Through the Sierra Nevada

June 15, 2017

We are driving on Interstate 80 from Wendover to Winnemucca. The highway follows the path that the wagons heading to California took over 150 years ago. Thankfully, we are much faster and can close the windows against the dust.

We are at an altitude of 3000 meters. Among the earth-colored hills along the way, more and more snow-covered mountain chains appear. The area is lonely but not boring. As soon as you drive out of a narrow gorge into the valley, the landscape opens up wide and occasionally you can see a cowboy with his animals.

We stop in Elko because we want to eat our donuts. We find a beautiful park with grass and benches and a 1956 Chevy with friendly owners. They generously agree to take a photo of us, but only after the Missis has finished her sandwich. They told Gudrun that they bought the car as a wedding gift 18 years ago.

Then we realize that our phone connection apparently wasn't extended, even though we paid $45 for it in Santa Fe. A slight panic because our navigation system doesn't work without it. I call the hotline and break off after a while. They are worse here in this supposed service country than in Germany. There is no option to speak with a real person. Fortunately, the only AT&T office within a radius of 500 miles is located in Elko. The navigation system still takes us there and we are helped. The line is activated and the manager admires us for our adventurous spirit.

Two hours later, we arrive in Winnemucca. This is where Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch operated around 1900. Today, he would probably have found more lucrative targets than back then. We immediately take the free shuttle to the casino....