COLORADO TRIP - 2001

8/20/01 (Monday) - Sand Mountain to Great Basin National Park

We got an early start today (6:15am) to head out across the state of Nevada on US-50 to Great Basin National Park; a bit over 300 miles drive.  On the way we looked for service stations where we could up the air pressure in our truck tires.  Finally, at Ely, NV, we got the tire pressure up and gassed up as well ($1.559/gal).  We drove on to Great Basin National Park where we found a campsite at 7500' elevation.  Went to the visitor center and bought a Golden Age Pass for $10.00.  Good for the rest of my life and we can camp at half price.

 
Aspen trees in the campground area

After the drive we didn't feel up to a cave visit or a 3-mile hike to the Bristlecone Pines.  So we settled for a drive on the scenic road to Wheeler Peak.  A couple of shots taken during the drive were taken.  We could see grand views of the Great Basin area in Utah and the eastern edge of Nevada, and some nice scenes of the crenellated peaks at the top of the mountain.

 
A view of Wealer Mountain

Some of the crenalated peaks

Back at camp our outdoor happy hour was quickly terminated by the aggressive sweat bees, so we finished up inside the trailer.  Dinner that night was fried salmon filets, fresh green beans, parselied potatoes and tomato salad.