With my cold on the run, I’m feeling better today. Steaming coffee, a blank computer screen, and Ollie at my feet I’ve not much to write about this morning. One could argue a story can be found in anything. Yes, I agree with that. Heck, I even named my tree Cheryl and gave her human attributes. However, after experiencing a head cold and days of isolation, a worthy topic isn’t obvious. Sitting here, the Snow Birds come to mind. They certainly know what to do when the temperatures drop.
Snow-Birding is on my bucket list. In case you’ve not heard the phrase, a Snow Bird is someone that leaves the ravages of winter snow to live somewhere warmer for three months. In Nevada, there are plenty of those “somewhere’s”. Pahrump, Laughlin, Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson. Those are just some of them. Each year, these desert towns swell with Mid-Americans and their RV’s.
The MIGRATION (believe me, it IS a migration) begins around November 1. On or around that date, the interstates swell with a mass of RV’s all traveling west or south. These people are determined to trade the bone chilling cold and winter of their homes for somewhere warmer. Towns like Yuma, Arizona explode. If you haven’t reservations, don’t go. RV spots and rentals are sold out months in advance.
While camping, VST and I would drive up and down the RV site in Pahrump looking at license plates. Minnesota. Missouri. New York. Wyoming. South Dakota. The list went on and on. In Pahrump, mind you. An isolated desert town, there’s not much there but beautiful scenery, a few casinos, and a Walmart. It does have something fabulous. Daytime temperatures of 65-70 with crystal clear skies of the deepest blue.
As the Snow Birds get settled, little communities form and the winter passes. RV’s are decorated for Christmas. Little yards are created with artificial turf and lawn chairs. Pets have outdoor areas in which to play. Shuffleboard comes alive and the pool and spa are hot spots to meet new friends. A mobile society of people that cannot take the winters anymore. In the desert communities, High Season is November to April. You can fry an egg on the sidewalk the other six months of the year.
As one might expect, many of these people are far past the normal driving age, and yet, navigate thousands of miles they do. They are hardy folks that are the fullest of lives. I respect them for that.
Towns prepare all year for the explosion of winter residents. Prices go up. Shelves are stocked with everything the travelers will need for their stay. A grand time is had by all until they pack it up and head back home April 1. Another day you might want to avoid if you are traveling on western interstates.
My bucket list includes wintering somewhere warm for an extended period of time. 70 degrees in the winter is heavenly. Cool enough for a sweater. No parka, gloves, wool cap, and socks necessary. No need for 4-wheel drive or chains. Just 70 degrees.
This morning, it’s 28 degrees with 95% cloud cover. No wind, but way too cold to venture into the hot tub just yet. I’ll wait until it warms up this afternoon. We’ll be having a heat wave at 48 degrees around 2 o’clock. Goodness. Short sleeve weather, eh?
Thinking about the Snow Birds, I remember our feral days when VST would get up and say, “Darlin’, you want to blow Dodge and head south?” In hours, we’d roll down the driveway towards another adventure. Someday soon, I’ll do that again.
To any Snow Bird reading this, please be grateful for your good fortune. You are truly lucky. To any past Snow Birds, please be grateful for all the wonderful memories you made. Without packing a bag, you can close your eyes and be there again.
Have a wonderful day. More tomorrow.