Hell’s Half Acre

We are “supper-camped” in Eureka, Nevada. We left the campground about 10am but didn’t leave the park until 10:30. As we were coming down from the campground, I noticed a Very Large bird like object at roadside. As we approached it (slowly, as we were descending) it took off. It was GIGANTIC. We haven’t seen any birds except hawks so far, and I am almost certain
it was an eagle. It was much much larger than any turkey vultures or hawks we’ve seen. It took us until well after noon to hit Ely (only 60 miles away). We did laundry and grocery shopping with the trailer in tow; something we haven’t done yet in Ely. I had thought that by the time we got all that done, we’d want to stay the night, but Jamie really wants to keep the mileage high and make tracks for the SF Bay Area. As the kids (except Ellen) have been eating like horses lately, I loaded up on MUCH protein and snacks. They had olives, carrots, salami and ham sandwiches for lunch and beef stew for dinner. They have been complaining all day (until we hit the grocery store) of hunger. For the moment, they are sated.

While we have only managed to cover some 130 miles by 5pm, we have crossed SIX mountain passes. After travelling this part of highway 50, I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to drive 80. Well, we did, about a year ago, but now that we know 50, we’ll never take 80 again. Saying that it is incredibly scenic is a gross understatement. It is amazing. You crest one pass and layed out before you is a low basin type valley and another mountain range on the other side. The towns are very few and far between (in time) but we like the smallness of the ride. There are millions (so it seems) of turnouts all along the highway; perfect places for boondocking. So far, BLM land has stretched all the way from Ely and there have been numerous places for picnicing and resting. We’ve seen mainly trailers and RV’s along the road; only two semi’s and a handful of cars.

The kids are overjoyed at the thought that we may be at “Andrew’s” house tomorrow night and are giddy with excitement. We are at what seems to be an abandoned school. There is a great park and playground next to it but the school does not seem to be in use. We could spend the night here, and George probably would, but Jamie is still not comfortable with urban boondocking (though honestly, to call Eureka “urban” is really a stretch). I personally think it would make a great night camp.