Week 876-877 - Back to the Family - 06-04-2023

Back to the Family

Leaving Tonopah, Nevada, we headed back to family.

On the way we stayed over at Walker Lake.

We love to travel "off freeway". Nevada Hwy 95 goes from Las Vegas almost to Reno, passing thru Tonopah and Walker Lake.

We like Sportsman Beach Campground. Over the years we passed by the lake many times. It seem so bland without a single tree. Then in April 2021 we stayed at one of the 30 sites for 1 night. We enjoyed the hikes and the beauty of the lake.

In September 2021 we came back for another day. We were the only ones there, so we stayed 3 nights. Seniors pay only $3 per day for this BLM camp. Alone and lovely. This trip we stayed 2 nights.

This year there were a few visitors including this zebra-tailed lizard; the one on the right.

Despite being tree-less, we like the lake.

There is something enjoyable about the simple beauty in the desert.

There is no landscape to block your view!

The sunrise lights up the mountains on the west side.

The west side sunsets are great too.

Then off to the Reno Elks Lodge. Its dry camping on clean, level asphalt.

We spent the evening with our friend Bill. "But you said Back to the Family!" Sometimes you meet people that treat you like family. Bill is one of those. We have known him for 40 years. He was once a computer technician, now he sells light bulbs to the government. No, not a joke, he really does! He hosted our whole family in 2002. We stayed in his motorhome before we bought ours. He created Bill's RV Park in this backyard, just for us. "Yeah, he's family." And Bill, thanks for dinner.

Once you get to Reno, you leave the Nevada desert behind. Slaloms in the MotherShip are always fun.

1) Hwy 80 near Donner Pass.
2) Hwy 70 approaching Grass Valley.

Reaching Chad, Emily and the five grandkids, we spent a few days catching up. On Sunday, we joined them at The Table for worship and a message about the Holy Spirit. The balloons are there to celebrate today's baptisms.

We were blessed to be able witness the baptism for half a dozen men and children. Pete and some of the G-Kids waiting for the baptisms to begin.

This young lady was proud to proclaim her faith. She tried and failed to hide the chill of the Feather River.

We often forget to take family photos, but not this time.

There are always lots of activities at the house. Zeb ascends the climbing tree in their backyard.

Grandpa Pete built a Corn Hole Toss game. Emily and Chad showed off their skills.

Chad says "Its 9 to 7."
Pete replies "No, its 5 to 7."
"Do you want to take this outside?"
"We are outside."
"Do you want to take it inside?"

A new game to us is Disc Slam, also known as Kan Jam Your teammate launches the Frisbee. You try to slam the Frisbee into the barrel.

You get 1 point for the Frisbee hitting the barrel, 2 for going in. The game is to 21. If you can toss the Frisbee through the front slot, you win! Both these games are fun for the whole family.

And we had more fun with pickleball, card games, puzzles, dinners and prayer.
Yeah for family!

Next week we'll head to the Paso Robles area for more family meet ups.

With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from June 2023