Today's Travels

As some of you know, my in-laws are visiting us from the United Kingdom. We are always so happy to have them visit. They are a true pleasure for my entire family, and the days spent with them are full of fun activities, get-togethers, bar-b-ques, and sight seeing.

When they visit in the summer we celebrate the Fourth Of July Holiday, and afterward travel about the great state of Nevada to see what we can in the few short days remaining. Last year we drove from the western border of Nevada to the eastern border to see Great Basin National Park, and The Lehman Caves. It was a spectacular, and long drive down Highway 50, but well worth the trip. Especially when you think of all the things we got to see on the way, such as the Shoe Tree. Yes, we left a pair that we all signed and dated for posterity.

Today we decided to travel to the Black Rock Desert. To get there we traveled through the Paiute Indian Reservation, and the tribal towns of Wadsworth, Nevada, Nixon, Nevada, and past Pryamid Lake.

Once past those towns we stopped at Snoopy Rock.



We also other picturesque views along the way.













There were two other smalls towns that we passed on our way to the Black Rock Desert. They were Empire, and Gerlach. Both were very small, but offered the basics, and had a lot of character.

From Gerlach, we traveled only a bit further to enter the Black Rock Desert. We were on a search for Hot Springs, which there are supposedly many, but we found none, and weren't too sure about driving aimlessly across the desert playa to locate them. We did happen across another sight that made the trip worth it. Visible from the road was a shelter in the playa, that we decided we would risk the drive to. Upon arrival, we discovered it was The North American Eagle and they are making an attempt to break the land speed record.

Captain Dramatic was beside himself with utter glee. We were all impressed, and happy to have been present as well. All of those there with the team making the attempt were so kind, and very informative. It was an amazing experience. Here are some photos:

The Car:

Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08

My Family with the car:


Shot with Canon DIGITAL IXUS II at 2009-07-08

Just as an FYI, if you think the playa of the Black Rock Desert looks like a harsh environment, you are right. Despite this, thousands venture onto the playa every year to participate in the Burning Man festival. A vast majority of them live on the playa for over a week. They are either brave or stupid, or maybe a little of both, but there is never a doubt that they enjoy their time there.