Workamping Dreams

Although we have Richard's pensions and our Social Security checks to live on, and they are enough for a modest lifestyle, there isn't enough to cover extensive travel, repairs to the rig or any of the upgrades we hope to make so we can efficiently boondock (live in the rig without the electrical, water and sewer hookups found in RV parks).

Fuel is at an all time high and going up almost every day, so having been parked here at our daughter's vacant house in Cedar City, Utah for almost two months has been a real blessing. It's been a good arrangement for both sides. We have stayed cost free and she has benefited from the work we've done around the place. Sort of a family workamping affair. 

Workamping is popular among full timers, and you need to apply early because slots are filled way in advance.  Just as we have had lots of time to play tourist here, the same is true of most workamping arrangements.

Not long ago, we headed out exploring and to see the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs. On the way, we encountered a slight delay. A covered wagon and a convoy of Model Ts! We didn't mind waiting at all, and after we spent some time admiring the petroglyphs done by ancient native Americans in a stunning gap carved by nature in a line of hills, we headed on east in the direction of the strange caravan that had delayed us earlier. 

We didn't get far before overtaking a troupe of antique farm tractors all restored beautifully. We weren't sure what the event was, but there had to be big doings ahead... It was the Iron County Fair! Yay, we love a fair. The local music was great and the displays just stunning.  

So much talent, so many loving hours poured into each project. Wow! The only disappointment, no animals. Where was the livestock? We found out the next day that the critters were at another location as were the old car displays, tractors, etc.

Later, we drove west on a 200 mile trek and were again reminded of the vastness of this region. We went to the eastern Visitors' Center of the Great Basin, the largest area of contiguous endorheic watersheds in North America, meaning all the water falling here stays here, none flows to a sea. From one crest to another we could see the road stretching for miles. It was awesome.

We then headed south toward Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada), where there is a workamping opening, and we were surprised to see a wind farm with about a hundred turbines all turning slowly on their lofty pedestals. There is something strangely fascinating about these tri-blade windmills... almost mesmerizing. 

As for Cathedral Gorge, lovely, but we later found the winter temperatures are far too low for us. We're mobile and will head for the warm and balmy days south of here.

Next week, we will head to Las Vegas to check out some other workamping possibilities. We want to get moving soon, but not too far with the price of fuel so high.