CAMPING ON THE PLAYA 
IN THE BLACK ROCK DESERT

08-12-2020

This weekend was just after the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower, but we knew there would still be a lot of shooting stars to see and what better place to see them than on the playa in the Black Rock Desert.

We met up with friends at the Black Rock visitor's center in Gerlach and then convoyed over to our campsite on the edge of the playa.  The weather was perfect, the sunset was spectacular, the stars were shooting, the food was great and the best part of it was that we got to spend time with wonderful people.

It's always a dusty ride in.

We did our best to set up with social distancing in mind.

There were rigs and set ups of all shapes and sizes.

It was time for a ride with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop.

After the sun went down, Susan made an incredible carne asada taco dinner, which was perfect for a late summer evening in the desert.

As the evening got a little later and the meteors started to become visible, we all kind of shifted from beer and white wine to whiskey and red wine.

Steve, very generously, brought out this bottle of Old Taylor

with a Bond Mark of 1931 and he shared it with everyone!  It

was probably the smoothest bourbon I've ever tasted.  Even

those who weren't whiskey drinkers loved it.  Thanks Steve!

The next morning, we woke up to a beautiful, clear desert morning.

First things first.  We all had to get our coffee fix.

Jonathan and Stacey made a nice big breakfast for everyone and then

we all hung out and enjoyed the beauty.

It was only Susan's second time to the playa, but she's hooked now...

One more morning ride on the playa before packing up camp

to do some exploring.

A bunch of us convoyed over to check out some wild hot springs in the area.

We first stopped at Black Rock hot springs, which is a beautiful

oasis in the desert.

These hot springs were also used by some of the pioneers who were heading

west in the 1800's.  They provided much needed water for those about to

cross a very unforgiving part of the west.

Marge (R), who's very knowledgeable about the area, spoke to the group

about its history and little known facts.  It was very informative.

Next was Double Hot hot springs and with 175° water, I can see where it got its name.

Double Hot is far too hot to soak in, but is incredible looking.

After exploring the springs, it was time to head home.  As we crossed the playa on our way back to the main road, a huge plume of playa dust spewed into the air behind the truck.  This fine dust gets everywhere, but I've never minded it.  To me, it's like having a fine layer of talc on and it feels crisp and dry.

Once back home, we washed the playa off and Susan made us an incredible dinner, which was a perfect ending to an incredible weekend.