Ned and I woke up early to clear bright skies. The only sound in the campground was the constant cooing of the doves nesting in the trees. We decided to do some exploring and check out the natural hot springs that are downstream from the private campground. We took our bikes for a spin down a dirt road. The temp was in the high 30s with a fairly brisk breeze. I was hoping to find something soon and I wasn't going to be too picky either, none of this girly stuff about the water being muddy or too many green icky things growing in it. About a 1/4 mile down the road we came across several pools of clear, steamy water. We stripped down to our bathing suits, which took an enormous amount of faith that we would soon be engulfed in warm water, and took the plunge. It was heaven. There was something magical about soaking in natural hot springs in the early morning with a backdrop of snow covered mountains. We ended up testing several pools before finding the perfect one. It was clear blue, deep enough to swim around and about 90 degrees. After our early morning jaunt and feeling refreshed we caught up with Patty and Alan, had coffee around the picnic table and planned the day. Well, actually I cop to planning the day while the others put up with my endless chattering. Patty and I took a walk thru the rock garden and thoroughly enjoyed the display of desert flora. Patty grew up in the desert so it was fun to hear her childhood memories of desert life. Before we headed out for the day the Cohens wanted to experience the natural pools, so one more soaking was in order. Most of our day was spent driving thru Death Valley, stopping at various places along the way for photo shoots and appreciating the diversity of the landscape. We had lunch next to a date grove, took in the visitor center and spent some time at Zabriskie Point taking photos or as Alan says pictures to die for! I have to admit that one of the highlights of the day for me was the thermometer reaching 90 degrees. Thank goodness summer has finally arrived! Once we drove across the state line into Nevada, a couple of things were apparent right away; one, the price of gas was well below $4 and $5 a gallon and two, the immediate availability of brothels. We got a chuckle out of the first gas station where we stopped. There were 3 buildings. The first was the "Brothel Art Museum, The Oldest Tourist Attraction in Southern Nevada." The second was showers for truckers, and the third was a brothel. I guess they get you worked up, cleaned up and ready for business. After a long day driving across the deserts of California and climbing, climbing, climbing 8500 feet to the top of Mt. Charleston, we finally arrived to our camping spot for the night. It was on the top of the world and freezing cold! Did I mention there was snow on the ground? Last night the Cohen's hosted us in The Cruiser. Tonight is our turn to host them in our humble abode. The menu is Moroccan lamb burgers and corn on the cob. Tomorrow, Vegas baby Vegas! Click here for today's pics - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Mt. Charleston, NV
