Pahrump to Mono Lake 1st to 13th October

Pahrump

1^st October - The town of Pahrump, located in Nye County, was only a 1 hour drive from The Oasis but the journey was an eye-opener as we passed a couple of billboards advertising Brothels.




Apparently Nevada is the only State that has legal Brothels.

(No RV sites available - Damn!)

The name Pahrump comes from the Shoshone Natives who lived in the Valley centuries ago, they named it Pah meaning water and Rump meaning stone or rock.

We knew immediately we’d found Lakeside Resort as it was the only place in town with tall palm trees and lush green grass. 








The Receptionist kindly gave us a list of available sites and told us we could choose our own site.  What a great idea, we were very impressed with that.

The Lake looked absolutely stunning, it had two water fountains in the centre and weeping willows and pampas grass around the edge.   

We chose a site and pulled out the awning to enjoy a lazy afternoon by the Lake.  No sooner had I sat down to read my book when we had company.  Lots of company!  Quack,  Quack,  Quack.

One morning we took the RV to a local garage for its quarterly service.  The mechanic gave us a funny look when we asked if we could walk anywhere.   “WALK!!” he said. “I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s nothing out there but desert!” (And BIG Rattlesnakes).

                                                         No worries mate!   

Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump

Our next destination was only 14 kms away. 

The Nevada Treasure RV Resort was another amazing resort.  When we arrived the staff were busy decorating for Halloween.

The facilities were first class.  The only thing that disappointed us was NO GRASS. Our site resembled nothing more than a concrete car park, not much atmosphere but the other amenities more than made up for it.

Friday night was the big social event.  Free Bowling all night and mini Cheese Burgers for $1 each. 




Our evening meal and entertainment = 4 Burgers and French fries, 3 beers and 2 games of insane bowling = $8.

Don Diamond

That evening we met up with Don Diamond who was the resident Fitness Instructor. Can’t say we had much in common regarding pumping iron but he had a good sense of humour and we ended up having a top night. 





The next day was extremely hot and the only place to be was by the pool.  We both noticed a rather strange lady floating in the pool with a snorkel, flippers and a pair of chain link gloves!!

Allen patiently waited for her to glide past and then dived in.  Big error of judgment. There were signs all around the pool "NO DIVING”.  His belly flop caused a massive tidal wave and she came up choking and cursing.   She was so angry I could see her eyes scanning the water like Jaws ready for the kill. 

The funny thing was that Alpal was totally oblivious to any drama he had caused and continued to swim around smiling and nodding at everyone.  

8^th October – Went to the Reception Desk to say goodbye and met Don Diamond again.



  He enjoyed Friday night so much he gave us a bottle of wine to thank us for the laughs.  Wow how kind. 

Started a 350 mile journey towards Bishop and came across a disused silver mine called Palmetto.   Just a ruin left at the side of the road but worth a nose around.

Ancient Bristlecome Pine Forest.  Took a photo of the Giant Sequoia planted by Teddy Roosevelt in 1913.  Absolutely huge.

That evening we stopped at the wonderful old mining town of Bishop in Inyo County.   Walked around the Park and met Chip, an enthusiastic Beekeeper, who kept us entertained for the next 3 hours!  We had no idea beekeeping was so complex.  

Found a great spot to spend the night in the town car park.  Just our luck a Dog Training Class was in full swing and our appearance in the RV unfortunately distracted the pooches.  Ten minutes later the class of inquisitive puppies were sent home early for misbehaving. 
   

Bishop resembled a wild west town of yesteryear.  Our breakfast blow out consisted of Crab Cakes Benedict with hash browns.  OMG I waddled out the café and could not eat for the next 8 hours.  

We saw some prisoners (orange uniform) doing community work at the local football stadium.  They were cleaning the stands and tidying up the gardens. 

Drove to Mammoth Lakes in Mono County and got some info from the Visitors Centre.  Found out there are heaps of things to see in the area.

Stayed the night at Red Meadow it was lovely but I didn’t sleep well.  Temperatures plummeted during the night and my thermals were packed away in the suitcase. Nobody volunteered to go underneath the RV and find them so I froze.   

10^th October – Another icy morning.  Went for a quick walk to get my blood circulating.  Stopped at Devils Postpile National Monument. 

The name Devils Postpile refers to a dark cliff of column basalt.  The rock formation was quite unique.    

Walked a trail to view Earthquake Fault in Inyo National Forest. 

The Earthquake Fault is up to 10 feet wide and 60 feet deep and has cut through the volcanic rock. 

Mary Lake at Mammoth Lakes was 
stunning.  The water was absolutely crystal clear but unfortunately no fish.  Again the temperatures started to drop rapidly around mid afternoon – time to hibernate!

Investigated an historic gold mining camp - 
The Mammoth Consolidated Mine Company. 




 In 1927 a group of men got together and combined a number of disused mines and now a half mile loop of buildings and machinery is open for visitors.

Very Cosy

Spent a mighty chilly night at Twin Lakes (Inyo National Forest) and woke up to snow!! 

I must admit it looked glorious, so white and feathery.  Had to go for a walk around the campsite and did a few Toyota jumps in the snow!! Ha









Hit the road again and drove for almost an hour through lots of snow.  We booked 2 nights at Mono Vista RV Park in Lee Vining. 

Lee Vining in Mono County had about one of everything necessary to stay alive. Population only 220 and decreasing.  The supermarket was a red and white ranch style building and they sold the BEST mince meat ever!!  I’ve noticed I’m starting to get excited about silly things i.e. mince meat, warm ugg boots, Doc Martin!!  I think it’s time to go home!

Town called Lee Vining

Went to Mono Basin Visitors Centre and watched two films and collected lots of brochures on Yosemite. 

We always deviate on our journey and stop at least 50 times to take photographs or be plain old nosey. 




We took a break at Ellery Lake, 9538ft above sea level.  FREEZING!

(She didn't even get out for this one!)

                                   





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