It was time to jet outta Carson City. The ghosts were pressing in and invading my personal space. I need to get, eventually, to Bendo again for more in what seems an endless series of medical appointments, but decided to take the long way (home). I went east.
First stop was Winnemucca, Nevada. I’ve been through it so many times, even stopping once or twice to either get gas or hit the McD for brekkie. I’d never stayed overnight before.
I probably won’t do it again. Not that it was bad or anything. The motel I used was decent, and had a great shower and strong Wifi. It’s just that I don’t have a reason to ever stop again in Winnemucca. The trip there was as easy as it gets. I stopped at every rest area — not necessarily because I needed to, but just to read another chapter, and hit the restroom. Better to use and not be in a dire sitch, than to bypass and pay the price later! Reading about the Carson link of the Oregon trail was pretty interesting too.
After Winnemucca, it was north on 95 to Boise. Why Boise? Costco dog. No other reason really. Leaving town, I had the road to myself. I cruised easily to Ft. McDermott where I stopped for a cup of decaf joe, a chapter and a bio break. Getting back on the road, Siri told me the route to Boise was changed.
Huh. It was advising me the road now was closed ahead. No reason, just…closed. I decided to go for it.
I don’t know if I would have saved time if I’d gone the alternate route (more than 100 miles longer), but it would have put me off my intent to only gas up at Costcos (yeah, whatever), since the added distance may have required a fuel stop. As it was, we sat unmoving for an hour or more as the crews ahead cleared the roadway from the rollover.
The crickets were moving faster than we were. In hordes. And eating their fellow travelers that had gotten crunched on the roadway. Kind of an “ugh” situation that I’d not have seen otherwise. Good or bad? You decide for yourself.
Boise was…fine? I didn’t do much other than hit Costco for both gas and a dog1. I stayed at a Super 8 here, one that had only marginal ratings. I don’t know what these other people expect from a budget hotel chain. It was fine. Comfortable bed, decent shower, and breakfast included. Rating it a 5/10 because the desk chair is worn, and the hallway carpet is old and musty seems a bit excessive (from a review I read).
From Boise, my trail led northwestward. I decided to stay a night in Baker City, OR. I’d passed through years ago in the Volvo, staying the night at the rest stop on the north side of town. (Side note: rest stops in OR are much better than those in NV. Better than CA too, because they’re not open in CA.) I decided to visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on the east side of town. That was worth it. Of course, with my newly acquired National Parks pass, it was free. The exhibits were interesting, as was reading about that part of history.
The walking route to visit the ruts of actual Oregon Trail was my favorite. I took a loop through the sagebrush down to where the ruts still exist. Had the entirety of the area to myself for almost two hours. Nobody else ventured from the building. I watched kestrels and nightjars flying, and the quiet and sun and breeze? Sublime.
My motel in Baker City is fine. Recently remodeled, so there’s that. Very quiet with a nice coffee maker, fridge and microwave. Not bad Wifi. If I were to stay in the area, I’d be willing to stay a few nights. The view out the window was nice.
The building in the distance? That’s the Baker Tower. I do like me some Art Deco. It’s apartments, too, so that’s cool. The town has the weird art that I remembered from before too. Nothing like a croc on the wall to tell you you’re in eastern Oregon, amirite?
Interestingly, the car next to mine in the parking lot at the motel is a Ferrari. Not what I would expect at a budge motel, but there you are. Speaking of cars, the K5 has been a more than decent rental. Forty five plus MPG. The repeated nagging to “Consider taking a break” though is annoying. You know, K5 — can I call you K? — sometimes I cut the lane a bit on a curve or drift while checking out something to one side or the other. It doesn’t mean I’m driving tired.
Overall though, if choosing between the Corolla I had earlier and the K5, I think I’d take the Corolla. Better adaptive driving technology with similar mileage. I’ve no idea how they compare in price, though.
Recent Decent
Just finished King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby. It was a good read. I’d read Razorblade Tears by him earlier this year, enjoyed it and decided to give another of his efforts a go. It was the right decision.
And, via a different media, I’ve finished up Landman. The title role fit Billy Bob to a tee. Looking forward to the next season.
Be kind and take care of yourselves. If you can, care for someone else, too.
Slang, out.
The Costco dog was good. As good as they are, well, everywhere. Going there for it was as good a reason to go anywhere as any other. And now I can take Idaho off the list.
+1 for being on the Oregon Trail and not dying of dysentery.