Boulder City, NV
It’s been a while since our last post, but we’ve been busy settling in to our new home in Boulder City. The photo below shows one of our favorite activities here.
Both of our children have flown out from the east coast to visit and check out our new place. Kevin was first, flying in from Atlanta for a couple of days. During his visit we drove down to see Boulder Dam from the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge.
John and Kevin head out on the bridge
Great view of the dam and Lake Mead from the bridge
We also spend some quality time hanging around the pool.
Years of training went into this scene!
After Kevin headed back to Atlanta we spent a couple of mornings hiking in the nearby River Mountains. While hiking near Railroad Pass we finally spotted our first Desert Tortoise.
Later in the week we hiked up to nearby Black Mountain, which has a great view from its peak.
The trail winds up a series of steep switchbacks
At the top of Black Mountain you can see Las Vegas to the west, Boulder City below you to the south, and Lake Mead to the east.
Looking west at Las Vegas
Boulder City to the south
Lake Mead to the east
On the hike up to the top we saw some Bighorns grazing on the hillside. On the way down the herd was feeding on both sides of the trail. They seemed content with us passing them, but they are still wild animals so we proceeded with caution.
Fellow hikers on the trail
As we passed by we spotted two little ones romping around near their mother just above us.
Each keeps a close eye on the other one!
One of the neat things about the west is the ability to find hot temperatures and cool temperatures within a relatively short distance. One day temperatures in the Las Vegas valley were predicted to be in the 100s, while just a few miles to the northwest temps on Charleston Peak were to be in the 70s. There are many hiking trails up there, so one morning we headed out to enjoy a hike and some cool temps.
Driving through a desert with snow-covered Charleston Peak in the distance
Charleston Peak is commonly called Mt. Charleston. At 11,916 feet of elevation it is the highest mountain in both the Spring Mountains and Clark County and is the eighth-highest mountain in the Nevada. The village of Mount Charleston lies at its base to the east. We opted to hike the Cathedral Rock Trail, which starts in a parking area on the south side of the village.
The trail is a 2.7 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of almost a thousand feet.
Our lunch spot high above us!
The hike is a steady climb from the moment you leave the trailhead on a very rocky trail, but there are strategically placed benches along the way with some great views.
Made it to the top!
Once at the peak we enjoyed great views of the mountains all around us and Kyle Canyon a thousand feet below.
Lunch with a view
After enjoying a cool (literally) lunch at the peak, we made our way down and drove back into the heat of the desert. Below are two photos of the dash thermometer in the Jeep. It was 75 at Mt. Charleston. Forty miles later we were driving through Las Vegas where the temperature was 103!
We were recently treated to a visit by our daughter, Jessica, who flew in from Pennsylvania to check out the new house.
As a little girl she loved to swim in a pool so we finally got one for her, albeit a little late. Nevertheless, she enjoyed it as an escape from the 100+ temperatures we had during her brief stay.
One morning she was up early and off for a 10 mile run (part of a training plan for an upcoming race). She decided that her reward for the long effort would be to jump in the pool with her running clothes on.
Experiencing some second thoughts . . .
. . . but here we go!
A few days after Jessica’s departure we drove about 70 miles north to Valley of Fire State Park. We had not seen our friends Howard and Linda (RV Dreams Journal) in a few year as we have mainly been in the west and they have mainly been in the east. They’re now here in the west and so when they invited us up to one of our favorite parks for a hike, we headed north on a beautiful Sunday morning.
We’ve stayed in this park two times in the past and hiked most of the set trails. But it is more interesting here to just park and head out among the rocks to explore. The previous day Howard and Linda had done just that. We were so impressed with the photos they posted we asked if they would lead us through the same route.
After meeting them in the campground and getting a tour of their beautiful new Winnebago Aspect 27K, we jumped into the Jeep and headed deeper into the park for our hike.
Their new home
No matter how many times we visit here we still find the views stunning. Howard lead us through the rocks as we soaked in the colors.
See the faces?
As we passed through a narrow wash a hummingbird seemed particularly anxious about our presence.
Linda’s sharp eyes spotted the cause of the bird’s anxiety in a nearby bush, a small nest with two tiny eggs. After a quick look we moved on, allowing the mother some relief.
Linda, John, and Howard
For the most part, the “trail” was pretty tame, but there were a few challenging spots.
Young couple out for a stroll
We’ve really enjoyed our two month stay here in Boulder City. But the temperature is on the rise and we’re getting the urge to get back on the road for a bit. So our plan is to leave here the first of June and head east. Our first objective is Atlanta for a visit with Kevin. We’ll then head north into South Carolina with a stop at the Freightliner Service Center in Gaffney to have the coach serviced. Then we’ll continue north to York, PA for a couple of weeks to visit Jessica and her husband Dan, and step-daughter Ella and complete some yearly medical visits. We also want to empty a small storage shed rented in York and bring the contents to Boulder City. We have emptied almost everything out of the motorhome storage bays to make room for everything.
Once all that is completed we’ll head up to New York State for a visit with Dave, Sue, and Lewis (Beluga’s Excellent Adventure) at their beautiful spot along one of the Finger Lakes. We’ll leave the motorhome there while we drive up to Clayton, NY for a visit with Pam’s mother.
More on all that later . . .
Oh, the Places They Go! 
It’s great to hear things are working out swell for you folks!
Thanks, David! Yes, things are going well.
Those temperature swings are impressive, but I need to talk to you about heading up Charleston Peak with a quarter tank of gas. At least the return trip is all downhill. 😉
The pool looks wonderful!
Haha! We were fine, Jim. The photos were taken as we finished our hike and were heading back to civilization.
We were in this area a year ago. Beautiful country! We were staying in Vegas but traveled to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock, etc. I am not a hiker but my husband would love some of your hikes! Your home looks beautiful!
Thanks, Jane! It is a great area full of opportunities. Our timing was perfect with finding this house.
Don’t we have the best lives!!! Loved your photo of the little sheep standing sentinel!
We do, Janna! Being so close to the little ones was very special.
Nice hike with the little big horn along the trail, don’t see them often. There is a hummingbird nest just outside the side door, whose eggs hatched. Lots of cuteness in a little nest.
We are very lucky that the big horn are all over this area and come down to one of the local parks almost daily to feed on the green grass. I think this was the group we hiked through since they were rather tame when came by. We see sheep on almost ever hike. How sweet to have a nest right by the door. This was my first hummingbird nest.
Those Bighorn babies!!!!! So cute and fuzzy and curious! You were so lucky to see them. Actually, you captured quite a variety of “wildlife” in this post. The tortoise looks very grumpy about the photo though….perhaps he doesn’t allow pictures since he became “mature”, did you ask first?
The pictures you took in Valley of Fire look like melting ice cream, such beautiful colors and patterns.
It looks like you’re getting good use of that lovely pool, and it’s a magnet for your children. Now they’ll come to see you instead of you always going to them! 🙂
See you soon!
Grumpy tortoise is right. He was very unhappy that we came along and disrupted his journey. I’ve always thought the colors at Valley of Fire looked like melting ice cream. So unique.
Yes, lots of wildlife in this post. How great that you saw a tortoise, the baby bighorns, and the hummingbird nest! Your pool looks very inviting. Enjoy your summer travels!
Thanks, Gayle! We have been on a run with wildlife sightings lately. Saw two burro yesterday on our motorcycle ride.
Every parent’s dream – the pool pic of John and Kevin :-))) It’s wonderful to see how much you’re enjoying your new neighborhood and all the beauty around it. Love the baby sheep, so dang cute! Look at all those VOF pics!! I think Jessica has the right idea for ending her run. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to when you head east – safe travels.
John has always enjoyed relaxing and listening and watching his children work. He was only successful with one child, though! It gave John great joy when Kevin took over the mowing while he relaxed on the deck!
So happy you and John are enjoying your new home and surrounding areas. The baby bighorned sheep are so cute…great photo! And Valley of Fire is one beautiful place! I predict Jessica and Kevin will be frequent visitors.
Safe travels back East!
Thanks, Gay! Yes, I think we will have more visits now that we have a “real” house! We are very much enjoying our new hometown and all the area has to offer.
How fun to see how much you’re enjoying your home and neighborhood. 🙂 And I’m really happy to see you got that floating pool lounger! Love all of the photos of the two-legged, four legged, armored, and winged creatures that have been gracing your lives lately. Sounds like you had a great time with Jessica and Kevin, and how excellent that all of John’s training has paid off, haha! Fantastic photos of Valley of Fire! We really must get there this fall.
Thanks, Laurel! We are quite pleased with our new home area. It certainly has everything we could want and need. And, yes, you must visit in the fall!
We have been experiencing the same thing with the crazy temperature differences. In Page yesterday it was well into the 90’s, but we drove up Cottonwood Canyon Road toward Kodachrome State Park and the temperature dropped precipitously. It was a welcome relief! While your pool looks incredible, I would be hitting the road too if I was dealing with these high temps all the time. Sounds like you’ve got a fantastic summer coming up. We loved our visit to the Finger Lakes last year. Such a beautiful area and a perfect place to hang out in the summer!
I’m so jealous that you got to make the Cottonwood Canyon drive. We have tried two different years and still haven’t made the drive do to rain and a washed out road. Yes, elevation makes a huge difference in temps out west.
How great that both your kids came to visit. I think you are the only couple I know who didn’t settle down near their kids. I can see spending a lot of time in that pool. How cool to have Big Horns as your hiking mates. The pictures of the little ones are darling. We had the elevation advantage when we lived in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. It was often more than 10 degrees cooler on the mountain and not that far a drive. You sure have some fine hiking near by. The pictures at Valley of Fire are outstanding. Not sure you are going to get heat relief until you get to the Finger Lakes. But good luck!
Settling near our children was never an option because they live in the east. I am so glad to be rid of the humidity and bugs the east offers. Returning east isn’t something I look forward to because of the weather but with family in GA, PA, and NY it is necessary. I can do the humidity for awhile knowing it won’t be long.
You look very relaxed hanging around the pool! I was thinking it would be way too hot to do anything around there this time of year and did not realize that you could escape to the hills for cooler temps. Enjoy your travels and family visits!
We actually have been surprised by how nice May has been here in the desert. We did have a 100 degree week but it warmed up the pool so that was nice timing for Jessica’s visit. And you know how much easier it is to take the heat without the humidity. But it will be very warm again by our departure date so we are ready.
Perfect choice…a nice desert home with a pool in a quaint little town and 12,000 foot pine top mountains nearby. Oh, and a motorhome :).
Thanks, Mark! It really is the perfect choice for us and has endless areas to hike and Jeep.
Your home looks just about perfect but don’t blame you for wanting to escape the heat this time of year. Enjoy your trip back east.
Thanks, LuAnn! Yes, the house and area are pretty perfect for us. I’m not sure heading east will do much for getting us out of the heat since it will adding the humidity. But seeing the family will be nice.
Love the photo of the “young one” posing for you. You’ve certainly found a great spot from which to find “reasonable” temps just a short distance away when th valley starts to bake. Enjoy!
Thanks, Erin! We think it is a great area.
You really did pick the perfect location for diversity of views, hikes, and temperatures. The pool looks ultra inviting. I may have to buy a kiddie pool for the summer here.
Thanks, Gaelyn! We certainly won’t run out of areas to hike and explore any time soon.
You’ve had some wonderful wildlife sightings! I really need to get back to Valley of Fire to give it a more thorough exploring…it is beautiful! Sounds like you have a busy, fun summer ahead of you!
Valley of Fire is one of those places that never gets old and has so many places to explore since you don’t have to stay on certainly designated trails. The colors are something that need to be seen in person. I love that we have big horn right here in town. They hang out in one of the parks most afternoons enjoying the green grass.
Settling in takes time but I see you are having fun while you do it.
We just got into Pennsylvania for the summer. It takes time getting settled and getting use to cutting grass again!
Enjoying all your pictures!
Oh I forgot… love your lunch with a view!
Thanks, Nancy! It does take some time to adjust to a sticks and brick place after eight years of roaming. But we are getting there and having a fully furnished house sure made moving in a whole lot easier. But we are excited to hit the road again on Friday. I do love our house on wheels.
Enjoy your summer in PA. I hope it is nice cool summer for you.
So far it’s been humid. Not use to humidity!
That’a the part I don’t look forward to as we begin our journey east. Humidity is not my friend!
It looks like you are settling in and adapting well with your “transition” lifestyle. You do have the best of many worlds, wildlife, nice big house, hiking trails but not so with the temps. Time to head out and hit the road again.
Yes, we are adapting to our new normal, Monaliza. We really like our new town. The temps haven’t been too bad but are heating up for next week. Glad we are leaving town Friday. But I don’t think it will be much better as we head to Atlanta and add the humidity. It is nice to have the option of heading up to Mt Charleston when it is too warm down here.
What a gorgeous “backyard” you have! The rock formations and colors and wildlife all seem like a natural lure to anyone that loves the outdoors. Those temperature changes seem incredilble. How lovely to have your kids visit you so soon after making a new nest!
Peta
Thanks, Peta! We have found a wonderful place to spend part of our time. There are endless places to hike and do Jeep rides. And so many places to explore with the motorcycle. It was very nice having both of our children come out for a short visit to see the new house. I think we’ll see more of them:)
Wow!!!! All my WordPress email has been going into spam so I’ve not stayed up with y’all!!!! Today Bill commented he thought our new neighbors had the same MH as yours so I looked up your site and found out your exciting news. Now to read and catch up on how this transpired. And saw a HD! Same as our old one…,not sure Bill will be comfortable on one again but he’s kept his MC license and helmet! 😁
Yes, Debbie, we have made a few changes lately. The blog explains how this all came about. Everything just fell into place so easily. We truly lucked out. We said when we sold our motorcycle that when we settled some we would get another bike. We held onto all our motorcycle items but they are in a storage unit in York. We are on our way there now to visit family and collect our storage items. It was nice of the previous owners to lend us their helmets so we could ride. Maybe Bill would consider a trike. We are seeing so many of them on the road. You still get the ride with extra balance.
We know our day will come one day. We hope it all falls into place like it did for you! What a blessing. Bill definitely looked at trikes. We’ll see!