Sunday
We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning. Based on the rain and storm overnight, we weren't sure that we would be almost floating upon awakening. Leaving Mundo Hot springs behind, we know we shall return and hope for drier weather. The pool is lovely and the surroundings create a very peaceful respite from highway driving.
It is unsettling though, to hear gun shots in the distance. It is hunting season here in Idaho and everywhere you turn, there are hunters in camouflage gear, beer or coffee in hand, and we even saw the head of a deer in some guy's flatbed truck (yuk!).
Continuing south on 95, we are privy to more glorious fall splendour. It continually amazes me how the farmers in Idaho farm so high up the hills and over top of the hills. It makes for beautiful visuals (and photography) for sure.
Our spirits are brighter thanks to sunshine ! 3 days of continuous beating down rain is enough for we sun seekers.
Once we passed Payette, Idaho, we jumped on to Interstate 84 East. This will take us to Hwy 51 and the next stop. We will spend the night at Bruneau Dunes State Park. We stayed here last spring on the way home to Vernon. The dunes really are quite spectacular and a 'must see' if you are ever this way. They do have small cabins with swinging benches on the porches ... but like most state parks, you need your own bedding for these cabins.
The weather cooperated and we were able to walk over to the observatory and take Khaleesi for a much deserved play time. The dunes are near the observatory. Definitely an intriguing place to visit.
By evening, the rain had returned and overnight more horrendous winds ! Both have made for a cooler-than-usual trip south this year.
Departing on Monday morning, we are greeted with sunshine and more wind. After a leisurely breakfast and RV tidy-up, it's down the highway 51 once again. Passing mile after mile of scrub brush as far as the eye can see. Up and down valleys and through arroyo's making it a beautiful drive (yes, I love the endless deserty scrub brush vistas).
"Speed limit enforced by Sniper !" This is that sign we saw driving through Mountain City just south of the Iwyhee Reservation. We were convinced that the townsfolk wanted the passers-by to abide by the speed limit!
Now that we were in Nevada, the highway number changed to 225 and the drive through parts of the reservation were stunning. The highway winds through a river valley with the most amazing monolithic rock formations. The beauty of this few miles is hard to describe. Autumn colors ablaze, a windy plump creek and wind-worn rock formations. I hope the pictures give a wee idea of how awesome this part of the drive is. The speed limit for over 9 miles is only 25 so you can well imagine how windy it is. But the road is in excellent condition and the driving is no problem.
In the distance, the mountain tops have a new dusting of snow. Set against the blue sky and fluffy clouds, the scenery is stunning.
As we climb out of this beautiful valley, we pass the Wild Horse dam which then sees us driving along a lake. It is a small damn well positioned in the gorge (not much work to construct this one!). Also, lakeside made for a lovely lunch stop.
Reaching Elko, we turn west on I80 heading towards Battle Mountain where we will stay tonight.
From Battle Mountain, we head south on 305 to Austin. It is Tuesday morning and the sun is shining. There is no wind. AND the temperature is somewhat pleasant! A nice way to start the day.
Just before we get to Austin, we passed a historical sign saying that we were crossing the "Pony Express 1860-1861 Trail". That was kind of cool just to imagine horses carrying mail through this rugged terrain.
Turning on to hwy 50 at Austin, we climb past a beautiful cemetery, "Stokes Castle", a Serbian Christmas sign and many old historic buildings including a beautiful brick County Court house . I think if you took some time in this small community, there would be some interesting stories to hear.
It's a long windy climb out of town and over the pass but the skies are clear, the sun is shining and we are certain the rain and wind are behind us. The vistas are extraordinary but it is all eyes on the road for my driver! I drove the first hour and half today then turned the wheels over to Joe in Austin.
Once we are over this pass, we turn south on hwy 376 making our way through the Big Smoky Valley to Tonopah. For 90 miles the highway is straight and right through a huge basin (one of many that are unavoidable in Nevada). Tonopah is one very different town. It is like you have stepped back in time to the late 1800's when it must have been a thriving mining community. And I swear, the inhabitants are still living in those shacks that were built way back when! It does advertise 'the meanest bartender in Nevada" ... ?? And they do have a casino. The neighbouring town is all but boarded up. Sad to see such grand old buildings abandoned.
Driving out of the Tonopah pass, we saw two or three different herds of wild mules. Castaways from old mining days. When the mines dried up, they just let their mules go ... and those we see today are proof of how strong and adaptable these wonderful animals are. As well, the terrain, as rugged as it is, is now spattered with Joshua Trees. A nice break in the scrub brush/sage.
Dropping down out of Tonopah, on hwy 95, in the the Death Valley area, we are FINALLY in warm weather! How wonderful it was to get out of the coach in Beattie to warm weather !! It will be shorts weather now ... We will turn off on hwy 160 and head to Pahrump which is just outside of Vegas. Tonight we will be in a lovely RV park there. And then it's home to Sun City West tomorrow! It's been a short travelogue but as I said - a similar route I have already journaled !
This I know ... God is great. This land is magnificent .. and we are blessed to travel it and see all that we see!
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