We left Wells Nevada early after a quick breakfast in the room. We had noticed yesterday that there was a dilapidated building next to our motel guarded by an older man with a beard and a piercing stare. There were handwritten signs pasted on the wall and windows behind him. This morning we got a better look as the guardian was not present. The largest signs read, “Call Reno FBI” along with a phone number, ostensibly of the Nevada FBI field office. Another read, “Putin takes Nevada”. This gentleman either has some VERY inside knowledge or is possibly a paranoid schizophrenic. Food for thought in any case.
As this stretch of highway promised to be mountainous and have road construction, Tom drove. Paula snoozed a lot, thus missing most of the curves and construction and mountain passes. Tommy says it was a very scenic and enjoyable ride, and Paula wasn’t even snoring!
We stopped for lunch at the Black Rock grill and got sandwiches. The grill was located inside a casino, whose mascot appeared to be a big stuffed mountain lion. Very fierce looking.
In no time we were in Reno on a hot, sunny, breezy afternoon. We first checked out the riverwalk and were delighted to see that the water was the Truckee River, looking full, with fast current and clear clean-looking water. Can’t wait for the 3rd annual Tahoe XL group rafting trip! Duct tape and oars!!
We wandered to the Nevada Museum of art, whose coolest exhibit was of the equipment used by the Ghost Army of the US during WWII. Apparently, it was this unit’s mission, to create the illusion of much more military equipment and men than actually existed in key areas, to fool the Axis troops and sway battle results. To this end, they manufactured blow-up airplanes and tanks, as well as playing recorded sounds of troops on the move with voices, tank engine sounds and on occasion, realistic barracks, and fake generals!
By now it was time to check in to our room. The El Dorado is both a fancy casino and hotel and houses several restaurants and coffee shops as well as multiple bars in the casino proper. Our room was nice, and we rested a bit before dressing and going to dinner at La Strada. This Italian restaurant was fancy, and the food was awesome. Tom and Paula each had a virgin Margarita. Tom had tomato basil bisque and Pasta Orcchiette, which was made with slightly spicy Calabrian red peppers, garlic, broccolini, and Ricotta Salata. Paula had the charred octopus appetizer (her favorite) and the swordfish. We each had a dessert, tiramisu for Paula and Chocolate Hazelnut Cake for Tommy.
After dinner we staggered into the casino and had fun losing $28 on video poker. Tonight we look forward to a good night’s sleep and an early start to be at Kyle and Glenny’s house before lunchtime. That will be the end of this cross-country trip making this our last blog post until we begin our weekly posts from Lake Tahoe. Look for the first one of those in about a week.
Th