Well it was interesting. Stopped in Vegas Thurs afternoon. Went to their so called alien concert. Small time, low keyed, not very well attended. 21 or older to get in so we just circumnavigated that block and had more fun on the strip. Had my 13 year old boy with me. The concert was in the old part of town. That are will definitely need to be revisited.
Made it to Rachel late the next morning after stopping off at Hico. I have never seen a larger showing of LEO. You could either pay $68 and park/camp on private property on the west side of the Hwy or stay for free on the east side of the Hwy in Rachel.
So after we determined the JSW was off road capable we staked out our claim and started to enjoy the festivities. Which weren't much. Small vendor area. 2 stages just full of small time entertainment, but the people watching was priceless.
As you predicted Don it did start getting cold around 9pm. Made it back to the car. At 6'2 I'm able to comfortably sleep in the back. The boy slept in the driver's seat which almost lays flat. In the morning it was 43 degrees. Drove to 1 of the nearby Area 51 gates where again a large LEO contingency was stationed but all was cool. Took pictures in front of the gate with no problems.
I ask 1 LEO how we're behaving and all he knew was 2 arrests, 1 due to alcohol and 1 due to indecent exposure. Between Vegas and Rachel my boy definitely saw more than he should of.
Then drove from Rachel back to Las Cruces with a stop at Hoover Dam.
What a vehicle. At 75mph 48mpg, at 80 45mpg. Put this thing in the right gear and passing was no problem at all.
Will probably try to make it again next year if they have it.