THREE "SPRINGS" AND A ROCK

After a day of rest on Saturday, we jumped into the truck for a trip to three nearby springs. The first was Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This area offers camping picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and in winter snow-based activities. We did none of these. We enjoyed the beautiful drive over the rolling, twisting road through the beautiful mountains. Our first stop was Bonnie Springs Ranch/Old Nevada Village. Origination in 1843 as a wagon train stopover along the Old Spanish Trail, the area was acquired in 1952 for a family resort area.


When we arrived we headed for the old saloon for a melodrama. On the way we came upon a Disney tv crew filming spots for an upcoming episode of the new Hannah Montana. I had no idea that show was still on. In this scene, the two little girls--you can just see the pink boots and blue overalls behind the girl in the front--were supposed to move the rocks from the pile over to the right. There was much sighing and moaning and slow movement. The boy leaning on the fence sipped his ice cold lemonade and encouraged them to work faster. The crew also filmed in the old saloon (group eating hall), and the church. Any H M fans can look for this episode in the future.



Here unfolded the tale of Penelope and the evil landlord.

The audience followed the cues. Poor Penelope had to marry the evil landlord until her father suddenly returned with gold to pay the mortgage. Yay!

Professional photos--beautiful showgirl

and handsome dude

After the melodrama we moved to the outside stage for another show--bank robbery and hanging.

The villain robbed the bank, and hid in the marshall's office until the marshall and his deputy captured him.

After a fair trial the miscreant was hung. (from the middle of his back on a harness)

After all that excitement needed some refueling at the restaurant. This was very large and nice. Duane had a beef burger and I had an organic bison burger. Mine was better. After lunch we hit the outhouse.

After a look through the buildings we took our free train ride. This is actually to accommodate the folks who park in the far lot, but I never pass up a train ride.

Next stop was next door at the Srping Mountain Ranch State Park. This was a working cattle ranch from day one. The property changed hands several times with several famous owners. In 1948 Chet Laute (for anyone who remembers back far enough, Lum of Lum and Abner). He modernized the ranch house. Others owners added their personal touches, until the state finally acquired the property for the park. Summer activities include costumed role playing demonstrations and re-enactments and a theater under the stars. We were greeted by a volunteer docent and got a tour of a couple of "secret" rooms by another.

Otherwise we were left to wander among the original ranch buildings including the blacksmith shop. Have you noticed what makes this place unique?

Duane was disappointed in this shop and the one at Bonnie Springs. Both were only mediocre displays with no working smith.

We took the short hike to the viewpoint. Below you can see the ranch house on the left. To the left of it (not pictured) is a large open green space for picnicking and other activities and the parking lot. To the right are the ranch buildings around the pasture, and the small lake. All is not as calm as it seems. The wind comes ripping down the canyon at high speeds. A huge gust blew me backward and almost toppled me down the hill! By now you should have noticed the green grass of the pastures in the middle of the desert. This was rye grass planted among the native grasses for a nice rich pasture.

Three springs later we went next door again to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. We visited the beautiful visitors center and I stamped my National Parks passport but couldn't find a pressed penny machine.

Red Rock Canyon is a 13 mile scenic drive with 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to needing a rock climbing permit. Mountain biking is popular in this whole area from Spring Mountains to Red Rock. The iron oxide colored rock was once sand under an ancient sea.

The action of the waves formed the fantastic shapes of the 'dunes'.

Part of the desert was subject to a controlled burn.

Healthy desert

One view from the canyon featured Las Vegas, 20 miles away. At the end of our drive we backtracked through the beautiful Spring Mountains and ended up at home.

Moving day tomorrow!

Louise and Duane