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I reach Nipton around 17h15 and check in at the general store for a tent-camping site

00358-welcome-to-nipton-800px.jpg The scrub at the bottom of Ivanpah Valley is different from most areas in Mojave National PreserveThumbnailsThe small campground at Nipton, with New York Mountains in the background, is almost empty tonight, which suits me just fineThe scrub at the bottom of Ivanpah Valley is different from most areas in Mojave National PreserveThumbnailsThe small campground at Nipton, with New York Mountains in the background, is almost empty tonight, which suits me just fineThe scrub at the bottom of Ivanpah Valley is different from most areas in Mojave National PreserveThumbnailsThe small campground at Nipton, with New York Mountains in the background, is almost empty tonight, which suits me just fineThe scrub at the bottom of Ivanpah Valley is different from most areas in Mojave National PreserveThumbnailsThe small campground at Nipton, with New York Mountains in the background, is almost empty tonight, which suits me just fineThe scrub at the bottom of Ivanpah Valley is different from most areas in Mojave National PreserveThumbnailsThe small campground at Nipton, with New York Mountains in the background, is almost empty tonight, which suits me just fine

The last three miles to Nipton are always a bit of a tease because pedalling gets slower due to the slight slope rising out of the Ivanpah Valley.

Nipton is as charming and semi-crusty today as on my previous trips here. The tent sites are overpriced, but the facilities compensate under the circumstances. I can't wait to have a shower, my first in seven days. A late-night soak in the outdoor hot tub should be nice later.