Extraterrestrials and the Valley of Fire

(2023 Alaska Revisited Ep 4)

After another cold night in Jackpot (campground only, no casino!), we continued south to Ely, NV. 

We drove four miles west of Ely hoping to see a big hole in the ground.  We were in search of Robinson Copper Mine, one of North America’s deepest mining pits at more than 1000 feet deep.  Since 1867, more than 4 billion pounds of copper and 2.7 million ounces of gold have been produced from the mine.

A nice young lady at the mine entrance gate informed us the public viewpoint was closed due to nearby mining activity.

Some RabbiTRAILS lead to dead ends. 

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Extraterrestrial Sighting

We left Ely and crossed central Nevada.  The region has many remote highways and Nevada highway 375 between Warm Springs and Ash Springs is known as the ‘extraterrestrial highway.’  The 94-mile highway skirts the highly classified US Air Force facility known as Area 51, where numerous events involving alien beings have allegedly taken place. 

After miles of sagebrush, various types of cacti and a few tumbleweeds, we had a close encounter.

We came upon a truck with a flying saucer in tow and several chartreuse green aliens nearby.  A sign assured us that earthlings are welcome at the A’Le’Inn, a restaurant, bar, motel and RV park in the small, remote town of Rachel, NV.  This was not an alien outpost, but rather a kitschy tourist trap in the middle of nowhere. 

It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner, so we enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, along with conversation with the owner. 

He was quick to bring our attention to several signs forbidding video recording in the establishment.  We wondered if there something he was trying to hide!

The Valley of Fire

Our search for warmer weather was finally rewarded at Valley of Fire SP (VOFSP) in southern Nevada!

VOFSP is a popular state park a few miles east of Las Vegas.   The campground sites are first come, first serve and a disheartening ‘campground full’ sign greeted us when we arrived.  We stopped for lunch and a visit to the dump station, and while we waited, we overheard a ranger telling another RV traveler to drive through the campground as the campground full signs were often incorrect.

We were elated to find an available site, although it did not have electricity or water.  It was nestled up against rugged red rocks not too far from the restroom and showers. 

It reminded us to trust and give thanks to the One who provides for our every need and more!

That afternoon we had an unexpected sighting of several bighorn sheep not far from the campground.    Two rams were facing off and when they butted heads, a loud crack echoed among the rocks.

As the hot sun fell behind the rocks, our camper cooled in the shade.  It was time for dinner, showers and sleep.  It was the first night since we picked up the truck camper that we didn’t use our small electric heater or RV furnace. We slept soundly in the cool desert night. 

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The next morning we rose early to drive the five mile White Domes Road to the Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Trail.  After hiking a half mile enjoying the sweet fragrance of desert primrose, we discovered the firewave – colorful red and white swirls in the Aztec sandstone.  The trail continued through a narrow slot canyon and ended with a steep and rugged uphill climb back to the parking lot. 

Despite the remote location, we discovered that cell service was available from the parking lot. I spent several hours working on the April 10 RabbiTRAILS blog post. 

Later that afternoon we hiked several other trails including the White Domes Loop Trail where several movies (including Star Trek Generations) have been filmed.

VOFSP is beautiful and rugged, and reminds us of Arches NP in Utah without the epic arches.  The park is best visited in the late fall, winter or early spring.  Signs warn visitors of life threatening heat during the summer months.

Last Call for Names

This week is the last chance to send suggestions of names for our truck and truck camper. Max, Pancake and Oscar will have named siblings in the near future!

NEXT WEEK

Dead horses and a rewarding desert detour.