Day 10 – June 19, 2009
It dropped to 40 degrees last night in Ely so we started out with extra layers. After having our HWY 50 Survival Guide stamped in Ely we headed for all points west stopping in each town on the Nevada list to get the guide stamped. Within minutes of leaving Ely we were traveling the loneliest road in America. I would not consider this road lonely because of lack of vehicles, even though there were not many, but because of the feel of emptiness you get. We climbed summits, traveled through passes and snaked our way down to …. more sand and desert covered with tumbleweed and mountains in the distance. At one point it looked like a lake was just up ahead but when we arrived at that point it was just more of the same – sand. At some places the sand and desert were all and not even tumbleweed would grow. Then the wind began to blow! The air became hazy with the dust and you could see dust devils circling in the distance. By 10 AM we warmed up enough to remove the first and second layer of coats and after lunch we were getting hot. Our eyes were burning from the heat and the dust – the wind was now blowing harder. We were all struggling to keep the bikes steady; I know I was almost standing on the left floorboard to keep the bike from blowing off the road. The Lord and I were having a long talk – well I was pleading for help because every muscle in my arm, back, neck and legs were burning from the pressure to hold Abigail on the road. I have been told by a few local people that this is pretty much the norm so if you plan to travel this way on route 50 be prepared between Ely and Carson City for wind, heat and dust storms. Just before entering Fallon I think we saw miles of white sand with nothing growing. The area was damp and even had some puddles; you could distinguish the sand but what was that white stuff covering everything? Salt – we had run up on a salt field and as far as you could see on either side of the road was white. We have survived the loneliest road in America and have settled for the night at Best Value Inn in Carson City, NV. We are all doing laundry tonight.
It dropped to 40 degrees last night in Ely so we started out with extra layers. After having our HWY 50 Survival Guide stamped in Ely we headed for all points west stopping in each town on the Nevada list to get the guide stamped. Within minutes of leaving Ely we were traveling the loneliest road in America. I would not consider this road lonely because of lack of vehicles, even though there were not many, but because of the feel of emptiness you get. We climbed summits, traveled through passes and snaked our way down to …. more sand and desert covered with tumbleweed and mountains in the distance. At one point it looked like a lake was just up ahead but when we arrived at that point it was just more of the same – sand. At some places the sand and desert were all and not even tumbleweed would grow. Then the wind began to blow! The air became hazy with the dust and you could see dust devils circling in the distance. By 10 AM we warmed up enough to remove the first and second layer of coats and after lunch we were getting hot. Our eyes were burning from the heat and the dust – the wind was now blowing harder. We were all struggling to keep the bikes steady; I know I was almost standing on the left floorboard to keep the bike from blowing off the road. The Lord and I were having a long talk – well I was pleading for help because every muscle in my arm, back, neck and legs were burning from the pressure to hold Abigail on the road. I have been told by a few local people that this is pretty much the norm so if you plan to travel this way on route 50 be prepared between Ely and Carson City for wind, heat and dust storms. Just before entering Fallon I think we saw miles of white sand with nothing growing. The area was damp and even had some puddles; you could distinguish the sand but what was that white stuff covering everything? Salt – we had run up on a salt field and as far as you could see on either side of the road was white. We have survived the loneliest road in America and have settled for the night at Best Value Inn in Carson City, NV. We are all doing laundry tonight.
Sure looks like you are having fun and the time of your life. There is book you just might be interested. It is titled "Fearful Crossing". It is about the pioneers crossing Nevada in wagon trains.
ReplyDeleteThis is an outstanding blog. I hope you'll check out mine. http://exnavy76.blogspot.com