Nevada 2024

The drive from Ely was about an hour. I stopped for lunch at a wildlife viewing area that had picnic tables. Lunch was Cobb salad, and it was very good. However, it was windy and getting cold, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked. A group of motorcycles came to the rest area and took it as my cue to leave.

The speed limit has been 70 mph throughout Nevada. Except this stretch had a lot of curves, plus I was heading up into the hills. So it was a little slower going. The scenery has been absolutely stunning. Especially with the deep blue sky and fluffy clouds.

I arrived at the Visitor's Center around 2pm. I stopped in to ask about the best campground. She said there were 3 of them, with about 80 total sites. All are first come, first serve, so I better get one soon. Okay--not the help I was looking for, but I took the advice and got on the road.

There is no park entry fee for Great Basin, so that is nice. Especially since I am 10 days from being able to get a Golden Eagle pass. (I would have saved on the camping fees) I drove past the first campground accidentally, and also the 2nd. But I backed up and looked around Upper Lehman Creek.

There were not a ton of sites, so I was looking for "first available."" I found a good enough one and put my table cloth on the picnic table. I started to walk downhill to the pay station and realized I didn't note the site number. So I walked back up the hill. #15 was the site. Halfway down the hill, I remembered my wallet was in the car. Back up the hill! I was out of breath and realized I am at 7500'! On my way to the pay station, I saw site #4, which had a shaded table and was bigger. So I went back up the hill AGAIN and got the car. I left the tablecloth on the table, just in case someone snagged #4 while I was getting back. I threw a blanket on the table of #4 and drove to the pay station. No more of this walking nonsense! Then I paid for #4, drove to #15 to retrieve my tablecloth, and drove to #4 to start setting up.

It is about 100' from the car to the picnic table. It was quite a long distance when carrying the cooler and the 7 gallon water jug. There is no water in the campground--I knew that ahead of time. I set up my tent even though I plan on sleeping in the Fit. It is a good place to store bags and other things. I also set up my stove, chair, kitchen table, and side table. I am ready to go!

Dinner tonight was salmon and asparagus as they were on the "must go" list for today. I also had a Tom Collins cocktail for happy hour.

I was beat and decided against a fire. Instead, I did the dishes, washed up and headed to the car for bed!En savoir plus