A Refreshing Surprise from the Lord!

While traveling through Nevada, we planned a visit in Las Vegas with a friend David had in high school. We enjoyed a fun evening with their family of pizza, play and conversation. We left that evening unsure of where we would camp for the night. The original plan would leave us backtracking an hour and there were only two options that kept us from the "strip" of Sin City. 

Okay, so a crazy thing happened on our way to the campground...you'll laugh at this story for sure!!

We called one RV park while driving and asked for availablity and pricing. We've learned along the way to be sure and ask if there is an extra charge per child, as some parks will charge up to $5 per child extra. (Frustrating...but ANYWAYS!)  When David asked this question, he got the usual reply, "Well, how many kids do you have?!"  He told her six and she exclaimed, "What?! Well, we can't legally rent to you! It's Nevada law that each child have their own room, ya' know!"  Needless to say, David was speechless.  That was a new one for us, and we've heard quite a few! I'm still convinced this woman didn't really understand the law and how to communicate it clearly. It would be nearly impossible to have a separate room for every child while camping, no matter what size of the family!! LOL!! At any rate, we drove on, hoping to find something more friendly along the way.

As we headed out of town, we noticed the Lake Mead Rec Area and that there was a campground indicated on the map. We rolled into the park well after closing.  The RV area looked safe and comfy in the dark, so we quietly pulled in to a vacant site and hunkered down for the night. David did the after hours check-in and we zonked.

When the sun was coming up that morning, I peeked out the window to see a gorgeous lake of beautiful blue reflecting the sunrise.  I immediately put on my shoes and hopped out to see just what kind of treasure the Lord had led us to.

It was Lake Mead. A true oasis in the desert. After a quick walk, we decided to drive to the beach for breakfast. What a treat! We laid out the bagels and bananas on a big blanket and enjoyed our meal while watching the sun come up over the hills. Afterwards, the boys quickly jumped in and enjoyed some wave surfing, as the winds were quickly picking up. I could never have planned such a lovely stop. Once again, I learned the truth to the proverb that "A man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  I'm so grateful for His guidance and provision.

After breakfast, we stopped in at the visitor center. Great gardens there and a fantastic Touch and Learn center all about the desert, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. (Our next stop...but that's another post.)

Joshua and the Joshua Tree