We have a horrible connection tonight. We’re in Caliente, NV and saw a lot of neat things that I want to post about.
Scooter hurt her back tonight and there is no vet here in Caliente so we’re headed for Las Vegas early in the morning. She has a vet there that we like and they can get us in when we get there.
I did give Scootz a pain pill and she is doing a little better but can’t get up stairs. Her hind legs just aren’t working very well. I’ll give you an update as soon as I can tomorrow.
Ely, NV High 82 Low 55
First thing, we went for breakfast at the All Aboard Cafe. I sure wish I could tell you that it was a wonderful breakfast, but it wasn’t. Eggs were runny even after returning them for more cooking. Toast and potatoes were cold and the bacon very limp. Extremely disappointing.
However, the next part of our morning was excellent.
We headed down the street to the Ely Train Station and a step back into the 19th Century.
Jim waiting to board.
Our conductor, Richard,
hollered All Aboard and we climbed into the passenger car being pulled by old Engine 93.
Engine 93
#93 is a one of four Consolidations built by Alco in 1909 for the American Smelters Securities Co., to haul ore trains on the Nevada Northern Railway at a cost of $17,610.
Steam from Engine 93.
The locomotive weighs 187,000 lbs, 168,000 lbs on its drivers, and has 51" drivers and 21" x 30" cylinders. A coal burner operating at a boiler pressure of 190 psi it delivers 41,890 lbs tractive effort.
I took so many pictures but I’ve tried to pick out just the ones I really think are special.
So much rusty stuff, Diana would love it here.
Mining town ruins
It was a wonderful journey and we are both glad we took the time to ride the rails.
This afternoon we went down to the Hotel Nevada. It opened in 1929 and was the tallest building in the state as well as the first fire-proof building. Rooms rented for $1.50 and up, “All with private toilet; 85% with private bath.”
Prohibition was still in effect when the hotel opened, and from the beginning bootlegged refreshment and gambling were available 24 hours a day. “Bathtub Gin” made from raw alcohol, water, and flavorings and “White Lightening” was conveniently supplied by local individuals.
I won $60 when I put in my $5 that I allowed for gambling. Believe me, I cashed out.
Jim said to be sure and tell all of you THANKS for the birthday wishes. He doesn’t like getting older but he had a great week-end.
Ely, NV High 80 Low 51
Happy Birthday to the Love of my Life!
Covered 205 miles today and it was 205 miles of nothingness. This was the scenery or the entire drive along the Great Basin Parkway.
We’re at the Prospector Hotel, Casino and RV Park. Definitely nothing to write home about but $15 a night for full hook ups, works for us.
After getting set up, we drove out to the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park.
In 1872, Thomas Ward discovered silver near what's now Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. To fuel the smelter, six 30'-high, parabolic charcoal ovens were built in 1873. The beehive-shape reflected heat back into the center, while three rows of vents around the base allowed for fine adjustment of temperature. It took 13 days to fill, burn, and empty a 35-cord oven. Each cord of wood produced about 30 bushels of charcoal. Eventually, the nearby timber was depleted, making the ovens less economical to use, and the smelter shut down in 1879.
The charcoal ovens were made of quartz that was quarried nearby. After their function as charcoal ovens ended, they served diverse purposes, such as sheltering stockmen and prospectors during foul weather and even serving as a hideout for stagecoach bandits.
We also stopped at the Ward Cemetery. I find it fascinating to wander through the grave sites and think about the people buried there and what their lives were like.
Time to make Jim some Szechwan Chicken for dinner.
Jackpot, NV High 79 Low 43
Sunrise
County Park
Tonight we are parked at Cactus Pete’s Casino in Jackpot, NV. They have an RV park here for $22/night but we are boondocked right next to it for $0/night. Works for me.
Another 200 mile day tomorrow to Ely, NV and then we get to stay there for two nights.
Shelley, ID High 69 Low 44
There is absolutely no way I can expect to keep Jim away from fishing when we are camped near water. Last night he gathered up his fishing pole and headed down to the shore.
He caught a couple of small trout that he turned loose and came home a very happy, contented man.
A few more pictures of the lake and campground.
Clark Canyon Reservoir is the site of Camp Fortunate, one of the more significant spots along the Lewis and Clark Trail. It was at Camp Fortunate that the Lewis and Clark expedition met the Lemhi Shoshoni Tribe, and cached their canoes and a stash of supplies for the return trip. It was here that Sacagawea was reunited with her people.
The smoky skies make for beautiful sunsets.
Tonight we are at the North Bingham County RV Park. We found this park on our way north and it is just wonderful. $18 for w/e. It’s near Shelley, ID. We’re having fish for dinner.
Clark Canyon Reservoir, MT High 79 Low 39
But not without having more fun times. Jeff and Tina pulled into town for the night and stayed at the Wally World campground. We were headed out for dinner with my niece, Kim, so we just swung by and picked up Jeff and Tina to join us.
Love these bar stools:
Jeff wanted to know if he needed to dig out his tux for the evening but we were able to convince him that he just might be a tad overdressed.
Went to the Grubstake and had great food and lots of great conversation. Kim just doesn’t quite understand how people can sell their house and live in this thing on wheels but I think even she had fun listening to our exploits.
Wednesday morning we had everything ready to go early, but because we are only going 150 miles to a boondocking location, we decided we had time to surprise a few folks.
I worked for the IRS here in Helena for several years and the first Wednesday of every month, many of those retired IRSers get together for coffee. Today Jim and I joined them. Got so busy talking that I forgot to take any pictures. Was fun to see everybody again and I’m looking forward to meeting up with them again next summer.
Not A Very Pretty Scene
This is a picture of Butte, MT as you come down the hill into town. All that you can see is smoke from the forest fires. It was terrible.
We stopped at a rest stop about 40 miles south of Butte and this is a picture of the mountain there. Yep, there is a mountain back there somewhere.
Tonight we are camped at Clark Canyon Reservoir about 15 miles south of Dillon, MT. As you go across the dam you cross the 45th parallel.
If you go across the dam, you’ll find a campground with full hookups for $15 a night with your America the Beautiful Senior Pass. However, if you stay on the side of the reservoir that is closest to the highway, you can camp for free which is what we are doing. We have a beautiful breeze and gorgeous views of the lake (when the smoke dissipates ).
Goofy Girl (can you find Scooter?)
Helena, MT High 75 Low 44
Just wanted to let you know the reason we are headed for hot, hot, hot Arizona so early is because Jim’s doctors really think he needs a check up. His oncologist originally wanted us back in August but we finally convinced him that September would work.
We’ve stayed in Montana longer than we originally planned so our trip down south is going to be a pretty direct drive. Remember, we only travel around 150 miles a day, although on this trip we will probably have some 200 mile days in order to get there on time.
I have made a few plans for sightseeing along the way but not as much as I would like to do.
When Jim found out his doctor appointments were going to be in September, he set up a guided fishing trip on Lake Pleasant on the 15th of September. Now you can understand why we have to get down there.
