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June 2008
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Seniors 4 Travel
Vacation the Silver State
Planning a vacation this summer? We’ve been told that travelers can expect expenses to be 10 to15 percent higher than last year. That is especially true if you’re going by automobile. At the moment, gasoline prices are almost one dollar a gallon higher than last year. Prices for all petroleum products will continue to creep higher in the weeks ahead, so it’s predicted.
Good Grief! (Borrowing Charlie Brown’s most famous expression.) Time to rethink those vacation plans, say many folks that we’ve talked to. Who says you can’t have a nice holiday right here in northern Nevada? We learned that several friends who have lived here for many years have yet to discover all that our state has to offer.
Travel east on Interstate 80 or Highway 50 and you’ll find plenty of interesting Nevada attractions.
Great Basin National Park
How about that wondrous Great Basin National Park near Baker? The park is only 385 miles from Reno via Highway 50 (the socalled Loneliest Road). If the lonely road thought is bothersome, an alternate route, adding a few dozen miles to the journey, can be driven. Take I-80 a few miles east from Wells, then south on Highway 93 to the park.
Great Basin is a wild and exciting land with dozens of natural attractions - streams, lakes, alpine plants, and abundant wildlife. Also of interest are the numerous limestone caverns, including the legendary Lehman Caves. Great Basin National Park is a perfect spot to spend a day, a week, or longer. There is no park entrance fee but campgrounds cost $10 per night, or $5 with a Golden Age Passport. Lehman Cave tours are offered daily. Fees vary depending on the tour length, up to $10 per person. It might be prudent to call ahead (775) 234-7331 (extension 242) for Cave tickets. The park entrance is five miles west of Baker, near the Nevada-Utah border.
There are two motels in Baker. At the Border Inn (775) 234-7300), rooms with two double beds rent for $45. The Silver Jack Inn (775) 234- 7323 offers rooms with two double beds at $65 or with twin beds at $55. Motel accommodations tend to be a bit higher in the summer months. Reservations should be made well in advance because the park gets very busy as the weather gets warmer. We’ve been advised that gasoline now costs $4.05 per gallon at the local service station.
Lovelock, Nevada
An interesting outing along I-80 is to Lovelock, once a stopping-off place for over a century for pioneers trekking west to California. Capitalizing on the city name, couples are invited to reaffirm their love for one another by putting a padlock on the iron railing behind the courthouse. By the looks of it, a great many have done just that. There is a nice little city park next to the courthouse for your picnic lunch.
Unionville
Unionville, 25 miles south of the Interstate at the Mill City exit is where Mark Twain lived for a brief time seeking his fortune (unsuccessfully) mining for silver. The Old Pioneer Garden Inn, operated by the Jones family, offers a beautiful respite from the stress and business of everyday life. It’s one of our favorite places to stay. Their telephone number is (775) 538-7585.
Winnemucca
Winnemucca named after the Indian princess, beckons the frugal traveler looking for an historic landmark. Not too far north of Winnemucca via Highway 95 is Paradise Valley where you’ll find the Stonehouse Country Inn Bed & Breakfast situated at the base of the Santa Rosa mountains Phone: (775) 578-3530 Fax: (775) 578-3716. E-mail: stonehouse@m-hip.com. Innkeeper: Steve Lucas.
Pyramid Lake
For a day trip, consider Pyramid Lake about 28 miles north of Reno. It’s here where the Truckee River exits. This popular fishing and boating spot is on an Indian Reservation. Because of that, you will need to buy a special fishing license if fishing is your passion. Take Pyramid Highway north from Sparks or Hwy 447 off I-80 near the Fernley exit.
Gerlach
Continue north on Highway 447 for approximately 50 miles from Pyramid Lake to Gerlach and the Black Rock area, now world-famous as home of the annual Burning Man festival, scheduled this year from August 25 to September 1.
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge & Santa Rosa Paradise Peak Wilderness Area
Traveling about 50 miles further north on a more rustic road you may enjoy visiting Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge or by going east from there about 85 miles on Highway 140 you can visit the Santa Rosa Paradise Peak Wilderness Area. Both are excellent spots for campers.
Undoubtedly, Nevada offers the auto traveler, even though on a limited budget, and faced with ever-increasing gasoline prices, many exciting and truly beautiful places to visit. Enjoy the summer right here in the Silver State.