What can I say about Ely that has not been said before? Not sure that there was much to say to begin with. Ely is this little cowboy/mining town in east central Nevada about 100 miles from anything. Nice enough town with all of the amenities, but not much more than that.
On my way down from Salt Lake City, I did make a quick stop in Wendover to see the Bonneville Salt Flats. Another amazing site in a very long list of amazing sites on this trip. The mountains look to be about a mile or so away but are in fact over ten miles. I can see where someone could die of thirst walking to a destination and not ever getting there.
I also got a birds eye view of Wendover Field, site of the training program for the B-29 bomber crews that ultimately flew some extremely important missions to Japan.
I am now on Pacific Time and having a heck of a time getting that all sorted out. Three hours behind all of my friends and family. You all are getting ready for bed, and I am just starting to think about dinner.
On Wednesday, I made an early run east to visit Great Basin National Park near the Utah border. Mostly wilderness land with four or five different eco systems varied due to altitude. I did get some hiking in and it felt good to get up to stride again as it has been a week or more since my last good walk. Also rode up to Wheeler Peak which is about a 5,000-foot gain from the foot of the basin. The view is stunning, and of course it is a shear drop off of the shoulder. Another spectacular view, unfortunately there was enough haze to prevent any really good shots.
Wheeler Peak, 5000 feet above the valley floor and blooming cacti
Tissue paper flowers (not really). Can anyone remember where we parked the car?!?
One of the primary features of this park is the bristle cone pines that grow in the moraines beneath Wheeler Peak. Some have been documented as old as 4,000 years. Think of that. Happy Birthday!!!
After lunch, I head back to Ely and made a quick visit to the railroad museum in town. The great part of this museum is that you can actually wander the yards and see all of the equipment they have there including both restored, and original equipment. You are also allowed to tour the engine house without escort. Watch your step please! I got lots of great shots both inside and out. This was much better than the rope and stanchion type museums that you usually see. You can also ride the rails for a fee, as well as run the engines. Seems like the lawyers and insurance companies have yet to catch up to this little treasure. I hope they never change their ways.
Below is a black & white study of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum
