Northward Journey 2016

We left Arizona City April 22 and headed northward with a three day stop-over in Pahrump, NV for a visit with friends as well as Joanne's annual hair cut!  The next destination was Rabbit Hole , NV.  A couple days in Fernley, NV gave us an opportunity to get prepared for being in the "outback".  In that weather and roads were a bit questionable, we drove up through Gerlach one day and visited some areas we hadn't seen previously.  Here  Ken checks out a  beautiful spring on the edge of the Black Rock Desert.  The water was warm but we didn't take time for a dip!

Prior to climbing the hills into Rabbit Hole we passed the gigantic Hycroft Gold Mine.  It seems to get larger every year we pass by.  However, we understand it is now having some significant changes as the current management is in bankruptcy.  

As we passed through the area we spotted the first of many gatherings of wild horses we would see in the next couple weeks.  This was the only time we would see a little colt.

After driving the motorhome into the claim, Ken got busy dry washing.  He really likes the "earthquake" as it does a great job of classifying the material before dry washing.  Interestingly enough, the largest nugget that Joanne detected with her Gold Bug 2 was found only 5 minutes after arriving and starting the hunt!  In the next  couple days friends Dave, Tilly, and Rich arrived.  

To our delight,  the wild horses crossed nearby almost daily.  

Almost every evening we gathered for delightful dinners and stimulating conversations!  This was May 10th...someones birthday party that is way way past 39!  Tillie 's delicious dinner and Rich 's beautiful cake for Joanne were  enjoyed by all!

After departing Rabbit Hole we spent a couple days in Winnemucca at the New Frontier RV Park.  This is an  amazing place...RV's and a "Man Town" for miners.  Unfortunately with the economy, the population is very low.  The facilities are fantastic so we highly recommend for RV'ers going through the area.  Upon heading on north to Oregon we took the advice of  a fisherman that we met in Jan. and stopped by the Donner Und Blitzen River near French Glen.

 Evidently the trout here are FANTASTIC.  However,  the high water made this trip only a sightseeing venture for us.   Also much of the river is accessed  by hiking in or other means than just driving.   Furthermore, the road in here is currently by far the absolute worse "wash board" we have ever encountered.  

Adjacent to the state campground where we spent the night is a private park and lodge.  Our visit was just over night and then we were on to Burns, Or.