A History Lesson

Hi All
As you probably know, one of the distinguishing features of my route is that it was used by so many different people. Just in the 1800's alone, you can count the Mormons who trekked to Salt Lake (fleeing or seeking), the Pony Express to and from California (looking for government subsidy), the Oregon settlers on their way to homestead (cheap/free land), and of course, the so-called 49'ers intent on the instant wealth of finding gold (something for nothing). This means that without getting off my bike I am able to see an incredible number of historical points. Which is good since a side trip on a bike is not like a side trip in a car.
But roads diverge, and so near Kemmerer the Pony Express and the Mormons headed south for Salt Lake City (to be) and points west. We (the 49'ers and I) split with the Oregon people at Raft River when we headed south-west to City of Rocks and the Humboldt River and they chose north-west. Now those trail markers that have marked my journey from Independence no longer have the four logos but only show the California Trail.

Today was kind of flat. I spent an hour in the broken-down historical section of Wells taking photos and then came almost to Elko before finding a gas station with cold drinks. The route was just hilly enough to be challenging but I was forced onto I80 most of the way which is fine for cars but bad for people. I think because most of the unknown part of the journey is over and much of my day is now routine, I am getting homesick. I have been on the road for over a month which is a long time away. This part of the journey can be measured in 50 mile days of biking which I can use to cut up the map into the stages to come. Thank goodness I have the really big mountains ahead to anticipate. Maybe I should change routes? I think too that I am eager to get to Vancouver and see John and family as well as meet Rachel.

Today after lunch I crossed the Humboldt for the first time. It was a pretty small stream to me but to 49ers after some days without water since leaving the 1000 Springs Creek, I guess it was a welcome sight.

Tonight I am in Elko which seems pretty big on gambling - there are a lot of casinos, which is ironic in such a depressed area. The RV park I'm in runs a shuttle to The Red Lion Casino down the street, and lucky for me, there is a Pizza Hut across the street. That's my evening.

Tomorrow I need to make Battle Mountain which is about 80 miles west. I also need to climb Immigrant Pass early in the afternoon which locals smirk when they tell me - yagayawerkcututferyabey (or something like that - we were in a bar). By the way, people here all think I have an accent - when it's them who do.

Be Excellent
Laurence

ps Marivic thanks for the note - I hope they get all the good of my genes and none of the bad, and Happy Birthday Jacinta
ps Lee thank you so much for your work on the map
ps Barack and Michy - stay calm but they don't like your outlawing full automatics here, you actually go into places here and people are passing firearms around - still freaks me out. But then Neil had an empty can in his hand and asked one person if they recycled and he responded "You from California"?
ps Lara it was so cold this morning the water was frozen in my camel mouthpiece - brrrrrr
ps Irene and Patrick - how can you have a 40 yr. old son? I can't have friends that old.
ps Andie what a sweet note - I detect you are missing travelling yourself? Soon enough.
ps Neil, I've still got all that soup. I'll bring it to your house.
ps Colleen - sorry for the reception last night - I was in a Casino restaurant and all the electronics seem to play havoc with my phone. Please try tonight - you are my highlight.
ps Kim, how are things on Botsford?
L