So we took an easy day, ending in Pocatello, to stage for our run … and after hearing only positive things about Elko, we pointed the Hyundai and hit the gas, thinking that we’d have a quick driving day with some fun in Nevada.

Now, as technologically dorky as Spammer and I are, we didn’t pore over Google Earth prior to setting out … we sort of pick roads at random … and what we found along the way was no less than the most amazing road we’ve ever seen.  I’ve road tripped more than 30000 miles in my life, and what we saw today was pristine, awe-inspiring and just a little bit scary.   Check out the pictures, and if you have the chance, get to Jarbidge, NV.

Oh, so there will probably be some drinking and checking-out of the brothels … possibly gambling. Stay tuned.

There appear to be three ways into town, all on treacherously winding one lane dirt roads. It looks as if there’s one open eating establishment — another appeared closed. The population: 16 (plus or minus).

This is a town that has seen better days, and although there seem to be some spirit left, I wonder how many towns like this will survive into the next century.

We had lunch at the Outdoor Inn, two great burgers and some good company.  We had tried to get gas, only to find that the gas station owner was having lunch.   We got some suggestions from him and a couple other travellers.  That’s him below.  Can’t you just hear him saying: “Boy, I ain’t seen a shirt that tight on a man since them crazy days of disco!”  By the way, the dog was super friendly, just flea-infested.   I mistakenly threw the dog’s favorite stick in the brambles.  Oops.

more pics:

the cheeseburger

the patty melt

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