Pahrump, NV to Kingman, Arizona
Distance: 184 miles
Campground: Blake Ranch RV Park & Horse Motel
Cost per Night: $40
Duration: 2 nights
Weather: Sunny and hot!
This was pretty much the worst day of driving the RV. The wind gusts (25+ mph) kept blowing us from side-to-side, which after a while gets pretty exhausting. We saw wind gust warnings as we approached the Hoover Dam Bridge, but it wasn't nearly as bad as before and after we crossed the bridge. There was also a 7% grade for several miles, but compared to the wind, that wasn't difficult.
The day started off with 73 degrees and sunshine, but it got very hot as we approached Las Vegas. It was 102 (!) and windy by the time we drove through the city.
Near Red Rock Canyon
The GPS and RV Trip Wizard directions were not in sync, so we wound up driving into Las Vegas when we didn't need to. The traffic wasn't terrible, but it was more wasted time.
But it's a dry heat, right?
Black Canyon and a narrow river-like portion of Lake Mohave.
Highway 93 was very rough and the RV was bouncing all over the road. We were fighting the wind and the dodging the bumps when we suddenly heard a loud noise under the rig, so I quickly pulled over so we could check things out.
Rod discovered a loose mudflap (in front of the left rear tires), so we moved to a side road where he was able to tie up the flap with some baling wire. My job was to hand him tools and watch out for rattlesnakes & scorpions. :)
Late lunch in Kingman, Arizona.
We arrived at the Blake Ranch RV Park around 5pm and got situated in our site. It cooled off nicely after the sun went down and the park was very quiet. We were more than ready for a cold beer!
Lots of empty sites.
We're the second from the left.
Most expensive gas so far: $4.49/gallon somewhere near Santa Claus, Arizona. (Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. Arizona.)
All in all, it was not the most fun day, but at least the RV problem wasn't serious, we had In-N-Out for lunch and our campsite was peaceful. It can always be worse.
Rod looks like I did a few days ago, getting ready for my mammogram. ;) Lying under a huge vehicle is never fun. I'm glad you are both safe.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yes, lying under a huge vehicle, in the middle of the desert, is never fun. We are safe & happy little campers. :)
DeleteMy husband has been worried for you about the weather you may be having (apparently terrible storms are out that way?). But, I come from a very brave and adventurous mother who looks at everything dangerous as fun, plus we've been praying for safe travelling mercies for you. xo
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good, Meredith! We're in City of Rocks (near Faywood), New Mexico for the next two nights. Looks like we should have nice weather, with the temps dropping into the upper 40s! It's around 80 right now and hardly a cloud in the sky, so we'll be happy for the cooler temps. It was terribly windy on the drive from El Paso, TX, but I'm getting used to driving the rv in gusty wind. Tell your sweet hubby thank you for worrying about us, but I think we'll be ok. Thanks for your prayers, too. xoxo
DeleteIt is a dry heat indeed. And it does make a difference, especially compared to the 90's here with 30 or 40% humidity. Glad that you guys got the problem solved. Glad you watched for snakes and scorpions. Beautiful picture in your header. Lots of wind in the west over the desert, etc. Quite a contrast to where you guys live now, right? Safe travels, Les. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteKay, the dry heat is definitely more tolerable than with humidity, but we've become Oregon wimps and really don't care for anything above 80. And in the southern states, the sun feels so much more intense! And that wind. Sigh. I'm looking forward to heading north thru California, although it wasn't at all windy today as we drove from Ajo to Yuma. You just never know! Thanks for your sweet words about my header. I think I may frame it and hang it in our RV. It was the highlight of this trip... so far!
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