We stayed at Pirate’s Den Resort in Parker, Arizona because we need to do laundry, empty our tanks, and refill fresh water before we went out in the desert for a couple of weeks.
We has multiple issues with this place. Please watch the video for details.
We will not stay here again.
Pirate’s Den Resort
http://piratesdenresort.com
7350 Riverside Dr, Parker, AZ 85344
GPS coordinates: 34.224278, -114.192676
Join us as we watch a bull elk protect his girls.
We had just left a laundromat in Washington state and we saw a sign that said to “Watch for Elk” and we joked about it being in the middle of this smaller city. Within a minute or so, we come across this herd.
As we watch, it appears that the Dad elk is running off the teenage boys and protecting his girls.
This is part of our Season 3 Part 2 and was filmed in the second half of 2019.
We spend a lot of time camping in the middle of nowhere. This type of camping with no hookups is referred to as boondocking.
In the western United States, there is a lot of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). You can stay on most BLM land for free for 14 days. After 14 days, you usually only need to move 25 miles away and stay there for 14 days. Check with the local office or rangers for specific rules for the area.
Craggy Wash is one location that we heard a lot about. Craggy Wash requires that you are at least one mile away from the highway probably because it is located so close to the town of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Lake Havasu City is where the original London Bridge was reassembled.
Craggy Wash was not really anything special when compared to other BLM land but we really liked it. Of course, we have liked all of the places that we have boondocked.
Craggy Wash BLM Land Camping
https://freecampsites.net/#!3799&query=sitedetails
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
GPS coordinates: 34.592982, -114.360107
https://goo.gl/maps/bAf2C8jBdWsA8RHq7
We just happened to see this quirky little windmill garden along the road and we had to stop. The windmills were made from all kinds of household items.
Please enjoy with us.
This is part of our Season 3 Part 2 and was filmed in the second half of 2019.
Gehrke Windmill Garden
Grand Coulee, WA 99133
GPS coordinates: 47.936796, -119.016097
https://goo.gl/maps/j5EXjM3ybxhzHVLz7
We ended up staying at Beatty RV Park because our camper is too big for the campgrounds at Death Valley National Park. In case you did not know, the campgrounds at most national parks were designed a long time ago at a time when most campers were smaller. Since we were on the Nevada size, we looked for an RV park or campground in the nearest town.
Beatty RV Park was packed each night and, except for the weekend, mostly cleared out each day.
The Beatty RV Park is very basic but does have showers and a laundry facility. The best part about the park is that it is only $25 per night which includes electric, water, and sewer at each site. The owner/manager was a really nice guy and liked to chat.
If you plan to visit Death Valley National Park from here, be sure to fill your fuel tanks in Beatty. You will save at least 30% compared to the fuel stations in Death Valley.
Beatty RV Park
https://www.beattyrvpark.com
6333 Nevada Hwy. 95 N, Beatty, NV 89003
GPS coordinates: 36.945482, -116.716787
Today, we are exploring the wonders of Kootenai Falls in western Montana! The falls and river were very strong and a crystal light blue. The view was beautiful and the best part I would have to say was the swinging bridge that went over the river. While it was terrifying, it was also an adrenaline rush and the view from the bridge was absolutely positively amazing. Kaylla did not cross the bridge and Elizabeth initially had some difficulty. Elizabeth ultimately made it with the promise of ice cream as a reward.
10 out of 10 recommend and I would go back for another visit.
This is part of our Season 3 Part 2 and was filmed in the second half of 2019.
Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls, MT 59935
GPS coordinates: 48.454232, -115.767087
https://goo.gl/maps/imtf5rvS9R5kj4K18
Washoe Lake was a fun little surprise that we found at the spur of the moment.
We do not plan a bunch. We just drive for a little while and then start looking for a place to stay. We look for free camping first, then cheaper state or national parks, and then private campgrounds are last on our list
The campground at Washoe Lake State Park had recently remodeled one of the loops to include water and electric at each site. We did not get into the water at the lake but it was a nice peaceful place to stay for a few nights. We would gladly stay here again.
Washoe Lake State Park
http://parks.nv.gov/parks/washoe-lake
4855 Eastlake Blvd, New Washoe City, NV 89704
GPS coordinates: 39.242832, -119.762864
Dad and Elizabeth explore Yaak Falls in western Montana. The rock formations are a bit unique for waterfalls that we have seen.
This is part of our Season 3 Part 2 and was filmed in the second half of 2019.
Yaak Falls
Yaak Falls, Montana 59935
GPS coordinates: 48.648290, -115.885501
https://goo.gl/maps/7YdLfnrWqmgwQxHQA
We cut our California trip short fleeing the fires. We drove until we got tired and then looked for a campground. We located one just across the Nevada border near Reno.
We got one of only two sites available. The place was packed and a roaming security guard helped get us situated.
The park itself was very clean and had nice amenities. We were able to walk over to the restaurant for breakfast which was a welcomed change.
Elizabeth had fun walking back and forth from Nevada to California. A tiny bit of the campground was in California according to Google Maps. We included screenshots in the video.
Gold Ranch RV Resort
http://www.goldranchrvcasino.com
350 Gold Ranch Rd, Verdi, NV 89439
GPS coordinates: 39.501999, -120.000058
Welcome to Shoshone Ice Caves…
This cave is about 100 feet down and stays about 28 degrees year round. And Dad (Rick) was sweating. This cave is actually a lava tube formed by a volcano erupting. There is evidence of lava tubes collapsing in the area. You can even see lava rocks everywhere. We had so much fun at the Shoshone Ice Caves.
Shoshone Ice Caves
http://www.shoshoneicecaves.com
1561 State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352
GPS coordinates: 43.164836, -114.337891
https://goo.gl/maps/SYbmDCYqSbK3CGyv6
