California to Nevada

The Lonliest Road in America, as highway 50 is so aptly named, was how we chose to travel Nevada. Rather than just drive we wanted to experience the land, the history of our country, including the goal rush in Nevada and the Pony Express. It's fascinating, really, and beautiful.

Our first night of camping was outside of Austin, Nevada. Along the way we pulled over at the Shoe Tree. Not historic, but a necessary highway 50 stop. We didn't throw any of our shoes in, didn't have room for spares in our car, but Ryan did get a photo.

Austin is a historic mining town. There wasn't much to see: the cemetary, the courthouse, a tower built in 1896, and gold rush stuff.

Pay attention to the date on this marker, as well as his birth-home.

Overlooking Nevada and an abandoned gold mine

Stop number two was in Eureka, which, as you can tell by the name, is also a historic mining town. It was much larger than Austin, and the city has done an excellent job of making things accessible for tourists. Liam enjoyed ringing this bell outside of their courthouse.

After Eureka we left highway 50 and joined up to 8o at Carlin. Along the road we had rough directions to a ghost town. Ryan drove 2 miles on a dirt road, eventually stumbling on these abandoned buildings that once was a booming gold mining town. Ryan wasn't impressed because his hometown is full of stuff like this, but I think it is fascinating.

Camping #2 is outside of Elko Nevada, at Thomas Canyon Campground. Please, if you enjoy camping, you must spend some time here. It was lovely, campsite 33 was great for Liam, because we were completely enclosed, so we didn't worry about him running away.

Hiking up to Lamoille Lake. And, yes, this is in Nevada.

Swimming in the glacier melt lake. Notice Ryan in the background.

Family Picture

Hiking in these mountains was unique for me because it was unlike any hiking I am used to. The trees were not evergreen, the mountains were full of wildflowers, it was beautiful.

After the Ruby Mountains we drove to the Grand Titans.

Stay Tuned for Part Two of our vacation.