Searching here, searching there, searching, searching everywhere…​. When I did spy, with my keen eye, a party mulling about, broadcasting a certain unmistakable signal a seasoned dirt bag would be hard pressed to miss. Might the current denizens be prepping for departure? Rounding 'em on up and retreating on back to the safety and comforts of the inside? One way looping confirmed my initial suspicions. There were no other sites available. Hard to find a turn out affording escape from the looping nowadays but I was not shy. Boldy approaching said denizens I had my prayers answered: They were indeed prepping to leave later that day. Thank the gods! I had just gotten way lucky. After ensuring they’d not promised the site to else, I headed back to our rig with the joyous news.

Ace and Renato ^[1] were left as sentries to ward off claim jumpers. I eased out of the stampede of loopers and stabled our faithful steed in the day parking area across from Intersection Rock. Only two loop laps too. And I had not even had to check the back loop. Not only had I secured a campsite but also plucked a cherry. Almost at the top of the loop. Not too far from the pit toilets but far enough. If you catch my drift. With the killer fire pit and natural granite sculpted seating. Affords some shade when you want it but still gets the morning light. Sweet. No wonder the snattle rakes love it too.

Hidden Valley Campground was welcoming me home with open arms. Felt good to be back.

Time to get to work! Put the nose to the proverbial grindstone and delegate some camp chores!! Cultural exchange is a wonderful thing ya' know so of course we felt obligated to school Renato up. Indeed. Our patriot duty, even, doncha' know…​.

Meanwhile, time fer' Dad to indulge in a bit of a walk about, stretch his legs, and reacquaint himself with some old haunts.

Time in the desert. Food for the soul. I do not recall much else from that day. I was likely knackered from two long days in the saddle. Old age is a bitch, doncha' know. I am confident, however, that Genifer rustled us up some great grub before we all passed out for the night.