March 21, 2013

Logandale: Camping

Earlier this month, we had above average temps and we were loving it! We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather by camping in Logandale. Our friends and their son joined us. These plans came together a few days before the weekend. We didn't have a single item to camp. Yet, we managed to pull it off. Amazon helped a lot! I was able to get two day shipping on this awesome Instant Tent by Coleman. It claims it fits two queensize air mattresses but I'm skeptical. We fit one and had just enough room to walk in the door and have storage for carryon suitcase. The tent was a breeze to set up. Less than two minutes... no joke. It took a bit longer to take down just because it took time for the air inside to escape. A last minute trip to Walmart allowed me to collect the other odds and ends we'd need. Our friends were bringing their grill so I had no worries there.

We arrived before noon and feared our late start would mean the prime campsites were taken, but fortunately for us, it was pretty quiet. We were able to secure the third large site in and dunes butt up to the foothills so it was a great place to set up the tents. Perfect. We unloaded our gear and got started customizing our home for the night.

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Soon after, we were all situated and it was time to hit the trails. We cruised outside of Logandale and hit the trailsystem that is off Ute Rd (from I-15N) we did the bowl trail and worked to find a way to the town of Logandale. The train goes through both areas so we were determined to find the way. Which we did, but it wasn't THE way. I'm not sure that one really exists anymore. I think it may have been washed out.



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There was this wild watercrossing just past the railroad tracks, where someone conveniently left a trailer to use in place of a bridge. It looked sketchy but both of our RZR made it across without issue.

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We got back to camp and we got started on dinner. We had yummy appetizers! So, we snacked on spinach artichoke dip and salsa while the pork kabobs I marinated cooked on the grill. We also had grilled asparagus as a side. It was tasty, easy to prepare and healthier than your usual camp eats.

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We finished up dinner and sat around the campfire while we waited for darkness to settle in. Then, we headed out on a night run. You know how they say the difference was like night and day? Well, it was... we've been on the trails dozens of times during the day, but at night it's like a whole other world. It no longer looks like Mars, but you just might see Mars. The sky above is lit up from the brilliant stars... and the glow of Las Vegas. We returned to camp and roasted marshmallows and assembled S'mores.

We worried it might get too cool at night and we'd be freezing but it was never uncomfortable. I was only chilled when Frank stole my covers. Our secret to a happy marriage is seperate blankets. It was silly of me to think we could share for one night. We did learn that we'll also be investing in those elevated air mattresses and I want to buy two: one queen for Frank and a twin for me. It ought to make for far more restful nights.

For breakfast I scrambled Mexican eggs with sausage and turkey bacon. We had tortillas to make it into breakfast burritos so it was quite the feast. We took down camp so we wouldn't have to mess with it later. Then, we were off for another ride. We rode outside the main trailsystem to explore the outermost trails in Logandale.







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We wrapped up our day of riding in the dunes. I earned my wings by making my first jump in the RZR. It was FUN catching air!

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Our first camping trip out west was complete. It is certainly not the last. We loved it! Camping in the midwest was always a pain because of mosquitos. It is FAR more pleasant without them.

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