U.S. Route 6 and U.S. Route 95 in Nevada

Aloha Everyone,

U.S. Route 95 is a major highway in the United States crossing the state of Nevada from north to south through Las Vegas. It connects to Carson City via US 50 and to Reno via Interstate 80. It is interesting to note that the entire highway in the state of Nevada is designated as part of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/us6.cfm

Sometime it can get confusing as US 95 in many parts has signs posted as the Veterans Memorial Highway. Likewise, a section of the route in Las Vegas is also called the Oran K. Gragson Freeway. Oran K. Gragson was the mayor of Las Vegas who advocated for construction of that portion of freeway in circa 1960.

J.J. and I never get tired of ever-changing colors and shapes of the rocky hills and mountains. We drove through some interesting towns such as Mina in Mineral County. Mina, was founded as a railroad town in 1905. The railroad is no longer running and the place appeared as a dusty, long-forgotten small town USA. Based on the 2010 census, the population of Mina was 155.

We also drove by Luning, a small town in Mineral County after Mina. We saw the remnants of mines, old relics of saloons and a school house still standing dried and decaying in the midday August sun  Per 2005 census, they had a population of 87. Some residents refer to Luning as the "ghost" town. Perhaps if they promote the town as such, tourists may stop by rather than just drive on.

Hawthorne is another town in Mineral County. Per the 2010 census, the population was 3,269. It appeared to be bustling with businesses catered to the nearby Hawthorne Army Depot. Targeting the military personnel, some questionable businesses were advertising their services. When I rolled my eyes, J.J. reminded me that gambling and prostitution are regulated but legal in Nevada.

After the dry desert landscape, it was a pleasant surprise to come to Walker Lake. It is a natural lake approximately 18 miles long and 7 miles wide. We read that Walker lake has been dying for years. The location is rather isolated and while we saw a couple of state camping grounds and private RV park signs, we did not see but one 1 RV parked along its shore. http://nevada.sierraclub.org/conservation/walkerlake/WLbriefing.html

Our choice of lunch today was Vietnamese Pho in Carson City before we checked into the RV Park that is adjacent to Gold Dust Hotel and Casino. We plan to stay here for at least a couple of days.

Aloha -- Cathi

Highway 95 North to Tonopah, NV

Aloha Everyone,

Jane and Jeff live in Prescott, AZ. Both retired from Hallmark Company and it is very obvious that they love to travel. They were concluding their 3 weeks trip which included Canada (Baniff National Park, Lake Louise and Columbia Icefield) and they willingly shared with us their experiences. Based on what I have heard and read, Canadian Rockies are definitely among the places to visit in the future.

By the time we left Las Vegas, the sun was high and the outside temperature was 91 degrees and rising. Highway 95 is a new route for us. Nevada roads are excellent and well maintained. We passed through some areas with salt flats of ancient inland seas. Most of the segments of the highway had no service posted for the next 50 or 100 miles. J.J. spotted wild burros (donkeys) in the open fields but they were too far, too skinny to be captured on my iPhone.

Our first interesting place was Area 51 Rest Stop. Located approximately 83 miles north-northwest of Las Vegas, this area is popular location among UFO aficionados. There are photos, videos and stories posted on the internet. We also saw a military drone flying above us. Google Area 51 if you are curious.

Area 51 Rest Stop

Curious looking colored rock with secured gate near the Area 51 Rest Stop

Flowering Joshua Tree

Tonopah is about 1/2 way between Las Vegas to Reno. The place was discovered when a prospector's burro ran away in the middle of the night. When he spotted his burro the next morning, the prospector picked up a rock to throw at his burro. He realized that the rock was unusually heavy. This lead to the discovery of the 2nd richest silver mother lode in Nevada. Tonopah, in Paiute means "a place of little water" is basically a former mining town and now it has a few casinos, motels and RV parks. When I asked a lady in a supermarket what's there to do in Tonopah, she said unless you gamble, there is nothing to do. It is a sad looking western town.

Tonopah Main Street. Mizpah Hotel built in 1908 once was recognized as the tallest building in the state of Nevada.

Our lunch stop on Tonopah.

Charming interior replica of old saloon did not help the limited menu selection.

We had excellent breakfast food for lunch.

The RV park we stopped is located on Highway 95. It is new, clean and offers free WiFi. The best part is the manager, Kay, who is a lovely individual. Kay and I visited for 30 minutes and we had to end our conversation reluctantly when Kay had another client who wanted to check in. Kay mentioned that due to no pollution, the area is known for star-gazing. J.J. and I will be looking up to the sky this evening.

Approaching the RV park we are staying tonight in Tonopah.

As you can see, it will be a perfect night for star gazing.

Kay and I could have talked for hours.

Aloha -- Cathi

Tanger Factory Outlets

Aloha Everyone,

Located in Barstow on I-15 North, Tanger Outlet Center advertises to have over 40 brand name stores. Tanger founded in 1981 is listed in the New York Stock Exchange. The company reported net income of $24.25 million in 2011 mentioned having 35 centers in 24 states.

Factory outlet and premium outlet stores are popular destination for foreign tourists who travel around the United States in deluxe coach with guides who speak their native tongue.

Most of the stores were selling high-end brand names. Today we saw four buses parked - one with tourists from China, another from Korea.

Joshua Trees grow in elevation of about 3,000 feet. We saw miles and miles of Joshua Trees from Baker to Barstow.

About 2 weeks ago when J.J. and I took this same route, the landscape was gray and brown. Rain does wonders. Today, we were greeted by a lush green landscape.

Close to Tanger Outlet Center, rain water had accumulated along the highway.

And finally, here is one of my favorite street names.

Aloha -- Cathi

Katella Deli, Bakery, Restaurant

Aloha Everyone,

For today's lunch, my sister treated us to take-out sandwiches from Katella Deli. Established in 1964, the Deli is famous for their serving traditional Jewish deli items including huge, mouth-watering pastrami and corn beef sandwiches. J.J. thought that the pastrami sandwich was just as good as the ones we had in New York.

The menu is very extensive and we definitely will go back again to try their Matzoh Ball Soup, Lox Benedict and Smoked Salmon on their homemade bagel. I am not even looking at their wonderful array of mouth-watering desserts.

www.katellabakery.com/restaurant.html

Located on Katella Avenue

Deli and bakery section

Entrance to Bar

Outside dining area

Take out is a big part if their business

Next year, my Mother will celebrate 50 years of gardening. The results include 7 healthy fruits trees.

Kumquats

Lemon

Fuyu Persimmon - crunchy and sweet

Satsuma tangerine orange

Hachiya Persimmon - Bitter taste suitable for dried persimmon

Asian Pear

Guava

Aloha -- Cathi