We are finding things to do

It is amazing how you can find things to do everywhere. We were getting tired of the wind so on Thursday we drove above 50 miles to a casino. We had no luck, but had fun. We also had a good steak dinner for very little money. It was a nice evening.

Then I found out that there are weekly hikes leaving from here, so I was ready bright and early Saturday morning. It was a great hike. It took about 3 hours. We walked up to a house built out of local stones. On the way we saw amazing wildflowers. They are blooming very early this year because of the amount of rain. They had 12 inches of rain this winter and they usually get less than 3 inches. We also found many artifacts from early homesteaders in this area. Apparently there used to be a lot more water here, but in about 1955 there was an earthquake and it really changed the aquefer. But we saw foundations, water troughs, wagon frames, and even a house made out of stone that was built by the miners who worked the mines. We saw a spring that was still running. Near the spring our guide (Barbara who is VERY knowledgeable about the area) found what she thought was a hiding area for illegals. You could see where they slept and where they had a very small fire.

Barbara agreed to take a couple of us on Sunday for a walk to the mines. There was a young couple who were on the walk with me - Ed and Ashley. Ashely takes tours of youth groups to Israel. I was reading a book about Israel in 1945 and brought her the book later that afternoon when I finished it. while I was talking to them Ed said that he wanted to learn to play cribbage. So they came to our trailer with a bottle of rum. we played cribbage and they joined us for dinner - Bob had made some really yummy clam chowder.

then last night was the full moon. this was apparently the closest the moon has come to the earth in 18 years. So there was a campfire to watch the moonrise and then a lovely short meditative walk under the moonlight. There was also a group of Hindus here who were celebrating the full moon. They had dancing etc to celebrate. It was a busy night.

This morning we met at 9 am for another walk to the mines. It was again beautiful. The wildflowers were even bigger. We walked cross country rather than on a path. We got to the mine and went in. It was small and obviously dug by hand. Lots of various minerals here underneath the ground. All of the walking feels very good. Barbara says that she will take me on another walk later this week.

Meanwhile it is cloudy, cool and windy here. So I think we will take the opportunity to go to the store and get some groceries. Then if it is nice tomorrow, we will be able to enjoy the warmth.