The Monster of Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Deer family, no longer skittish at the sight of Reggie and me, Meadow Valley Walkway, Caliente, Nevada

Monday, May 8

Today is moving day!  Our week at Young’s RV Park is over.  It has been a pleasant week for me and my one-man canine crew.

Pull-through sites in the foreground, long-term sites in the background, Young’s RV Park

Our move is the shortest ever!

Kershaw-Ryan State Park is less than five miles away.  It’s located in a picturesque canyon off the road that goes through Rainbow Canyon, which I posted about recently.  I also gave you a glimpse of the Kershaw-Ryan Campground previously.

View from the mouth of Kershaw Canyon looking toward Rainbow Canyon

The camp host tells me internet signal isn’t reliable.

As we drive into the campground I hold my Verizon jetpack and search for the campsite where signal is strongest.  The best I find gives 1X with 1-2 bars.  

Not very good internet, but we’re here and it’s a good place to call home for a few days.

Our site is near the entrance of the park.

Kershaw-Ryan campsites have a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and shelter.  Sites are gravel and level.  Amenities include water spigots, showers (25 cents for 4 minutes), dump station, and trash bins.  No hookups.  Camping fee: $17.00.

A variety of trees and bushes softens the landscape.

This particular tree interests me.

Its blooms are gorgeous! (I didn’t detect any perfume.)

Do you know the identity of the tree?

Blooms hang in grape-like clusters

Of course, Reggie is excited to explore our new place!

Rocks are much taller and massive than they appear in photo (and Reg is much smaller!)

After a quick walk around, I set up camp.

We have lunch.

Ah… Such a balmy day.  I’m gonna’ kick back in the lounger and enjoy the view.

Times like this are when Reggie likes to settle into my lap.  Sometimes he takes a snooze along with me.  Very pleasant.  The two of us relaxing together.

Not today.

Oh, no.  Not today.

Reggie switches to panic mode.  Head turning from side to side, eyes darting, ears way back flat, can’t sit still, wants to get down, wants to get back in my lap, circles and sits, rinse and repeat, all the while wearing a scared face.

“Reggie!  What the heck is WRONG with you today?  It’s beautiful here, peaceful, perfect.  Nobody is around to bother us.  No people, no animals, no sounds. . . .”

He skitters over to the door of the Best Little Trailer and waits for me to let him inside.

“Okay, go hide in your bed if it’ll make you feel better.”

I return to my lounger, push back, and close my eyes.

I listen.  The birds have quit their morning songs.  Quiet.

After a few minutes, I figure out what’s bugging the Reggie Man.

You see, the shelter over the picnic table is made of metal.  As the day warms, the metal expands and makes a faint popping sound.  Hardly noticeable to a human.  Apparently a big, scary deal to a chihuahua!

I go inside to keep Reggie company.

Nothing like a game of Pull-The-Wings-Off-Yellow-Chicken, followed by Tug-O-War with Your Baby, to take a little pup’s mind off the big, bad world outside.

In order for me to enjoy our new surroundings, I take Reg for another walk.  He’s happy. We return to our campsite (where The Popping Monster lurks) and Reggie heads straight for the door.

Back inside.  Reggie naps.  He wakes up.  I take him for another walk.  He’s happy.

At our campsite, he hurries to the door again.

Good thing I only paid for two nights.  Tomorrow morning, when the light is good, we’ll go see the park’s garden . . . .

Later we motor into town for supper.

At J and J Restaurant in Caliente I pick up a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich with fries for me (I know, I know) and a beef patty for Reggie.  We take our bag of goodies home to the Best Little Trailer.

Even though The Popping Monster is asleep, we play it safe and eat our supper inside the BLT where it can’t get us.

rvsue

NOTE:  Readers identified the mystery tree as Purple Robe Locust. — Sue

~ ~ ~

 THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

Your purchases are always appreciated.  These links take you to a few of the items recently ordered by RVSue shoppers:

King Kong Chair
Women’s Striped Tunic
X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer
Canada Bear Blanket Throw
Yagi HDTV Antenna with 60 Mile Range
Idaho – Retro Camper and Lake Art Print

.CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!

 

This entry was posted in Nevada and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

83 Responses to The Monster of Kershaw-Ryan State Park

  1. Gail from Buckeye AZ says:

    Top 5?

  2. Gail from Buckeye AZ says:

    I love the pictures of the campground looks so peaceful.

  3. Millie says:

    More than Top 5 — FIRST!! Congrats Gail!!

  4. Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

    CookieDog says Happy Mother’s Day to Reggie’s Mom!

  5. Deena in Phoenix, AZ says:

    Aw, what a cute picture of the Reginator napping…I don’t know anything about the tree…it is beautiful…safe travels.

    Deena and Miss Mollie

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, Deena. A sleeping dog is even cuter than an awake dog. Especially after a day running from The Popping Monster!

  6. Pam from Wisconsin says:

    Love that pic of little Reggie sleeping!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pam. Oh, I wish I could post really, really cute pictures of him sleeping. Sometimes I don’t have the heart to take a photo because it might wake him up.

      • Michelle Wilson says:

        Is the tree a crape myrtle? Blooms come in several colors. Mine’s not blooming now here in Texas.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Maybe it is, Michelle. From my limited experience (I had a crape myrtle at a house in GA), I don’t think so. I thought crape myrtle clusters aren’t as droopy, sticking out more like lilac clusters. Let’s see what other blogorinos say…

          Thanks for writing. You may be right.

  7. Michelle Wilson says:

    Is the tree a Crape Myrtle? Google that and you’ll see more pix. Come in several colors.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I wrote the reply above before seeing your comment here. I’ll do the search for crape myrtle images.

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        LATER… Okay, I looked and was almost convinced it’s crape myrtle until I looked closely at the leaves — not at all alike!

  8. Ilse says:

    Maybe a wisteria.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ilse. Yeah, the droopy clusters are wisteria-like. I’ll check and see.

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        LATER…. Wow. I got caught up in all the wisteria photos. Incredible! I think the tree is wisteria. I didn’t find good pics of the leaves, but what I found do look like the leaves of the tree at the park.

        Where are you these days, Ilse? Traveling?

        • Ilse in Sequim says:

          I think i change my name to Ilse in Sequim. I’m not sure, if your question was for above Ilse or for me (crazy person who hides out in laundromats). I am renting a lot in a women only RV “Resort” 11 miles to the east of a Sequim. I just couldn’t stay away, but love living in my Lazy Daze. Next time you travel on the Olympic Peninsula, you should stop by.

  9. Pamelab says:

    Hi, Sue and crew – It appears really good hearing is not always a good thing. Looks like a pretty spot. I’m also curious about that tree with the wisteria-looking blossoms. You’ve got a dump station plus a few other things, but you’ll be using your solar? It’s on my list. Knee surgery in mid July will keep me tethered for a while after. I may try to get the solar before that so I’m ready to head out when I’m able.
    Thank you for your blog that has given me the courage and the path to be full-time in my Casita. Love it – the gypsy spirit!
    Pamelab in Houston for now

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Pamelab.

      Yes, I used solar at Kershaw-Ryan (past tense because I’m behind in posting). I received new inverters from Amazon while at the RV park. Then when we’re at Kershaw-Ryan I discover that the 12v outlets are kaput. I had to charge things with the PTV. Even so, solar rocks!!

      It’s so nice not to be tethered to hookups. While at K-R, a pair of rigs drove through, apparently traveling together. One of the people stepped out and yelled to the other rig, “NO HOOKUPS!” and away they went.

      I have never heard anyone say they’re sorry they got solar. If you can do it, go for it!

  10. AZ Jim (Still wheelchair bound) says:

    Happy mothers day!!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, Jim! I read your comment under the previous post but I didn’t reply because I wasn’t sure I could reply to everyone and get this new post up, too.

      I think of you every day, hoping and praying you heal well and regain your strength in good time. Also that you don’t become depressed, a common occurrence after heart surgery.

      So seeing your wish for me (with THREE exclamation points) gives me a big smile. Love you!

    • DesertGinger says:

      I didn’t know you had heart surgery! Yes, it’s very challenging. If you can manage it I recommend cardiac rehab. It helped me so much. Wish you the best.

      • AZ Jim says:

        Hi Ginger, I had a triple bypass but that was in 2004. My latest problem was a heart attack. I am unable to walk without my walker. I did about 6 weeks of cardiac rehab at Sente in Surprise. I am home now but I have a therapist here twice a week for Physical Therapy. I think it’s going well and I am working hard to get to where I can walk unassisted. Thanks for your concern. Jim

  11. Stephanie Albany OR says:

    Hi. I have an app called Garden Answers and took a photo of your photo and the closest I could come was something called coral vines. Not sure about the leaves being the same though. So…. don’t go to the bank on my guess! Your post was great. My Toby was so skittish yesterday afternoon. He was suddenly afraid of everything while we were out walking. I picked him up and got him past that block and he was fine. Who knows what’s in their minds. I just know I trust his judgment and if he’s worried, I’m worried! Drove a 30 ft class A yesterday. Was fun but too big. First RV I’ve actually driven. Managed to get thru course twice without obliterating any cones! Boosted my confidence. Have fun at your new camp albeit a short lived one?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Stephanie,

      You’re right about trusting your Toby’s judgment. Canine perception is uncanny at times. Reggie can tell if another dog walks anywhere near the BLT when I’m clueless.

      Great to read about your confidence boost! I’m also pleased to read that you felt the rig was too big for you. Better to find out now than after a purchase! I always say …. Get the smallest rig in which you will be happy and comfortable and not a foot more. That varies from one person to another.

    • Velda in Roseville CA says:

      Stephanie, where did you find the RV driving course? I may need one in future as I hope to move up from my 22 ft Sprinter.

      • Stephanie Albany OR says:

        Guaranty RV offered it as a promo the last few weekends. It was a brief experience but super helpful. I did notice on the Escapees website they mention driving courses also. Digging into that I found references to instructors in different areas including where I am in the greater Albany Or area. I learned that some dealers offer a lesson when you buy an RV from them. Plus I thought I might be able to contact a big rig truck driving school if I needed more help. I hope that helps. Good luck!

  12. Pat in Rochester says:

    Hi Sue. You know those basketball set-ups that are the post on a movable base? A dog I once had thought one of those was a monster. Barked her head off at it. I walked up to touch it and she barked at me to let me know she’d done her part. If I was foolish enough to get that close to the thing, it was all on me. But when it didn’t grab and eat me up, she decided maybe it was ok. Later walks had her totally ignoring the monster, but had me cracking up with the memory. The little goof.

    Raining right now, but it’s been warm and sunny and we’ve been gardening. Boy I’ve need this sunshine!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Gardening in Rochester! Wonderful news! Enjoy the sunshine, Pat, when it returns.

      Funny story about your dog and The Basketball Post Monster. Our dogs have to be so brave in a world of monsters, like The Plastic Bag in the Wind Monster and The Tree Stump Monster. Oh, and there’s also The Barrel Cactus Monster… Reggie got into a staring match with a barrel cactus once. 🙂

  13. Dawn in MI says:

    Awwwww. Poor little Reggie-man. Good thing he’s got you to keep him safe.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn. As long as I can keep him away from metal roofs, he’s fine. He’s having a lot of fun today because in our present camp he’s found a good friend. 🙂

  14. Sherri in California says:

    A quick post to wish a happy Mother’s Day to the moms out there (including moms to our 4-legged babies), and warm hug to everyone else out there. You may not be a mom, but you all are appreciated!

  15. Gumo says:

    Bougainvillea ?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hey, Gumo… Nice to see you here again!

      The blossoms are similar to bougainvillea, but I think bougainvillea is a vine, not a tree. If I’m wrong about that, someone correct me.

  16. Mona from West Texas says:

    Greetings Sue,
    Haven’t posted any comments in a long time. I’m a side liner, I love to read your blog.
    I enjoy your pictures and the adventures of Reggie. I’m also a frequent Amazon shopper. Always use your link. I think the tree is a Texas Mountain Laurel or a Mountain Laurel.
    Thank-You for posting.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Mona. Thank you for writing and offering a suggestion on the identity of the tree.

      I’ve been away from the computer for a while. I come back and see more possible answers to the tree mystery. I think I’ll wait before settling on one.

      Keep loving my blog, Mona…. 🙂

  17. Ed says:

    I’m going to say the mystery tree is a purple robe locust. If not a purple robe then some variety of locust.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ed,

      For every suggestion I’m doing an image search. I looked at photos of purple robe locust…. hmm….. interesting.

  18. Marilyn in GV AZ says:

    Hi and happy Mothers Day to Reggie’s Mom. The tree looks like a locust to me, one of the rose colored varieties. They are a fast growing and xeriscape friendly.

    Hope you are protected from the fierce wind and Reggie from all the unknown monsters. Hugs to you both.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Marilyn,

      Thank you for the Mothers Day wish. I hope your Sunday is wonderful!

      Another vote for locust…. 🙂

      Very little wind at our present camp. In the time lapse between our camp at Kershaw-Ryan and where we are presently camped, we moved across a lot of miles. I take from your comment that the wind is fierce in Green Valley these days. (LATER… I realize now that you mentioned wind because of the weather widget reporting wind gusts up to 50 mph in Caliente.)

      Thanks for the hugs, sending same to you!

  19. Cinandjules (🌵) says:

    Meh thinks it’s a bougainvillea also! Nice when the leaves stay on the vine/tree.

    Poor Reg man….isn’t it weird how something bothers them and they remember? Maybe something happened when he was a stray…before his grand life that he now lives!

    Happy Mother’s Day to all! Have a great evening!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cinandjules!

      Reggie’s problem is his acute hearing. Any sudden or sharp sound makes him crazy. You know the individual, plastic water bottles? I can’t buy the Nestle brand of water because the bottles tend to make a popping sound when outside on a warm day. That’s right. Reggie runs in terror from a water bottle.

      Sometimes it’s tough to be the Reggie Man. Other times it’s the best in the world!

  20. Karen in Pacific NW says:

    I believe that is a Jacaranda tree. They do well in low water conditions.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Karen,

      I admit I have no idea what a jacaranda looks like. In fact, if you hadn’t tacked on the word “tree,” I would’ve thought you were talking about a type of porcine.

      Just kidding…

      I’ll take a look at the Jacaranda tree.

  21. Alice says:

    Happy Mothers Day !! Hugs and Kisses, Howls and Growls Reggie (he sent me an email requesting this)

    Looks like a crepe myrtle but the blooms look a little different. Nice camp.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Cute!

      Thank you, Alice. I hope your day is special, too!

      Kershaw-Ryan is a nice camp. My next post will be about the garden there. The campsites are well-tended and equipment is in good shape. For coin-operated showers, I think 4 minutes for a quarter is reasonable. Having to drop in quarters probably cuts down on 20-minute showers. After all, this is desert.

      Hugs and Growls to you, too! 🙂

  22. weather says:

    What a beautiful area you’ve shown us in this and recent posts. I love dramatic landscapes with features of all kinds, and some stone and rock forms take my breathe away. Thanks again for posting, you are likely still dealing with some technical issues that make it difficult.

    It’s so unlike Reggie to want to hide inside, I’m glad you figured out what was frightening him so he wasn’t exposed to it much. Hopefully today he’s a happy boy again and has given you a Happy Mother’s Day 🙂 ! Today mine was great and spent at my grandson’s graduation from Syracuse University. So my son, daughter in-law, granddaughter and I are in the middle of a few days together. Such a gift and treat!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      What a fun and loving and proud Mother’s Day for you, weather! Congratulations to your grandson and to anyone responsible for him growing into a young man of promise (mostly you!). 🙂

      Yes, Reggie Man is very happy today because he found a playmate at our present camp. For the first time I’m able to leave him outside knowing he’s safe and occupied, playing with his friend. Usually he insists on being right next to me all the time.

      Technical problems have been temporarily alleviated with permanent fixes postponed. More about that later on…

      I’ll understand if you don’t comment within the next few days. Enjoy your family.

      • weather says:

        Thank you, Sue! Sunday and the days surrounding it have been wonderful, and intensely busy. My son flew back to San Diego yesterday,the school where he teaches English and creative writing is still in session for another few weeks. My daughter in-law and both grandchildren will leave tomorrow morning.

        Reggie with a playmate nearby, nice! I look forward to your telling us more about that. I imagine you’ve enjoyed this bit of a reprieve from being his sole entertainment. Hugs to you both, until later 🙂

  23. Archae says:

    Are the two young deer in the first photo twins? Aren’t they kind of rare? The wisteria that I had in Delaware was a vine (royal palonia). Have they developed a tree variety?

    Great pictures, and such a relief from packing stuff up. Thanks for the refreshing break! Just what I needed 😊

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Archae. I’m happy you enjoyed my photos.

      Okay, your questions. This is what I found on the web regarding wisteria which we usually think of as a vine:

      “Wisteria is a beautiful flowering woody vine, and the Wisteria Tree has been masterfully created by grafting a Wisteria vine on top of a standard tree trunk and root system.” — fast-growingtrees.com

      About the deer twins: I also researched the web and it appears that both mule deer and white-tailed deer have twins quite commonly.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Also, Archae….Best wishes for safe and enjoyable travel starting this Wednesday! Do keep in touch as you move north of Henderson, NV.

  24. DawnfromCamanoIsland says:

    What a funny story! It was cold when we were there so we didn’t hear any warm metal creaking. Love the photo of a napping Reg…play hard, sleep hard. We went for a 2-mile hike along the dike at Padilla Bay Reserve. Jim & Ari are talking a nap. Happy trails, Sue.

  25. DesertGinger says:

    It’s so great not lugging oxygen around! Been out running errands and feel so much more free. I got so annoyed today. I had called the closest Ulta store to ask if they carried Paul Mitchell “the Rinse” and they said yes they had it. Twice. So I drove 20 miles to get there (further than Sue’s trek to her new home) and when I got there they didn’t have it. They had extra body rinse but not the plain ‘the rinse’. So then they said they would call their other store. First they rung up a long line of customers that had come in after me. Then a woman fell and they got busy calling 911. Finally they placed the call and told the other store to check and call back. Now I’m just standing there waiting. Finally I said “you guys do realize I’ve been here an hour, right”? Then they got all defensive and said they were waiting for the call back. So I asked if they could call again and they did. The other store didn’t have it either. So, with driving time I spent a good two hours to get nothing, that could have been avoided if the first clerk would have been more careful about answering my question. Clerks!

    So there went my afternoon. I did stop at the grocery for supplies so I can start my egg fast Wednesday. I am determined to get some weight off and the steroids aren’t helping.

    So that’s my day! Going to make dinner, read for a bit, then sort some paperwork.

    Ta-ta!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Ginger,

      Congratulations on kicking the tank to the curb! You defied the predictions; you are victorious!!

      As for the Paul Mitchell fiasco…. um …. Amazon carries “the rinse.” Sorry, I couldn’t resist. 🙂

      Good luck with your diet!

  26. Pat Macias says:

    Hi Sue
    Your tree is a Locust. I have one in my yard. They are pretty for about one week. Have terrible thorns and send suckers all over the yard. And then there is the dropping of the leaves! At least in Northern California. Might not be so problematic where you are now.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pat,

      Yes! You got it! It is definitely Purple Robe Locust. Gorgeous when in bloom… Too bad they can be pesky in the home landscape. (See Lona’s comment. She agrees with you.). Thanks for helping us confirm the tree’s identity.

      We had wind and hail a few days after those photos were taken. I was fortunate to see the blossoms at their peak. Have a great week, Pat!

  27. Lona says:

    Ed is correct–The tree is a Purple Robe Locust. We planted two in our yard and one white one but had to remove them when we discovered that their roots and runners are extremely invasive and will penetrate leach lines and septic tanks. They are beautiful, but destructive!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I believe you, Pat, and Ed have the correct name for the tree, Lona. When I checked Purple Robe Locust at Ed’s suggestion, I knew at first sight of the photos that we had the right identification. Thank you for confirming and for the additional information.

      Nice to have you join us!

  28. suzicruzi from Van, WA. says:

    G’morning Reggie and Sue,
    Have a lovely day today. It’s nice reading your posts even though I don’t have a lot to contribute right now.

    Last night in bed I read some more of August 2016. I used to live in Gunnison, CO. and I’m enjoying your tales in the mountains, and of Kinney Flats. Sooo beautiful, and I left part of my heart there when I left. I’m almost caught up on your life on the road now; less than a year to go.

    I may as well spit it out – I had to put my beloved dog down a week ago today. It still cuts deeply like it was just an hour ago – I hope to be back around again soon.

    I’m having a cuppa with you, Sue, and wishing you another grand adventure today.
    Suzi

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning,

      I’m sorry for your loss and the pain you bear, Suzi. Know that many of us here understand what you’re going through.

      It just so happens that I’m making a pot of coffee as I read your comment. I hope the Colorado posts give you a distraction. A beautiful state, no wonder you miss it!

      Thanks for the kind wish. Take care.

    • Dawn in Asheville says:

      My heart is breaking for you as well – it’s so hard. I know. And there’s nothing to say to make it better. Virtual hug your way.

    • Rochelle in IN says:

      I’m so sorry, Suzi! We had to make the same decision for one of our two girls right before Christmas. Wishing the time between the pain of loss and the joy of memories may be as short as possible for you.

    • Lisa W says:

      So sorry for your loss. We lost ours last November, and the pain is still there. The happy memories are taking over – it will get better.

    • DesertGinger says:

      So so try Suzi; it hurts so bad, I know. Feel better asap.

  29. Lisa W says:

    Poor Reggie, those monsters sure can make a puppy nervous. Glad he enjoyed his walks, and am sure he enjoyed that hamburger patty.

  30. Kristi & Daisie (currently in Nampa, ID) says:

    Sue–I hope it’s okay for me to post this link. There are two little girls missing, taken by a non-custodial father, from the Boise area. They found his truck in the central Nevada desert, intentionally burned. Only because you tend to stay off the beaten path and this man is probably also doing the same. The man is considered dangerous, so do not approach. Thank you! http://police.cityofboise.org/home/news-releases/2017/05/amber-alert-issued-for-missing-boise-children/

    • weather says:

      Update as seen on a video of news in Boise-the girls are now safe, they were found last evening , and the father was taken into custody.

      If this reply and the above comment are for any reason what you consider inappropriate postings, Sue, feel free, as always, to delete.

Leave a Reply to Michelle Wilson Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HI THERE! *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.