This time we left Lee Vining bright and early at 7am. We headed out across the undulating Hwy120, enjoying the corners and the ups and downs. Then it was turn left on to US6 and to our first state border. Into Nevada and the roads straightened out and ran in great swoops from mountain range to range.
Think about crossing the Hay Plains, but with something on the horizon to look at - and much better roads. It is amazing that these roads across barren deserts are so smooth and well made.
We refuelled at Tonopah and called in to the Ramada Casino for a coffee. Which turned into a second breakfast.
Leaving here I made my first lose for the day. I knew the turnoff was somewhere to the east of town but I thought it was after the casino - it was before. Something I didn't discover until we were several miles down the road. Back to town and a right turn and we were on the right track again.
We stopped at the Extra terrestrial Hwy sign and our old sticker was still there. So we added another larger one so people could see it better. Then it was in to the tiny town of Rachel for an ice cold lemonade. Happily this time the GPS didn't play up as we went close to Area 51. I guess they have shut down the jamming signal huh?
Only another 80 miles or so and we were at Caliente for a refuel after 202 miles with no servos. With the trailer on I can get a little more than 230 so we were fine. Turned out I used about half a gallon more than the others without a trailer. So we had a fix for that.
Just before Cedar City lives Bruce, an old schoolfriend of Jack who had offered to look after the trailer for a few weeks until we return this way. We have loaded everything we need into the bike and will not be camping while we are travelling on the AWRA leg of our journey. So no need to tow the trailer and use an extra third to half a gallon each fillup.
We also turned up 7777 miles today. The rear tyre is beginning to look a little second hand. Front is fine. We still have a few miles to do before getting a new set put on. I ordered a set yesterday and they are being delivered to Albuquerque. Lets hope we make it.
We found our digs in Cedar City fine, but ended up going around in circles looking for a Wal-Mart so Bob could get his specs fixed and find some medication for Kerry. We also needed some supplies for wash day tomorrow. Then it was a meal and return to the motel for some much needed rest after a very long day.
Here's the piccies:- There'll be a few memories for John and Kaz amongst these.
US6 crosses the desert. We had clear skies and interesting horizons
Commemorating past glories
John and Kaz will recognize this table. Didn't ask for it, but the waiter les us right to it. Spooky.
and once again we dodged them to arrive in Cedar City nice and dry.
Hey guys. WOW that little sticker is still there. Spooky on the seat but you were about to pass through that area clint where the GPS failed and you blamed it on the unit.
ReplyDeletekeep safe and ride well
J&K