How's the trip going?

Apologies. I've been updating everywhere else but here!

So, here goes:

29 July
Another long 'slab' today. 480 miles from June Lake, CA to Ely, NV via Reno and US Route 50. Which is billed as "the loneliest road into America". Probably because "400 miles of sweet FA to see" wouldn't have had the same draw.

Literally mile upon mile of nothing. I almost began to miss the 'scenery' of Oklahoma.







Almost...

There are about 3 small towns along the whole route. One at either end and one in the middle. All relying on the passing tourists to stay alive, so I stopped in Austin (the halfway point) and had lunch at the diner.



BUT, this was probably the last long 'slab' (tarmac only) ride of the trip. As of tomorrow I'm back on the TAT!

I was considering wild camping tonight, and had begun to check out potential sites by the side of the 50, until two decent sized coyotes strolled right through the most likely site.

So, came into town (Ely) and stayed at the Hotel Nevada instead!

30 July
Back, on the TAT. From Baker to West Wendover, NV. Following the route of the Pony Express along its path on US Route 50 yesterday and now north on 180 miles of gravel road.



Signed the visitor book at canyon camp, but disappointed to see another TAT'er thought it would be OK to sign the box the book is kept in...

Stopped in Gold Hill, but don't think there's much gold there...





And found, by chance, a WWii German Panzer by the roadside!

31 July
More TAT miles. Wendover to Tremonton, UT. Trail north of Wendover was rough. So much washboard! But eventually smoothed out leaving a very pleasant gravel, mud and occasionally sandy ride. Watched the forest forest in hills to the north east, but far enough away not to be concerned.





Eventually reached Kelton. Originally a main line station for the Trans Pacific Railway, now almost nothing remains, except the ruins of the hotel and graveyard. Along the trail after leaving Kelton there are small placards showing where the smaller settlements along the railroad used to be.



Finally reached tarmac, after about 300 miles of gravel!



Time for something to eat and a place to rest. Idaho tomorrow.

1st August.

Hello, Idaho! Very nice ride up from Near Holbrook this morning. Stopping at American Falls for fuel and coffee (and one of the huge cinnamon rolls they make at The Ranch gas station!).

After I crossed The Great Rift and made it to American Falls, I decided to go and see Craters of the Moon national park. Definitely a good choice. A must see if you come through here on the TAT.









My campsite was picked a little earlier than expected, just as I got to Challis national forest, the CB felt 'off'. Pulled over and found I had a flat rear tyre. Found a huge fence staple right in the middle of the tread. So, out with the Safety Seal plugs and compressor. No drama.





So set up camp, right by the cattle grid entrance to Challis. There must be a fire somewhere nearby as there was ash falling all night, along with the ever pervasive smell of smoke.

Set off at 7am to climb over the mountain pass. Stunning views on the way up, and the trail wasn't too challenging. But the views all the way down the back, to Ketchum! Amazing!






Rode from Ketchum along the 227, passing the road closed signs, to Smokey Bar Cafe. Got an update from Rick, a local, to say it's still fubar, so played it safe and dropped down to Fairfield.

I know others have gotten through, in a group, to help carry their bikes. But I'm on my own and lugging 400lbs through washed out roads in 90f has ZERO appeal to me.

So I headed down the hill to the convenience store in Fairfield, downing Gatorade and Cliff bars, watching the swarms of crickets. Fortunately I decided to just chill here, as for the first time on the trip, I left my wallet at the checkout!

Rode up to Featherville, ID and found the only hotel in town. A very small town. I'd say a 'one horse town', but pretty sure even the horse has left. The heart of the town; the bar, hotel, shop and diner are all for sale as a job lot.

2nd August:

Rode over the mountains from Featherville, Idaho, to Idaho City this morning. Another great ride. The trail followed the river all the way to the dam with stunning views round every corner.







Met up with two New Zealand visitors, in Idaho City, riding the TAT on their KTMs. And then two more TAT riders from MO. Good to know I'm not actually the only one on the trail, though it often feels like it.

Pushed on, into Oregon, and spent the night on the 'beach' beside the Snake River. Idyllic.





Apart from the wind going crazy in the middle of the night. Had to take off the flysheet and let the air blow through the mesh inner.

3rd August:

Came back down to Ontario, OR, for supplies, fuel, and laundry as the next sections seem quite remote.

Then on to John Day, OR. Now this is the Oregon I remember! Once the TAT rose up and into the treeline, the scenery went from endless brown dusty hills into shaded forest land. Enjoyable climb up on decent trails, with just enough rough parts to keep you on your toes.

And then the trail emerged onto the forest road. Loved that. Miles of smooth tarmac twisting through the trees. Like Blue Ridge Parkway again, but with zero traffic. Just keep a look out for the cattle, and what they leave on the road...

A welcome relief, as I'd managed to step on a metal tent peg last night while wrestling with my accommodation in the wind, putting a hole in the bottom of my left foot, making gear changes while standing up painful.

Arrived at John Day to find two other TAT'ers heading out. One from Germany and one from New Jersey.