950 June 8, 2023 Ely, Nevada

We began the day with our usual exercise routines. Then we drove north through traffic and out of Vegas. We passed the grittier, more industrial areas and then we were in the desert.

We stopped for a rest and some breakfast in the Pahranagat Valley.

The topography, geology, and vegetation changed rapidly as we continued our drive.

We climbed in elevation and the air grew cooler.

We stopped again in the small town of Caliente. I walked along Main Street and Tim picked me up a little while later.

Ahead, we could see rain cells. This should not have been a problem. When we stored the RV in Las Vegas, it was very hot. When Tim cleaned the windshield last evening in preparation for our drive today, he noticed that both windshield wipers were shredded! There was no close place to go and find our specialty wipers. Fortunately, when the rain did come, it was gentle and Tim was able to drive.

We arrived at the Ely Elk Viewing Campground in midafternoon. This is a free, no hookups place. We took a nice walk. The scenery is stunning. The elk are here most often in September through April. Elk like to climb to higher elevations in the summer. We saw lots of evidence of their presence…but no elk today!

Tomorrow we continue our journey north.