Hello, and welcome to the December 2023 Newsletter. Belated Merry Christmas!

 

This month has been two peaceful, relaxing rural camping experiences, bookending a whirlwind of city activity. For the first 10 days of the month, we camped in the heart of Death Valley National Park at Furnace Creek. We stayed in the Sunset Campground $14 a night dry camping lot.

It was shortly after the USA Thanksgiving holiday so much fewer visitors than normal. Lots of elbow room. The big highlight of our visit was witnessing a lake in the famous Badwater Basin. Lowest elevation in North America.

In August, the tail end of hurricane Hilary had dumped a year's worth of water on the park in a day or so. Multiple flash floods occurred, wiping out roadways and leaving the basin full of water. The main highway through the park had been patched. The reflections were beautiful!

We've spent the tail end of December back down near Ajo, Arizona, on some BLM land behind the old mine. We spent last Christmas and New Years in this scenic, lush desert location. We enjoyed it so much that we decided a repeat was required. 

So far this year, the winter weather has been fantastic, with many warm sunny days and low winds. Hope that keeps up.

 

Now to the middle of the month. Big news! Anne and I got married! Most of you likely figured we were married. We've spent the last 12 ½ years living together in a 180 sq/ft home on wheels. More married than most married people, I'd say, haha.

 

But on the 20th anniversary of the day we first met on a dog walk date with our two beagles, Angie and Oscar, we decided to do something special and, at the same time, finally tie the knot legally after a 13-year engagement.

Anne arranged everything and she did a bang up job. I married a goodie. Our memorable day went off without a hitch.

She booked 3 nights at the deluxe Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. The room had a fantastic view of the famous fountains and across from to the Eiffel Tower, very romantic. 

I donned a tux and Anne looked drop dead gorgeous in her wedding gown. We clean up pretty good if I don't say so myself.

We were whisked away in a stretch limo for the ceremony and married on the boardwalk at Red Spring in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just west of Vegas. It was the perfect place for us, given our love for nature and the desert. Thankfully, the weather cooperated, whew!

Our Wedding Day Highlights Video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year! I wish you nothing but the best in 2024

“One day, in your search for happiness, you discover a partner by your side, and you realize that your happiness has come to help you search.” Robert Brault