To Denver and Beyond
Sunday, Day 1, June 9, Home to Fernley, NV via CA99, I-80: 221 miles
It was finally time to load up Big Blue and head for Denver to visit Allen and Nancy, as we do most years when June rolls around. Trouble is, so many Junes have come and gone that we find ourselves getting pretty darn old.
Setting up Big Blue for the first day’s drive which would be over 7200 foot Donner Summit to Fernley, Nevada.
I convinced my dear Lavonne that she didn’t have to be a good sport and travel aboard the coach when she’d really rather not. So, for the first time, she agreed to fly both ways and I would drive the coach.
I spent several hours getting all the stuff loaded onto Big Blue. As is the case these days, it was a big job for an old man. I stopped often to rest a bit, but in due time I had the coach ready to roll. It was nearing 1300 hours when I pulled out of the little, senior gated community in which we live, often referred to as God’s Waiting Room.
The first day of these motorhome adventures is always the hardest because of all the loading. But once on the road I recouped pretty quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed the day’s travel.
Click to Read Captions and Enlarge Photos:
Summertime in the Central Valley, without irrigation, includes vast areas of ugly, brown nothingness.
A golf course in the Central Valley city of Lodi.
Climbing toward Donner Pass.
Note the “repaired” rutting along I-80 created by big rigs on chains during adverse winter conditions.
The first day of these adventures is tough also because of the horrendous Kalifornistan traffic with which one must contend. The Sacramento traffic was bad enough, then came the climb up I-80 to Donner Summit. At least the truck traffic was very light that Sunday afternoon, but it was still a very tiring drive. The road itself is often among the worst in all of Kalifornistan, which has the worst roads in the country. And that should be enough whining for this first day of my adventure.
The good news was that once the first day of travel was behind me, I had four days of very enjoyable travel through several states. The sixth and final day would include the drive south on Colorado’s very busy I-25 into the rat race known as Denver.
Approaching Reno, Nevada.
Welcome to Nevada, and mostly, out of Kalifornistan!
Donner Summit at 7227 feet.
Once over Donner, the trees tend to disappear,
Beautiful Donner Lake near the summit.
More patched rutting caused by big rigs on chains.
I arrived at Fernley, Nevada’s Walmart about 1730 hours. I enjoyed my leisure time aboard Big Blue, and spent a portion of the evening editing photos of the first day’s drive.
Big Blue parked for the night at Fernley, Nevada’s Walmart.
I enjoyed a very quiet evening and overnight on the Walmart lot, and in spite of the giggles such a statement may invite, it is very true. It was good to have that first day’s traffic hassles behind me, and to look forward to three days of rural driving through beautiful Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and at least some rural areas of Colorado.
Day 2, Monday, June 10, Fernley, NV to Elko NV via I-80: 251 miles
A paltry 250 miles would have been a very short day some years ago, but these days it seems just about right. It gives me plenty of time to hang around the coach at both the start and the end of the day, and I always enjoy simply keeping Big Blue company.
What a great way to begin a new day!
Big rigs such as this set of tanks pass me and Big Blue virtually all day long.
The emptiness of Nevada is pretty well captured in this photo.
The Carlin Tunnels along I-80 in Nevada.
Eat your heart out, Kalifornistan!
Strange formations along I-80 in Nevada.
The drive was very scenic and I dealt with very little traffic. And all the traffic passed me by as I poked along at my usual 58 MPH. Yep, I like driving slowly when I don’t hold anyone up. I get my best fuel mileage driving at that speed, and I have more time to enjoy the scenery, too.
I had breakfast before leaving Fernley, and simply slathered some butter on a couple pieces of raisin bread, and peeled a small mandarin orange for dessert.
For lunch I spread a little chicken salad into a couple of soft flour tortillas, which made for a surprisingly tasty meal. I promised myself Chinese for dinner, and ice cream for dessert. And so it was. After landing at the Walmart in Elko, I rode the scooter over to a Chinese restaurant a couple blocks away and ordered a combination meal to go. I found one pint, perhaps the last one in the case, of Peanut Butter Cup ice cream for dessert. The stuff is awesome, and l am hooked on it.
Big Blue parked again for the night, this time at Elko, Nevada’s Walmart.
I spent the evening aboard the coach, and a few minutes after 2100 hours, I closed the windows to keep it comfortable, as the evening cooled down into the low 50s.
I slept very well, and looked forward to the next day’s drive into Utah, where I would spend that night at Park City – at nearly 7000 feet elevation.
Day 3, Tuesday, June 10, Elko, NV to Park City, Utah via I-80: 251 miles
The new day dawned sunny and calm. After the usual morning chores, I had some grocery shopping to do, and also would have to tend to the collection of bugs that had accumulated on the oversized windshields. When it comes time to clean them, they each seem to be about an acre of glass.
I was in no hurry to get underway, as I had only 250 miles to drive. And the drive would be through light traffic, at least ’til I got to Salt Lake City. And in SLC, the traffic has always moved pretty smoothly, even during the commute hours.
Click!
Another perfect start to my day on the road.
Beautiful Nevada desert.
More beautiful desert.
I’ve shot this old barn many times, and I think it is very picturesque.
High, majestic cliffs along I-80 in Nevada.
Overlooking Utah’s salt flats just before leaving Nevada.
The day’s drive was without any delays or frustrations. I enjoyed the beauty of the desert during the entire drive. When I arrived in Salt Lake City, the traffic moved through smoothly with no delays.
There is a long pull out of Salt Lake City at 4200 feet elevation to Park City which sits at 7000 feet. During the long climb, Big Blue ran hot, and I had to pull over to let things cool down. She reached 220°, but cooled down nicely once I pulled over.
Having just had the coolant and coolant reservoir changed a couple of months ago, the heating incident is quite concerning. I would be watching it very closely as I continued my drive.
I pulled into the Park City Walmart about 1600 hours, and settled in for the night, having overnighted there several times in the past.
However, around 1930 hours there was a knock on my door, and a Walmart employee, certainly one of the managers, advised me that they no longer permit overnight parking. During our conversation I mentioned that I had shopped in the store, and almost always do shop at the Walmarts I overnight at, and even showed him my Walmart credit card. Well! That changed everything. He advised that I could spend the night, and to let anyone else who might confront me that he had already approved my stay. Whew. This happened last year when I tried to overnight at Klamath Falls, Oregon where I’d stayed several times – and was actually given the boot, albeit in a nice way.
A fresh, new look to one of the 80,000 Walmart semi trailers. They also have 9,000 tractors in their fleet!
Welcome to Life Elevated!
Utah’s salt flats up close.
Approaching Salt Lake City.
Beyond Salt Lake City the climb to Park City begins.
This is the long climb to Park City where Big Blue overheated.
I suppose times are changing, and the few who cause problems for Walmart force changes which may affect all who want to park overnight – at least at some Walmart stores.
Mr. Sam, or Sam Walton himself, began the tradition, and it is still widely followed. But again, times may be changing.
The purchase I made earlier, which helped change the Walmart fella’s mind, was another pint of Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. I can’t be having that wonderful stuff every evening!
Other than nearly getting kicked out of the Walmart lot, my evening unfolded as usual. I spent a goodly amount of time editing photos and writing this travelogue. I watched some silly videos, too, as usual. I called it a day and headed to bed at midnight.
Day 4, Wednesday, June 12, Park City, UT to Rawlins, WY via I-80: 276 miles
I was up and around at 0500, and wanted to leave by 0700. The merciful Walmart manager asked me during our talk the prior evening to leave by that time. I don’t know why, but I would comply since he asked. I worked through the morning chores, and pulled out of the lot at 0700.
Apparently the overheating during the climb up Parley’s Canyon Grade the prior day did no damage as all ran well. There was no loss of coolant, either.
My plan was to continue east on I-80 to Evanston, Wyoming and have a Mickey D’s McGriddle for breakfast. The drive took me through some of the most beautiful country of the entire trip to Colorado.
Beyond Park City is an area I refer to as the Coleville area. It is lush, well irrigated ranchland with acres of pasture and, usually, lots of cattle.
More of the beautiful Coleville area. Note the high bluff above someone’s lovely spread.
Once past Coleville the highway passes Echo Reservoir, a very scenic lake that provides irrigation for the area. We often stop at the Echo overlook rest area for breakfast, but this trip I was passing the area too early.
It was about a seventy mile drive to the Evanston, Wyoming Mickey D’s. I was hoping there would be plenty of parking, and there was. I cleaned the monster windshields, again, while there. When 0900 rolled around, I enjoyed a Mickey D’s Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle. Why do the more unhealthy foods taste so darn good!?
Parked at Evanston’s Mickey D’s where I enjoyed a delicious McGriddle breakfast.
I was soon on my way again, but stopped at the Bear Creek State Park which is just a short distance from Mickey D’s. Wyoming offers a free RV dump there, and I always take advantage of it when in the area. I pulled out of Bear Creek Park with empty holding tanks and a full fresh water tank.
Big Blue at the Bear Creek State Park RV dump site.
Bison at the Bear Creek State Park. What a sight!
I continued eastbound on I-80 to Rawlins, Wyoming, a drive of 267 miles from Park City. The day was windy, but it was a tailwind, and they are always welcome.
Massive cliffs overlooking the town of Green River which, naturally, sits right on the Green River.
Big, empty, wind swept Wyoming. I’d venture to say that Wyoming’s greatest asset is… elbow room!
Once set up at the Walmart in Rawlins, I headed into the store for a few items I needed. I’d been checking every Walmart this trip for a new pair of deck shoes, and finally found a pair that fit. I hope. I also bought a small box of sugary Crunch ‘n Munch to go with a couple of cold beers.
Big Blue at rest for the night in Rawlins, Wyoming.
Back at the coach, I tended to a few chores around the place. The weather was tolerable without running the air conditioners. The wind blew from the west to what I’d guess was 30 MPH or better.
Once I had the day’s photos edited and the travelogue brought up to date, I figured it was Miller Time! I had better then Miller beer with my Stella Artois, and it went great with the Crunch ‘n Munch.
The evening and overnight were pretty much as usual. At home I’d been having trouble sleeping, and didn’t know why. But having been back on the coach and sleeping on its very firm Temper-Pedic mattress, I have been sleeping very well. I’m pretty sure that the sleep troubles at home will be remedied with a new mattress.
Day 5, Thursday, June 13, Rawlins, WY to Cheyenne, WY via I-80:
I slept very well in Rawlins, and was up and about at 0530.
Several other RVers had joined me overnight, and the place looked like a Walmart RV Park. Thanks, Mr. Sam!
Once my morning chores were done, I pulled out of the Rawlins Walmart and headed to a local barber shop for my first professional haircut since Covid began. I have been cutting my own hair these past three or so years, and while I got by with it this long I wanted to get a good haircut. I went to a local Rawlins shop called Back Country Barber. I was pleased with my haircut, and perhaps it’s time for me to find a shop back home to go to regularly.
Click to enlarge and read the captions:
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
A little tree with a big story…
…and here’s the big story.
This unusual view of a wind turbine blade passing me gives some idea of how big those monsters really are!
I hit the road after the haircut, and enjoyed a sunny drive all the way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Wyoming is a big, empty state. The city of San Jose, California has more people than the entire state of Wyoming. In the 2020 census, Wyoming counted 576,851 souls while the city of San Jose counted 1,013,240. Wyoming does have elbow room!
I did not enjoy the fridge troubles that I endured, however. Yep, the endlessly troublesome fridge pretty much ruined my day.
The fridge kept turning off until if finally stayed off. I tried everything that has worked in the past, and nothing worked. I finally had to go online looking for a local RV repairman. One fella I called returned my call, and actually drove over to the Walmart and got to work on the fridge.
He found what he deemed to be the problem, and after an hour or so he left with a defective igniter. He would try to get the part by morning, and return to install it.
After he left, I spent the evening as usual, but with the dark cloud of uncertainty over me. I could only wait and see how things developed.
Day 6, Friday, June 14,
The morning of Day 6 continued with uncertainty. The repair fellow advised that he would be back a bit after 0900 hours, and hopefully he’d have the part.
A little after 0900 he called to advise he had the part and would arrive in a few minutes to install it. When he arrived, it took him only fifteen minutes, and the fridge was up and running.
Nathan Elwood, owner of Big Sky Mobile RV, the hero repairman who fixed the fridge and got me back on my way. Nate was a very likeable fellow, and it was good to see him succeeding in his RV repair business. Thanks, Nate!
Nate owns his own business, and operates as Big Sky Mobile RV. He has a Ram diesel pickup with which he tows an enclosed trailer. The signage on his trailer is very well done, and his rig gives him a very professional appearance.
He was one of three listed mobile RV outfits I called. One insisted I come to him for the repair, the other never even returned my call. Nate, owner of Big Sky Mobile RV stood out as a real responsive, caring professional who wanted to get me back up and running. I was most appreciative of his help and I told him so.
Click:
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
Big, empty, Wyoming.
A little tree with a big story…
…and here’s the big story.
This unusual view of a wind turbine blade passing me gives some idea of how big those monsters really are!
And my trip continued; I headed for Denver and a weekend with family! Denver traffic was not, and never has been, a pleasant experience for me. I took the toll highway known as E470 off I-25, and although I will be billed in the neighborhood of $20 for using it, and add a few mile to my drive, it is a much easier way to arrive at the kids in Denver than driving through the traffic horrors of downtown Denver.
I believe it was about 1315 hours that I pulled up at the gate of Cherry Creek RV Park for my weekend stay. We paid $165 for the three nights there, or $55 per night, which I suppose is a fair price. The place is beautiful, RV spaces are far apart, and the area sets in a very park like setting.
CLICK:
Welcome to Colorado!
View along I-25 in Colorado.
Traffic near Denver on I-25 southbound.
Lavonne and Allen met me at the park, and had brought along Chick-fil-A sandwiches for lunch. I parked the coach, then the three of us sat at the picnic table for lunch together. I forgot to take a photo of our little gathering, darn it.
Click!
Entrance booth at Cherry Creek State Park.
Soon after I arrived we had a short but very wet thunderstorm. I loved it!
After lunch, they returned to Allen’s as he had to work a bit at his office. It was good to at least have lunch with them, and I could have spent the evening with them, but I had my travelogue to write, my photos to edit, and a couple of Stella Artois beers to enjoy. And that reminds me, Allen brought along several bottles of Stella Artois for me. He may be trying to allay his guilt for getting me started on the stuff – it really is excellent beer.
Big Blue parked for the weekend at Cherry Creek State Park’s RV Park. Note the very ample distance between RV sites. It is a lovely RV park.
Once parked and alone, I spent a couple of hours in the coach trying to get my Amazon Dot, or Alexa, working. For some reason it quit working with my i-Phone, and try as I might, I couldn’t get them paired. Finally, something worked, and they’re working together like old friends again. I use Alexa all day long in the coach for music and some news. Alexa is one heck of an invention!
I spent the evening simply enjoying time aboard Big Blue as I updated this travelogue and edited photos. I enjoyed a couple bottles of Stella Artois beer, which was Allen’s gift to me. The stuff is really great beer.
Later in the evening I watched YouTube videos. The videos suggested to me were of a variety of subjects, from silly to very serious and all very entertaining. Having monitored every video I watch, YouTube knows just what I find entertaining, and then suggests an endless parade of choices. Yep, they’ve got my number!
Around midnight I headed to bed and slept very well. Again. I love this life on the road!
Day 7, Saturday, June 15, at rest in Cherry Creek State Park
I was up and around a few minutes after 0600 after a very quiet and restful night in this lovely park. After the usual morning chores I began this update of my travelogue.
It was decided that Allen would pick me up at 1100 hours to spend the day with them, Lavonne, Allen, and Nancy, at Allen and Nancy’s lovely home. We would likely spend most of the time playing a table game, and part of the time eating. The goodies, whether snacks or meals, prepared by Allen and Nancy, are always very tempting and delicious.
This is the good life! Here the Old Man is at work on this travelogue, enjoying a morning cup of hot chocolate while aboard Big Blue. All is well with the world at moments like this.
And, sure enough, Allen picked my up around 1100 hours and we headed to their lovely home for a day of good times and too much good eating. Nancy prepared a lunch buffet of grand sandwich fixins’. That inclulded choices of several luncheon meats, egg salad, and more that I cannot recall. I enjoyed my first grilled focaccia bread sandwich made with sliced turkey meat and egg salad. It was a real treat! I wish I’d have taken a photo.
The day together included table games, as usual. We played several games of Rummikub, which is “a tile-based game for 2–4 players that combines elements of rummy and mahjong. The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all their tiles by creating valid combinations.” For the first time, Lavonne and I finished with more games won than did Allen or Nancy.
During our intensive games of Rummikub, we paused for a photo. This photo should have included the endless snacks that kept coming – several types of chips, popcorn, cherries, grapes, baby tomatoes, etc.
Erica, Allen and Nancy’s daughter, drove all the way from Salt Lake City to join us, and it was good to see her again. Norma, Nancy’s mom, who lives in Denver, also joined us. It was a lovely day of family fun.
When dinner time rolled around, Nancy and Allen whipped up a lovely meal. Nancy’s famous enchiladas, made from scratch as always, were the main attraction.
The enchilada feast on Allen and Nancy’s cozy patio. From left, Norma, Lavonne, Erica, Nancy, Allen, and Dale. What a grand meal! What a fun and loving family!
It was nearing darkness when I asked to be driven back to the coach for the night. Norma, who lives nearby, drove me to the RV park as she returned home herself. It had been a lovely family day, and another was planned for the following day.
Back at the coach, I relaxed watching YouTube videos and enjoyed a tall cool one. I headed for bed at midnight.
Day 8, Sunday, June 16, Father’s Day, at rest at Cherry Creek State Park
I was up and around at 0530 and worked through the morning chores. I was looking forward to another lovely family day.
The weather, while visiting Allen and Nancy and daughter, Erica, was just wonderful. Yep, Erica drove with her little pooch, Roxy, to Denver from Salt Lake City to be with her dad, Allen, and of course, the rest of the family.
We had a lovely Father’s Day dinner on their very cozy patio, and we had a grand time. I enjoyed a wonderful meal with family, and received several very sweet Father’s Day greeting cards.
I was driven back to the coach in style; Lavonne, Allen, and Erica joined me as Erica drove us. My evening in the coach was as usual, and I went to bed about midnight.
The plan for continuing my trip, as written about here earlier, was to continue east and see some new country as well as to dine at my favorite chicken restaurant in Pittsburg, Kansas which is nearly in Missouri.
Unfortunately, my old bones are not up to continuing this adventure. The altitude of Denver, and along much of the route, has affected me like never before. While traveling east, once in Wyoming, one is rarely, if ever, below 5000 feet, and I-80 is as high as 8600 feet.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m dealing with congestive heart failure, and it has weakened me considerably. This trip, while in the higher elevations, I have been unable to do much of anything without gasping for more air. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen, the more difficulty I deal with. So, it’s now Homeward Bound where we live at sea level!
Day 9, Monday, June 17, Denver CO to Rock Springs, WY via I-25, I-225, I-80: 365 miles
I left the lovely Cherry Creek RV Park at 0730 and headed up I-25 toward I-80 and home. I had the dubious pleasure of experiencing Denver’s morning commute which was not a little bit pleasant. I drove for miles through the metropolis, sometimes at the speed limit, sometimes at 20 MPH and occasionally dead stopped, but always in very heavy traffic. Finally, I was north of the city and driving along at my economical 58 MPH and dealing with much less traffic.
The Denver area morning commute. Eventually I drove out of all the traffic, and had the highways pretty much to myself.
The day was a nightmare of wind. I’ve driven I-25 and I-80 many times during my working years and during my RV travels, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it windier than it was this day. As I’ve written in past travels, Wyoming may be an old Indian word meaning Mighty Wind. The place is notorious for its high winds.
I passed this Walmart Distribution Center and decided I’d have to shoot this employment sign. I find it hard to believe today’s prices – including the price of labor.
At any rate, I did make it safely through the howling winds to Rock Springs, Wyoming’s Walmart lot, a drive of 365 miles. It felt mighty good to finally bring Big Blue to a stop for the night at 1700 hours, and be done with the wind-blown drive. As I’ve often written in the past, during my RV travels, it feels much like arriving home when I arrive at my day’s destination.
I had pulled in to the Rawlins, Wyoming Walmart lot earlier in the day, planning to stay there for the night, but after setting up the coach for the night, it seemed foolish to end the drive at only 1300 hours. So, I had lunch there in Rawlins, then continued the day’s drive.
Big Blue parked and set up for the night in Rawlins, WY, or so I thought – and then I decided to continue the drive to Rock Springs.
I settled in for the night at Rock Springs, Wyoming’s Walmart and endured an afternoon and evening of howling winds. The good news was that the wind was to greatly decrease overnight to just 10 – 15 MPH after midnight and continue through Tuesday.
Day 10, Tuesday, June 18, Rock Springs, WY to Elko, NV via I-80: 442 miles
The night in Rock Springs was sure enough a cold one. I had set the bedroom forced air heater at 63° overnight, and threw another blanket over the bed. I left the heater off in the front portion of the coach, and when I walked through that area after getting up, it was in the mid 50° range. brrrr.
I turned the heater up in both sections, and the water heater, and in due time things warmed up. I prepared for my day, tended to the morning chores, and pulled out of the Rock Springs Walmart lot before 0700.
I drove a couple miles to the nearby Maverik gas station and pumped on 77 gallons of diesel at $3.26 per (Eat your hearts out, Kalifornistan!). As always, it seems, Maverik was the lowest priced diesel in town. And, the pump let me pump on $175 worth before making me swipe the card again.
After fueling up, I drove to an I-80 onramp and began my day’s drive to Elko, NV. The day was uneventful, as I like it. I didn’t even have to whine about a wind storm. Yep, the wind settled down pretty well overnight.
The drive was a long one, for an old man, at 442 miles, but I wanted to reach Elko, Nevada so that I was just two days from home – I would likely be home on Thursday, Day 12.
Click to enlarge and read captions:
A beautiful start to a new day.
I could have chosen Idaho… but I was heading for home!
Beautiful, rugged Wyoming.
Rugged, snow capped peaks in the distance.
It was a beautiful day to drive, and I enjoyed every mile. Driving cross country as I have been doing for years, one has to be amazed at the number of big rigs streaking from one end of the country to the other, hauling the many things we all need and use, and also transporting the many supplies needed by those who make all those things. According to Google, there are 2,900,000 semi-trucks in the U.S. Those trucks will run 1,500,000,000 miles this year (That’s 1.5 billion!). It is mind boggling!
Here is one of those 2,900,000 trucks, and this one pulled into the Elko Walmart lot where I spent the night. This rig is half RV and half semi-truck! That huge sleeper is likely equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, king or queen bed, and most all the comforts of home. Now, that’s the way to go truckin’!
As usual, once I was settled in for the evening and overnight, I headed into the store. I succumbed to the temptation of a pint of Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. I haven’t had one for several days, and easily talked myself into having one. I also bought another pair of jeans.
My evening unfolded as usual. I watched a movie from 1985, The Trip to Bountiful, starring Geraldine Page. I had seen the movie long ago, and it was as moving as ever.
I called it a day about midnight, as usual, and headed for bed. I slept very well, and the next day would be my last full day of this trip because I would arrive home the next day if things go according to plan.
Day 11, Wednesday, Elko, NV to Fernley, NV via I-80:
I was up and around at 0530 and seemed to hit the deck running. I got the morning chores done, then headed into the store for a bit of shopping again.
My little 26 pound “G Brand” mobility scooter. It looks pretty gimpy, but is rated to carry up to 275 pounds. It’s a bare bones little thing, but it sure gets the job done. It can run at about twice the speed as Walmart’s electric mobility shopping carts.
I also took some photos of my new scooter. I cannot walk for long these days, and wandering through a big store requires me to ride a mobility scooter. I bought a little “G Brand” model that weighs just 26 pounds. It is very easy for me to lift into and out of Big Blue’s basement storage holds. I have been using it every day this trip, and it is a big help in getting around.
Before I left Elko, I drove over to the nearby Mickey D’s for another wonderful Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle breakfast sandwich. Those things are deliciously addictive, and I’ve now had two this trip. I never have them except when I travel.
The day’s drive was very pleasant, and I didn’t need to run the dash air conditioner the entire trip. I enjoyed the scenic drive through the Nevada desert on a very mild June day. The traffic was very light, as usual, through the rural desert.
I arrived at Fernley’s Walmart a few minutes before 1600 hours and settled in for the night. I was very comfortable in the coach with just the windows open, and didn’t need the air conditioner.
Click for more photos of the day:
Beautiful Nevada desert.
More beauty.
A vast sea of green. Beautiful!
A very active dirt devil enterrtained me for a few moments.
More beautiful Nevada desert.
I worked on this travelogue and edited photos much of the evening – which was the last evening of this adventure. I’d be home the next day.
In prior travelogues I’ve complained bitterly about driving Donner Summit, the rough, beaten to death road, the insane traffic, and on and on. I hate driving either up or down Donner – it is just a miserable drive either way. The alternative is to drive CA88 over Kit Carson Pass at 8,573 feet, and that’s what I did this trip. The traffic is very light most of the trip, and it eliminates driving through Sacramento’s traffic. CA88 terminates (or begins) where it meets CA99 in Stockton, California, which is close to home.
Click for photos of the beautiful Sierras as seen from CA88:
Welcome to the Third World Country of Kalifornistan!
Beautifl CA88 over the Sierras.
More CA88 beauty.
A gorgeous drive, indeed!
Beautiful Sierras from CA88.
More beautiful Sierras from CA88.
More beautiful Sierras from CA88.
More beautiful Sierras from CA88.
Old burn from forest fire.
More beautiful Sierras from CA88.
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