Pahrump, NV & Kingman, AZ

Wednesday, September 12, 2018
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. 

The Rio Hotel & Casino

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.

There was a PETRO truck stop just a short distance away, but the trucks and freeway noise didn't keep us awake. If anything, they provided white noise to help us sleep. 

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. 

Alturas, CA & Sparks, NV

Saturday, September 8, 2018
Alturas, CA to Sparks, NV
Distance: 174 miles
Campground: Sparks Marina RV Park
Cost per Night: $53 (eek!)
Duration: 1 night
Weather: Warm (92) and sunny

We woke up fairly early again (for us) and were on the road before 10:00. We drove out to the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, but didn't see too much other than some Canada Geese, a few pelicans in the distance on a lake, and dozens and dozens of swallows. 

We headed down Hwy. 395, which is a pretty drive with green farmland and mountains to the west. The sky was clear and blue, with wispy white clouds scattered here and there.

As we drove past Honey Lake, the wind picked up, making for a very stressful drive. The RV was constantly pushed from side to side, forcing me to slow down even slower than my usual 55-58 mph. (Gotta go slow to get 9 mpg!)

 Taking a break from the wind. 

The wind remained gusty the entire way into Sparks, Nevada and by the time we merged onto I80, my nerves were pretty frayed. As if that wasn't enough, the traffic was insane and I was more than relieved to get off the freeway and find my way to In-N-Out. If they served beer or wine, I would have been a very happy camper. A strawberry shake would have to suffice.

We arrived at the Sparks Marina RV Resort, which is quite beautiful, in a "resorty" sort of way. They provide an escort and help guide you back in to your site (not necessary, but nice). There are over 200 sites, all paved, level and a nice strip of Astroturf and picnic table. There's a clubhouse, pool & spa, as well as a "Zen" dog yard and larger dog run. Oh, and trees. Lots of trees. 

It was nice to get a back-in site on the outer edge with a lot of shade. It was hot! It was 47 when we woke-up in Alturas, 65 when we left, 88 in Milford when we stopped for gas, and 92 when we arrived in Sparks! So, we decided to go for a swim, which felt wonderful.

If we're ever in the area, we'll stay here again. It's a nice, quiet park, in spite of the number of sites. Plus, In-N-Out is just a few miles away.