I had little or no information on the road from Sparks to Winnemucca other than it looked pretty desolate.
Leaving Sparks, we began weaving through several canyons
where trees were almost non-existent other than immediately along the banks of the Truckee River.
However, soon the hills receded and the landscape leveled out. In the distance to the south, we began to notice patches of “white” in the distance.
Having been to White Sands and the Mosca Dunes in southern Colorado we immediately thought, “sand”. However, further down I-80, the areas of white came closer
and closer to the road
and it sure didn’t look like sand.
Pulling into a rest area, we had a chance to read some of the information signs and realized we were in the middle of the Forty Mile Desert, a barren stretch of waterless, alkali wasteland. It was the most dreaded section of the California Emigrant Trail …
running from the banks of the Missouri River to California … whose heaviest traffic occurred between 1849 and 1869. Starvation and thirst preyed upon people and animals every mile. A survey made in 1850 illustrated the appalling statistics: the dead included 1,061 mules, almost 5,000 horses and 3,750 cattle in addition to 953 human graves.
Along the way, there were a few towns, mostly mining related until we neared Winnemucca. At the same time, there were other so-called towns , like Jessup … which amounts to an exit ramp from both east and west bound traffic with a bridge underneath. That’s all! No other roads, no buildings … nothing!
Passing the Hot Spring exit we wondered if there were really any hot springs in the area. Less than a half mile further on, we got our answer when we saw steam rising out of vents on the valley floor.
While we passed two
Even if someone did break out, there is really no where to go!
a few abandoned sites whose prior use remains a mystery,
and some areas where fires had scorched some of the rangeland
However, for the most part I-80 runs through relatively desolate but captivating landscapes
Approaching Winnemucca, a community of just shy of 7,400 people, the first farming we’ve seen today appears amid the otherwise brown countryside.
After checking in, getting hooked up
and doing some routine “housekeeping chores, we settled down over a glass of wine and began to really appreciate the scenery.
Your blog is a constant source of inspiration and knowledge. Thank you!
Your thoughtful analysis has really made me think. Thanks for the great enjoy reading!
You have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing.
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic. Thanks for the clarity!
Your thoughtful analysis has really made me think. Thanks for the great enjoy reading!
What a refreshing take on this subject. I completely agree with your points!
I’m in awe of the way you handle topics with both grace and authority.
obviously like your website but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the truth on the other hand I抣l surely come back again.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic. Thanks for the clarity!
I admire the way you tackled this complex issue. Very enlightening!
Reading The work is like watching the sunrise, a daily reminder of beauty and new beginnings.
Stumbling upon this article was the highlight of my day, much like catching a glimpse of a smile across the room.
This is a brilliant piece of writing. You’ve nailed it perfectly!