March 31, 2019 – a tale of 3 parks – or why we as humans are bound to convenience


So I got up early this morning and did 3 miles on the entry road.  It seemed straight and relatively level and in fact it was.  The only problem was that I hadn’t reckoned with the fact that it ran up a canyon – thus no sun! Brrrr. 

After a quick breakfast of Russ’ fine oatmeal, we set out for the object for today, as I stated yesterday – find the next place to call home.  
Me and My Co-co-pilot


The first spot Beaver Dam State Park could only be reached either by helicopter or 28 miles of dirt and sometimes very scary road.  We got there and not by helicopter.  Talk about desolate and primitive.  There was not a soul there – tons of campsites but really none suitable for a trailer. 

Campsite at Beaver Dam State P


We did take a walk however and got some great pictures some of which look down into the canyon.  Again, gorgeous colors and some interesting flora. 




View down into the Canyon - Amazing colors



View into the Canyon and Beyond into Utah

The road was so bad I made Russ turn around.  This Park is beautiful but only meant for the tent campers, people who really want to get away from it all. 

Another jarring 28 mile drive back to the highway and we pressed onto Cathedral Gorge State Park.  This park had advertised that it has electrical and water hookups.  We passed quickly through the campground which was crowded with only a few spaces open and decided that we really didn’t like it.  It seemed a bit tight and kind of run down.  There is also no guarantee that we would be finding a site tomorrow morning.  We decided to check out our other options and come back to this place to visit for sure.

Cathedral Gorge State Park (NV)


Our next stop was Echo Canyon State Park which also advertised electric and water hookups.  Fearing the cold nights as we are moving north, we were kind of inclined to choose one of these sites.  When we arrived at the park though, we headed towards the campground and it became apparent that it was without hookups, BUT extremely charming.  Upon further investigation we found a portion of the park that does have full hookups (the water is off right now so really only electric).  This park was totally deserted.   In the end, we think we can bear 34 degree night temps to stay in the non-electric section but we will make that decision tomorrow (well, we do have a 4 season Lance trailer).  Oh, did I mention that this entire park is beautiful.  The older section has great views of the reservoir. 

What really struck me as funny is that we Americans as campers flock to the amenities (as witnessed by the crowd at Cathedral Gorge Park even when we are camping AKA “roughing it.”  It’s ok.  I get it and maybe after a night without electricity at 5500 feet I may get it even more but for now, my vote is no power!

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