Heading out of Las Vegas/Henderson area today. We sure have enjoyed the last week and a half or so in this area and are really enjoying the warm weather. But alas - we must begin our trip north. brrrrr
We have been spending our days along the Colarodo River in the Lake Mead Recreation Area. Specifically Willow Beach which is about 30 miles or so from Henderson - 14 miles into Arizona over the Hoover Dam. I was a bit skittish about going over the Hoover Dam because in 2008 we saw it from below. But since they have walls on either side of the bridge and you can't look down you don't really know how high you are. The road and bridge are so nice now without having to decsend down into the dam. The road down into Willow Beach is fairly steep with a descent of about 1200 ft. The benefit of this was the nice temps.
Willow Beach is a very nice area but the campground was closed and so we had to boondock. Which as ok with us but not so much with the Ranger. But we did manage to stay there about 7 nights total and enjoyed the water and area very much. This is a great area for boating, fishing and duck feeding. We met a nice couple from Germany and spent a night around the fire with Monty and Lana a couple from South Dakota/New Mexico. They were great and even let Derek take Cassia out in one of their inflatable kayaks.
The big news of the last week is that we hiked down to the Arizona Hot Springs at the 4 mile mark last Sunday. This was quite the feat and not for the faint of heart. The hike down was ok - beautiful through the canyon - red and white rock. Now I really wish I could post the pics! Derek carried Cassia on his back and I carried all the supplies. Good thing we ran into a group at the bottom by the river to direct us to the hot springs. Even though we read about them on the internet I don't think we would have found the location without help. A LOT of climbing is involved - including a metal 20 ft ladder with water spilling down. That was very challenging for me and after my grumbling all the way up was embarrassed to find a couple at the top! sheesh.
But what a beautiful hotsprings - a series of pools in the rocks and easy to find your own spot. We talked with a couple from Las Vegas. They told us about the back route out. They weren't sure if we could make it with Cassia since there were a few steep areas - but said it would take about an hour off the return trip. How could we ignore that! so a while after they left we headed out the back way. I won't say it was easy - actually it may have been one of the most difficult hikes either of us have done - but we made it back and were VERY thankful to see our rig. A great hot springs to visit we highly recommend it but that will be our first and last time! we were sore for days after!
So today we move on - destination tonight is Ash Springs about 100 miles north of Vegas. There is a warm springs there and free camping at the Pahranagat NWR. We plan to stay a few days although temps are much cooler then here - 60s and 30s. After that a stop in Nampa Idaho early next week to visit a friend and then north though middle of Washington.
We estimate arrival into Canada late next week. Our winter trip is winding down. To be honest we are happy to on our way home - cooler temps and all. This has been a trying 4 months on the road.
We have seen and learned many things.
