Last Stop

DATELINE: HENDERSON, NV

THE SCENE: DESERT SANDS RV PARK; WHERE RVs GO TO DIE

Trish said, regarding the dumpiest places we've ever overnighted, that this place is second only to Slab City.  That's not a compliment.  Of the 245 spaces in this park, 2/3 are filled with long term residents and unoccupied RVs that are just stored here.  The vast majority are over 25 years old, haven't been on the road in years, and most likely, will never be again.  Lot's of flat tires, ripped apart engines, jury rigged up one side and down the other.  One rig has a humongous residential A/C unit installed on top and I'm wondering how long it will be before that thing crashes the roof and wipes out the occupants.

So, why are we here?  Two reasons.  First, the drive from Bryce to LHC was longer than we wanted to do in one day.  Second, we wanted to hit Costco and Total Wine, stock up on bacon, beans and biscuits and get something with which to wash them down.  Ever been in a Total Wine store?  Their inventory will blow you away: virtually every kind of beer, wine and booze known to man.  And woman. 

On our drive here yesterday, we came through Zion N P but didn't stop - except to wait for our turn to go through the long tunnel.  At the park entry gate, the guy said he had to measure our trailer.  "If it's 94" or wider, you have to get a tunnel permit ($15) and stop at the entry to the 2nd tunnel until they stop the 2-way traffic flow.  Then, you'll be told to proceed through the one-way tunnel."  He measured, yup - 94", pay me, have a nice day.  So, we got to head up a parade through the tunnel - and an impressive tunnel it is.  Built in the 20s, it's a long, narrow bugger, a mile+ long I'm guessing.

It's 6:30 AM.  Within the hour, we'll hook up and hit the road for home.  There's no place like home.