Our drive to Mojave National Reserve is pretty desolate. However, whenever we meet another Roadtrek, we wave. The front has distinctive skylights so you know right away when you see a fellow “Treker.” The Mojave National Reserve is vast and beautiful! We are amazed that we have not heard about this place before. There is a state park area within the National Reserve that administers a cave. Unfortunately it is closed due to state budgetary problems.
We have sent contributions to both the state and federal parks because we think it’s important to preserve these incredible areas and keep them open to the public. But it sure made us think twice about sending the state any more money when it was discovered that there was a secret fund that was not being used to keep the state parks open.
We had an unenthusiastic reception by the national park employee at the visitors’ center which truly is an unusual event. We cannot think of another time when we have not been welcomed wholeheartedly by a park employee or volunteer. The campground has beautiful views of the surrounding multi-colored mountains and mesas.
The wild flowers are incredible: indigo bush, a lovely purple sage, a low-growing morning glory, blooming yuccas and Joshua Trees, and lots more that I cannot name. The campground is virtually empty and we find a drive thru site (so I don’t have to back-in) that is relatively level. Another couple with a RV towing a car appear to want our site but we’re settled. There are no hookups so Diana is on her own.
The wind the last couple of days is wrecking my eyeballs! Both Lucky and I are still fighting over who gets to wear the “doggles.”
Lucien still has cabin fever and Lucky is still apparently bored. (You know what that means for poor Toby!) We have delicious hamburgers for dinner. Once the sun set over the mountains it got very cold–a welcome relief from the heat of the day.
I would come back here! The scenery is beautiful and the campground is primitive but nice.
Don’t use the potable water from the pump. It initially sprayed out a glob of bugs, including a bee, and then luscious (NOT) brown water emerged.
We are not staying too long at each place and, because of the dogs, there will be little/no hiking but we think of it like a cruise: we’re going lots of places and looking for the best places to come back to…
H says he needs more storage space for his personal items. I offer a few suggestions but he reminds me that he is an old man and requires extra important items! He has hearing aids, contact lenses, more than one pair of glasses, plus all other toiletries that regular men need. Boy, he is high maintenance! (But worth it–remember he takes care of the black water!)