evaluate the work needed and hopefully get us done within a week.  We decided to go with an upgraded inverter and they have that in stock and will hold for us. Hopefully all will go well.  

We are a little disappointed because that will set us back a week or so from heading across the border but, hey, these things happen.  (And I am so so glad I did not make reservations too far out!).

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 46 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Nevada: US-95; US-93/95; Boulder City Parkway; Juniper Way; Elm Street; Buchanan Blvd.; Boulder City Parkway; US-93/95; I-11; I-515; US-95; NV-215; North Decatur Blvd.

 

April 12th, 2024

Our first item of the day was to do laundry.   We found a nice little place with big washers and were done and back home by lunch.

The wind storm started and we have been rocking and rolling all day.  I have learned with this wind and the desert and the dust and my allergies - stay inside and put the AC on.  So when it is over, I should not have any sinus issues (To my friend Judy - I have learned!!)

So we got some things caught up around here and I updated all the blogs - sorry for all the emails.

Tomorrow we hope to play tourist so stay tuned and enjoy today.

April 10 - 11, 2024 Boulder City Nevada

 April 10th, 2024

We left our AWESOME spot near the Grand Canyon and continued west and then north.

Our views along the way:

Thru the Joshua Tree Forest (Yes, these trees are interesting to me, can you tell?):

We needed a new picture for our business cards.  Andy saw the background so we stopped and took a few pictures.  I really like this one.

Now these next two pictures are morbid so feel free to pass them by.  In all of our travels - together and alone - we have seen signs to watch for free range cattle.  This is the first time we have come across deceased cattle in the roadway - near houses.  Not sure what kind of program they have here but in PA when we see a dead deer, we can call PennDot and they remove them.  Very interesting. 

Wind turbines - first ones we saw in a while:

Coming to the Colorado River - the scenery becomes very dramatic as we get closer to the river:

Crossing the Colorado - Hoover Dam:

Hoover Dam - Lake Mead - the picture speaks for itself:

Into Nevada (Goodbye Arizona until the fall):

Lake Mead:

We saw so many homes that were built when the water was high and their views were probably amazing.  They are still amazing, just without the lake.

We arrived at the Boulder City Elks Lodge, talked with RV Deb, and set up.  We are having a problem with our inverter and finally did call a local RV Technician.   Sadly we have been having some problems over the last few months and now we need a new inverter.   He rewired it so we do have some power for now.  Hopefully he can find one for us.

For those who have asked about business cards:  If you travel, I highly recommend making them for folks that you meet.  We learned about them during the first year we traveled.  As we meet folks and get their card, we note where and when we meet then.  Really helps our memories.

We make our own - over the years we have used Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Open Office.  We print them on card stock - it is cheaper than business card stock.   

Just an FYI.

We met our neighbors and had a great time chatting and sharing stories.

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 96 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Arizona: Diamond Bar Road (IN-267); Dolan Springs Road (IN-25); US-95

Nevada: US-95; US-93/95; Boulder City Parkway; Juniper Way

April 11th, 2024

Today was a hanging out day!  Between traveling and sightseeing, we just needed a day to not have an agenda.  So I did get some blogs written (I am so behind) and did some things around the RV.

We finished the evening at the Elks - Taco Thursday.  What a great time.

Our RV Technician still has not found an inverter for us.  We are looking at our options at this time and want to get it fixed before we head to Alaska...

So stay tuned and enjoy today.

November 16, 2013 Travel to Mesa

We woke very early and headed on down the road.

Past Lake Mead:

Over Hoover Dam into Arizona:

Oh-Oh, hope this is not going to be a dust storm:

Coming into Kingman - no more clouds but the wind is picking up:

The route from Kingman to Wickenburg on SR-93 has topography that changes and is incredibly beautiful:

Saguaros:

Lots of Saguaros:

And dust in the air:

This is the rocky area - piles of rocks that look like the giants left:

What a gnarled one:

Joshua Trees - we went thru forests of them:

Oh My:

The wind continued to blow - my Andy did a great job in getting us there.  What is interesting is that the forecast was for the wind yesterday - not today. 

This is the scenery around Wickenburg:

And this is the scenery around Phoenix - around 60 miles southeast:

Large Metropolitan areas have lots to offer but, sheesh, too much traffic!!!

We arrived at the Palm Gardens RV Park on Main Street in Mesa mid-afternoon.  After setting up, we did a few errands and had supper at In-and-Out Burger - my favorite burger place - YUM!!

We will be here for a few days so stayed tuned and enjoy today.

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 293 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Nevada: US-93

Arizona: US-93; I-40; US-93; SR-101; I-10; SR-202; Gilbert Road; Main Street

November 14 - 15, 2013 Boulder City and Friends

November 14, 2013

We woke to another beautiful day, packed up, and headed south.

Up the “hill”:

Down the “hill”:

I kept looking but didn’t see any:

Las Vegas in the distance:

We passed thru south Las Vegas - sheesh - so much traffic!

We arrived at the Boulder City Elks and were greeted by our friends Ann and Roy (who we last saw in June in West Yellowstone).  A few minutes later, Geri and John pulled in next to us.

After setting up and having lunch, we spent the afternoon getting caught up.  Late afternoon, we moved to the Elks lounge where we had a great time.  This is really nice lodge!

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 76 Miles

Routes Traveled:

Nevada: Oakridge Avenue; Manse Road; SR-160; Windmill Lane; I-215; I-515; US-93

November 15, 2013

This morning we said our “see ya later” to Geri and John - .. we will see them again soon.

Ann, Roy, Andy, and I decided to take a walk into downtown Boulder City.

Boulder City was originally built in 1931 as housing for workers who were building Hoover Dam.  It has an interesting history - see the links below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulder_City,_Nevada

http://www.pbs.org/bouldercity/

Another tidbit:  It is only one of two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling.

Sculptures around the town:

 

Ann and Roy invited us over to dinner - YUM.  A delicious meal and a great time.  Thank you Ann and Roy.  We will see you in January.

I am still working on getting caught up with the blog and I promise not to do this again.

Tomorrow we are heading to Mesa so stay tuned.