A week of contrasts

"This has really been a week of contrasts". . .

click on the photos for a larger version

Steve made the comment as we were packing up to leave Nevada and head for Oregon. We'd camped in the high Sierras, driven through the desert, attended a surprise party in Reno, a 1940's style wedding at a horse ranch that looked like an "Italian villa," and an afternoon BBQ. That's more social activity than we usually have in a month!

The wedding was a real treat! Many of the guests dressed in 40's style clothing, and we enjoyed dinner and dancing, all set against the beautiful Sierra Mountains.

We needed a few days to recharge our batteries before we arrived in Oregon for Tailgate Training Camp, so we planned a few days camping in rustic campgrounds along the way. The first was Ramhorn, north east of Susanville, CA

How dry and dusty - a far cry from the wildflower filled canyon we've visited several times in the past. The usual thunderheads and rainbows were missing too. We are a few weeks later than our usual time to visit this area, but the general drought that California is suffering is the primary cause. All the lush green watering holes along the creek are barely mud, though the many hoof prints are proof they are visited regularly by deer, wild horses, and cattle.

Ramhorn Campground is named for the spring of the same name. The spring itself is not all that picturesque now, as it's contained in a small concrete tank, with a padlocked lid inclosing it, up against the lava cliff. 'The only way it could be protected from vandals, I think.

The water fills the tank, then flows through a pipe across the driveway down to the stream bed that runs along the road. There is a small pipe by one of the entrances to the campground that usually gushes with clear, cold water. We were sad to see it dry too, but cheered up promptly on our second day there when a BLM truck showed up with a young man who had keys to the tank and let us peek in - beautiful blue, crystal clear water.... and a lizard lounging in the shade of the walls.

He promptly unclogged the line (he said he has to do this frequently) and soon the water was gushing again, which Shiner very much enjoyed. It quickly worked its way through the culvert and on down the creek bed. I was trying to get a shot of the sparkly water as it moved through the pine needles and I'm afraid my "situational awareness" dimmed a bit. That charming green plant growing down in the creek bed, that looks just like one at home that doesn't sting, is stinging nettles. I paid a price for my photo op when I brushed against the leaves with my arm and knee. It still burned several hours later, even after dosing with ever anti-itch and anti-sting medicine I could find in the cabinet. Oh well, it's sometimes the price of enjoying the out of doors!

This remote and uninhabited (except for us) campground was pure joy for Shiner. Chipmunks, bunnies and lizards to chase, horse and cow scent to figure out, a muddy creek to slurp in, and no leash! What more could any dog want? She's getting good on the recall, so I let her hike off leash in circumstances like this. It's 90+ during the day, so she's happy to lounge on the mat by the trailer when we are both in camp.

From Ram Horn we'll be heading north, to Oregon. Stay tuned!