April 11, 2015 – From Woodburn to Ely, Nevada
Our trip south from Woodburn on Thursday was basically uneventful, but pleasant. We are very fond of Oregon, but the view of Mount Shasta from the top of the Siskiyou Pass always signals that we are finally heading into the “southwest”. We spent Thursday night at “Friendly RV” in Weed. We have stayed here before, and were ready for the near freezing temperatures at night.
On Friday, we headed a few miles south of Weed, and then took Hwy 89 and then 44 to Susanville. This trip is through high pine forests with snow still at the sides of the roads, and is very beautiful until you reach the fire-devastated area of Hat Creek in the Lassen Forest. Apparently about 60,000 acres of forest burned in two separate fires in the Lassen Forest last summer (early August). Crews were still on clean up operations as we passed through. At Susanville we turned onto 395 to Reno, where we made a rest stop at a Walmart.
Highway 50 took us west of Reno to Fallon where we stopped for the evening at Fallon RV Park – about 4 hours of afternoon travel. When I filled out the registration card, “Tony” who signed us in, commented on how special any “Tony” is. I agreed. Shorts and Tees lasted only about an hour before the wind picked up and chilled us down.
Today, Saturday, we continued on through Austin and “Eureka – the Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Highway in America” to Ely. This highway 50 is truly shunned by most traffic, however it is noted historically as the main route for the Pony Express! We would travel for miles without seeing another vehicle. For miles, the road is level (or slightly elevated or declining) and then suddenly it climbs and twists through mountain passes – possibly 4 – 6 of them before Ely. (Pronounced ee’ -lee.) The Toiyabe and Shoshone Mountains just west of Austin are a spectacular sight! We stopped for about an hour in Austin to walk the main street and view the array of antique cars on display.
The Toiyabe Mtns 
The speed limit is pretty consistent at 70 mph, and this steady travel has enabled my truck to get its best fuel consumption rating ever! I think I will rename this route the “Tony Express” – after my new friend in Fallon, of course. (The average consumption over two days is 14.0 L per 100 km. This translates to about 17 mpg for those who are stuck in pre-System Internationale mode.) Just as an aside…it turns out that 15.3 L/100 km is also 15.3 mpg!
We have found our way to a KOA just south of Ely. It is too chilly to sit outside, so we are making use of our WiFi while we await supper – my turn to cook. I am blogging, Sandy is learning Spanish – I wonder if she is getting ready for New Mexican quilt shops!
Much love and best wishes to all!
Quill and Quilter
roadquill1 
He! so glad to be able to travel with you on e-mail, nice to read you are both doing what you like best , good wishes and be safe , Les & Betty in Edmonton.
Betty Nault
April 11, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Hi Betty and Les. Glad to hear that you are still “following” our travels. Perhaps our roads will cross again some day! Best wishes to you both!
coastmariner
April 11, 2015 at 8:17 pm
Sounds like a great trip so far with lots more adventures to come. And thanks for the MPG for those of ‘us’ who will never really understand the metric equivalent. Happy trails!
Judi
April 11, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Hi guys! We just came home similar route to part of your down. Joshua Park to Reno to Susanville to mt. Shasta. Beautiful drive and yes, the fire devastation is very sad. Safe travels, hugs Gail & Vern
Gail LAMBOURNE
April 11, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Dear “Quillsters”, sorry I missed you guys before your departure last week. Love getting news from “the road”. Check out this blog of Paul Salopek’s 7 year journey”
http://outofedenwalk.nationalgeographic.com/archive/ Muy buen camino, Senor Stu
Stu Gibbs
April 12, 2015 at 7:15 am
Funny now to read your Weed point. The trip I mentioned in my last response – driving from Nan to SD – Doug and I stayed at Weed – from memory a petrol station, motel, pub and something else on 4th corner – probably fast food!! It was also Doug’s b’day so we went to the pub for dinner. I had a great offer from some bloke I was chatting to at the bar who once he worked out that Doug wasn’t my husband must have taken a fancy to me – his offer was to come and help him wash his truck!! Never had such an offer before or since!! xxx
Nicki
April 12, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Hi Nicki! Glad you are still following our travels. You’re right. There isn’t much to Weed, but the view of Mt. Shasta is spectacular! And yes…we were in San Diego…you stayed with us! Best wishes!
coastmariner
April 13, 2015 at 7:02 am
Hi Guys, We are in Holbrook Arizona at a KOA. We have seen the petrified forest, painted desert and today the canyon du Chelly. All awesome! We have our heat on every night – sure cools down. We are off to Camp Verde for a few days and then down to Tucson. I have 2 quilt shops picked out. We are then headed to New Mexico. Happy Travels.
Leslie Millward
April 12, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Hi Ron and Leslie. No heater needed last night, but it is still cool. We will now head into Zion. Safe travelling!
coastmariner
April 13, 2015 at 6:48 am
Hi Q & Q ! Glad I got reconnected with you and your travels. Your fuel economy is impressive considering your camper and all. How much is fuel down there. Im in Terrace with David today. 1.04/L here. We are reconnoitering piloting opportunities. We have been averaging 600km per day, trying to keep up with you guys :>) Went up to Stewart & Hyder yesterday. Easier day today, going to Prince Rupert and back to Terrace. Tomorrow down to Kitimat then back to PG. Take care and keep the rubber-side down.
John
April 13, 2015 at 8:38 am
Thanks John, and just FYI…I may be wrong on the fuel economies! I got a bit suspicious after Truck House showed a reading of 9.6 L per 100 km on a stretch of Utah highway where the speed limit is 80 mph! There may be something wrong with my fuel tank reading.
coastmariner
April 13, 2015 at 8:45 am
hey, you found a town named after me….!!! Who know? Certainly, not me! It all sounds good. Love ya both
Susan
April 14, 2015 at 9:42 pm