Sparks to Tonopah, Nevada
Distance: 227 miles
Campground: Tonopah RV Park
Cost per Night: $35
Duration: 1 night
Weather: Hot (90+) and sunny
Some days it's just about getting from Point A to Point B. No fun outings or sightseeing, just traveling down the highway. Today was one of those.
We got a good night's sleep at the Sparks Marina RV Park and I was able to take a nice little walk around the park after breakfast, before we headed out of town. We made a quick stop at the grocery store, but it took longer than expected and we weren't on the road until 11:30. We (ok, I) prefer to be on the road by 9:00, but it doesn't always happen.
I'll take Astroturf over dirt or gravel any day!
Over 200 sites (oh, and a putting green),
but at least there are trees between each site.
There's our rig, second from the right.
Oh, Nevada. I wish I could say we enjoyed you, but you are so flat and arid and BORING! At least that was our reaction as we traveled down Hwy. 439, Alt. 95 and Hwy. 95. 227 miles and 4 1/2 hours of pure boredom. Even Tom Petty and Van Morrison couldn't keep us entertained.
OK, maybe not completely flat, but boring nonetheless.
Where we've been...
and where we're going.
Not much difference, is there? Ugh.
Not only was it boring, but it was hot! At least 90, if not higher. We saw one sign warning about wind gusts and the risk for high profile vehicles, but thankfully the warning light wasn't flashing. Back to your boring drive, folks.
We finally arrived in beautiful (Ha!) Tonopah around 5:00. Just in time for cocktails! We got set up in our site, which amounts to a gravel parking lot with a picnic table. Nothing like the previous night's stop (at least it had astroturf and a pool!), although we still had full hookups and showers, so it wasn't terrible.
Just a little hot inside the RV. Thank goodness for A/C!
No trees, Astroturf or pool. Sigh.
At least we saw a pretty sunset.
Unfortunately, we didn't have the most restful night. The park also has small cottages (and I use that term loosely) for rent (perhaps for locals working at the casino?) and a few of those guests weren't respectful of the "quiet hours" most RV parks mandate. The road noise (Hwy 95 runs right past the park) was also loud and annoying.
Given a choice, we wouldn't return to this particular RV park. Or Nevada, for that matter, although I just took a peek at the state's travel site and discovered Valley of Fire State Park. The Ruby Mountains look enticing, too. Maybe Nevada deserves a second chance.
Yup, sometimes it's just about getting from point A to point B. You're making me nervous about Nevada though... the biggest driving day on our trip will be from Las Vegas to Moab, UT. I've never set foot in either state. Glad you have AC!!
ReplyDeleteLas Vegas to Moab IS a long day, if you're driving an RV. In a car, you should be fine. It will be long and probably a little boring, but you can go 75, whereas we try to keep it at 55-58 for the gas mileage. We only get 9 mpg so we need to be careful! Do you plan to stop anywhere along the way? Valley of Fire looks interesting, but it may be too far out of your way. And you'll be close to Bryce and Zion. Stopping in either of those? Can you take two days and spend some of the time there? Those parks are on our list for future visits. Have fun and safe travels!
DeleteWe may try to fit in Zion that day, but hadn't considered Valley of Fire. That DOES look interesting! So many things we want to see.. too much for one trip.
DeleteJoAnn, that's how we've felt and ours is a two month road trip! :) I just keep taking note of places to revisit or explore the next time around.
DeleteThat last RV park does look like a stinker. I'm sure the rest of the trip will be better.
ReplyDeleteKathy, we've had a few more like it, but we're usually only in them for one night. We've even stayed at a Cracker Barrel and a Walmart, which were surprisingly quiet and safe, not to mention FREE!
DeleteUm...I won't talk about New Mexico and West Texas. Arid, dry, New Mexico, but there are mountains (like in Nevada). And West Texas around the El Paso area and near there is like your pictures. The Panhandle of Texas is flat and has lots of fields and two-lane roads. I hate two-lane roads. My husband always seems to feel that it is his duty to pass every single car in front of him. If you are going on those and less than the speed limit, you'll get passed over and over and over. Trust me. Ha! Texans like to drive their speed limit (70+).
ReplyDeleteKay, I've driven across Texas (Austin to San Diego), so I know what to expect next month as we head west. ;)
DeleteWe've been through a lot of New Mexico these past few days and the scenery is somewhat similar, but at least there are green trees, shrubs and grass. :) We fell in love with Flagstaff!
As far as the two lane roads, we are getting quite used to having EVERYBODY pass us! :) I watch for them in my mirrors and slow down to let them get by. Most people are nice and tap their horn to say thanks. I hope most of them understand why we aren't going 75. ;)