Beemer Driver: Day 5

     We began in Salina, Utah known for its coal production, with chilly but comfortable temps. It had rained some the night before so the air smelled fresh. We learned from a Harley guy, who was amazed we were leaving so early - 0715 - that today was the first day of hunting season. Bambie could be running for cover across the highway. Well, we didn't see bambie all day. Maybe those guys are good for something. What we did see were some of the most impressive views along route 50 I've ever seen. What pictures we've taken won't begin to convey the awesome views we saw as the sun rose at our backs. The ride to Reno was uneventful except for the many instances where the view blew us away. One, in particular, smacked us in the face as we came out of a wonderful set of turns heading down into one of the many valleys we crossed today. The road stretched out ahead of us in a perfectly straight line for as far as we could see. David had me slow down so he could take a pic - we weren't going fast - he just needed a second to frame things up - honest mom - it's true!
     I'm sorry I can't bring you video - today would have been perfect with great clean roads through the mountain ranges we crossed. My camera is MIA - not in our stuff and not at the hotel in Pueblo where we last used it. The maid got it despite our walk through before we left. The hotel says otherwise of course. Bummer!
     As the day progressed the temps rose to the upper 80's and we dumped layers twice at fuel stops along the way.   Route 50 thru Nevada, "the loneliest highway in the world" is so remote we had to get gas at each town to make sure we could get to the next one.
   We did encounter our first construction delay - 15 minutes or so - but that was it.
We arrived in Reno around 4:45 and checked in to the Bonanza Inn, sporting cable TV with no reception and a condemned set of stairs to our wing.