Eager to return to camping and hiking – the normal routine Dave and Jan have enjoyed during summer months since moving to Cedar City – their two night stay at Cathedral Gorge in Eastern Nevada in April was followed two weeks later by a two night stay at the Baker Dam Recreation area near Pine Valley (which is Jan’s favorite camping location – recently seriously damaged by the Forsyth Canyon fire which burned 15,600 acres and destroyed 17 homes in Pine Valley). Jan’s broken bone in her right foot has prevented any camping and hiking since their Baker Dam stay through the end of the month of July.

The campground at Baker Dam is quite primitive, with no water or electricity and some poorly maintained restrooms, but a quiet, pleasant place to stay nevertheless (and very inexpensive).

The reservoir which is backed up by the dam is a good-sized body of water in a scenic setting.

The rugged mountains between Baker Dam and Pine Valley rise to some impressive heights.

Hiking near the campground and up a dirt road toward the mountains revealed many spring flowers.

The gorge below the dam flowed with water of the Santa Clara River coming out of Pine Valley.

Though the spring and summer months have included fewer camping and hiking outings than Dave and Jan would normally like to experience, there have been some very enjoyable opportunities to take in a little bit of the abundant variety and beauty which are revelations of the Lord’s creative genius!