ANOTHER SHORT INTERSTATE 80 ROAD TRIP March 22, 2008
Tired of waiting for anybody to carpool or climb
with me, I knew I had to start driving my car. It sat for most
of the winter, and I'd think it'd go to waste to not be driven.
I'm paying for insurance and maintenance, regardless of how much
I use it. This also was a good test run for my planned two road
trips, before summer arrives.
Motoring quickly up Interstate 80, the roads and weather were
clear and pleasant. Plenty of traffic, though on this weekend.
Slow on the hills, my fuel efficiency paid off with close to 40
mpg overall, with then only some 7.5 gallons used for the 285
miles, round trip. Making my usual photo stop at Yuba Gap, I had
views of the peaks, including Old Man Mountain (7,789'). Castle
Peak's summit turret was clear of any ice or snow. Lots of snow
on the slopes about Donner Summit, and I wished to stop for more
photos.
Shopping at my favorite, environmentally friendly, clothing outlet,
I saved about $100, picking discounted items that will make nice
outerwear for the spring. More than offsetting the $26 I'd spend
for gas.
I hiked up the nearby hill along the Truckee River, from the park
at the end of Woodland Drive. The snow is melting, and Peavine
Peak is largely free of any snow to impede any hiking. The subdivisions
looked so inviting to live in, with the clusters of homes. Reno
is a growing city, and though there are attempts at halting the
sprawl, someday, this town may be as big as Las Vegas.
Motoring over along McCarran, I shortly came to the Huffaker Hills
Trailhead. Hiking the Twin Peaks, I saw little new work on the
trails. Some wildflowers bloomed, and I shot a few close-ups.
Some other hikers sat on the summit, and they left as I topped
out. The view of Mt. Rose (10,776')
was clear enough, and maybe someday, I'll ski it again.
Back to my car, I
saw what was new on South Virginia, then came to the downtown
area. Parking at a garage, I went into the main casino complex
and sought to have some food and drink. A billboard advertised
a potential win of a Prius, but I saw only larger cars. The 25
cent slots I sat down to play didn't take quarters anymore. I
had a hamburger, and shortly left. There were plenty of people
gaming, and the tables were full.
Headed westbound on 80, I figured to do another hike. I parked
then in Truckee, CA, and strolled along the main street. There
are new names for some of the shops, and I had a power drink.
Someday again, maybe I'll dine here.
I made another photo stop, then came to Old Town Auburn. It was
pretty quiet, and I snapped a few more photos. I recalled the
nice, friendly, dining experience when our ski and hiking groups
would stop after our activities. Seems that's all gone, with the
club policy, now. I wondered whether to wait for magic hour, but
chose to head home. I got some vegetables at a buffet, and came
home at an early hour.
I hiked
maybe 3 miles, with perhaps several hundred feet of gain. My gas
for this trip was all had at 3.499. I shot 266 images and movie
clips.
No bugs, and only a few wildflowers. Wearing
only one medium layer with a shell parka and LW top, I wore no
additional bottoms under my long pants. I brought my old, worn
out boots, saving my new ones from wear on such an unimportant,
two short hikes.
Hoping to make another few trips, this spring, I'll watch the
weather for the Pacific Northwest. It's getting too warm for the
Desert, and I like new things. Having such a nice time up in Oregon,
in April, 2004, and May, 2006, I hope to accomplish a few more,
Earth-friendlier, been there, done that's!
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