After breakfast at the International Hotel in Austin

After a leisurely breakfast at Austin's International Hotel and browsing in The Main Street Shops the MaryJane Sisters said goodbye to Austin and headed out on the Hwy 50 trail. We stopped in Eureka for gas and a visit to Eureka's oldest building, the Tannehill Brothers Log Cabin. It is located on the edge of town at Nevada Historical Marker 222. After a brief stop to explore in and around this historical home imagining what it would have been like living in this one-room house in 1864, and realizing how excessive we are in the 21st century, we continued on to Ely.

We pulled off the road for a photo op at Robinson Summit. A concerned NHP stopped to see if everything was all right. We assured the patrolman we were OK and that we had just stopped to take a picture of a road sign. We cruised on through Robinson Pass and soon came upon the Nevada Mining Company's Robinson Operation.

We became curious about the copper mining town of Ruth, only two miles from the sign, and went to investigate. The tiny town was quiet and the homes were small and charming. We noticed a lot of the houses had a chain link fence around them, and wondered why that was. We dropped in on the New Ruth Club for some dust cutter and friendly conversation. The barkeep was easygoing and happy to oblige us. We learned that the fencing around the homes was to keep cattle and coyotes out of the yards.

The Robinson Copper Mine had recently shut down, explaining the quietness of the town. A couple taking the load off their feet and having a refreshing beverage suggested we visit Cave Lake State Recreation Area on the outskirts of Ely and take Success Loop scenic drive. So, feeling re-energized and with a mission we said goodbye to our new friends at the New Ruth Club.

We cruised into Ely around 3:00 and secured accommodations for the night at the Hotel Nevada. Since there was still plenty of daylight left we headed to Cave Lake and Success Loop.

At Cave Lake

Cave Lake is 15 miles southeast of Ely and is nestled in the Schell Creek Range adjacent to the Humboldt National Forest. It is a 32-acre reservoir and its fresh water and boat launches were enticing. There was a sign notating fees but we assumed it didn't apply to us. After all, we didn't have a boat. Besides, we were just pass'n through absorbing the beauty of our trail. Success Loop turned into a dirt road winding through part of Schell Creek Range. Groves of trembling aspen were scattered about. Most of them had already shed their golden coats and stood naked with their white bodies huddled together.

We kept an eye out for wildlife but only saw llamas penned up near the old Kennecott Ranch on Duck Creek. We passed through Gallagher's Gap and came out on Hwy 93. On our way back to Ely we stopped in McGill at the McGill Club. It is an impressive old saloon with tapestries and deer heads on the walls. We learned that the elaborate 100-year old bar was brought by ship around the horn of South America and delivered by wagon train to Ely and then to McGill. There was a stage area and we were disappointed the band wasn't playing that night. However, we were delighted to bend an elbow with proprietor/owner Norman Linnell. He made us feel at home and not only did he allow us to take pictures of his establishment, he offered to take pictures of us.

Back at the Hotel Nevada, which is located in the middle of town close to the action, we freshened up in our "Ann Rutherford" suite and ate dinner in the hotel dining room. The service was first-rate and we had enough leftovers for a midnight craving.

On the town in Ely

After dinner we headed out for a night on the town. We checked out several saloons and settled on Club Rio. It was a little modern for our taste but it had our basic requirements of a jukebox and pool table and was within walking distance of our hotel. There wasn't much action going on and so after playing a few games of pool with Fred, who kept missing his shots and losing his cue stick to the barroom gremlin, we called it a night. Anyway, the barkeep was ready to lock up and go home, so at least the MJ sisters closed the bar!

After breakfast and our gear packed, we lucked out and got a sneak peek at the luxurious suite the Hotel Nevada reserves for special guests and dignitaries. Elvis must have slept in that bed and relaxed in that jacuzzi. We walked around downtown Ely viewing the buildings with their walls covered in giant colorful murals depicting scenes of cattle drives, mining, pony express, and other cultural history before continuing on our trail. Some ladies in The Downtown Barbershop suggested we detour at Goody's Corner and visit the ghost town of Osceola on our way to Baker and Great Basin National Park, where we were anticipating a "hot time in the old town tonight".

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