Welcome to OPEN ROADS 2002
June 21st A new land speed record at Bonneville
Lie in this morning - not away until 7.30 a.m. I drive the first section along I. 80, skirting the Southern edge of the Great Salt Lake. We cross the Salt Flat desert for about 80 miles, you could drop Scotland into it and lose it. At Wendover a short 5 mile road leads back into the salt flat and comes to a dead end. This is the site where so many land speed records have been broken, in particular one by Donald Healey in the 50's, when he drove a modified Healey at over 200 miles per hour. All the guys pay tribute and Julian is determined to break a new record. Unfortunately we forget to start the clock ticking. A quick hop takes us to the old Wendover airport. This used to be a military base during World War 11. The USAF bomber "Enola Gay" carrying the first atom bomb to be dropped on Japan was based here. It is now deserted and used as a racetrack. Four Austin Healeys were allowed the privilege of two laps of the track before the day's racing begins, after signing a disclaimer. These are Julian Bowen, Peter Hunt, Bob Brown and Bill & Gordan, alias Wallace and Grommett Mark II in the Bugeye.( Mark I drove the Lagonda on ATW.) The pace car is a Lotus 11, the fastest 11,00 cc car ever made. It goes rather slow on the first lap as it isn't sure what Healeys can do. After Julian has sat up its exhaust it speeds up for the second lap and gives them something to think about. Great fun is had by all. On to Ely across another 120 miles of nothing, over the White Horse pass, 6046 feet This was the old Pony Express route. One can imagine what it was like as it hasn't changed in a hundred years. Nothing in every direction except majestic vistas. Into Ely, Nevada, to an old gambling Hotel. The cheapest room yet and by far the most interesting and attractive. We are in Ingrid Bergman's room. The walls are festooned with portraits of her in different films, the chandelier, lace curtains, little touches making it so homely. A short interlude at the shooting range up in the hills provides some light relief from driving. One of the Healey drivers, John, has brought his rifle so he and Peter test their skills. They encourage me to have a try. On the first attempt I score two bull's eyes, beginner's luck. Four rounds later they are getting better and I am deteriorating . One should always quit when ahead, just like gambling. |
June 22nd The Loneliest road on earth
We leave Hotel Nevada and its gambling machines
Up at 3.00a.m. to leave at 5.00 !!! Peter has forgotten to change his watch again. Go back to bed. Set off at 5.20 - quite cold, jackets on. We traverse a series of valleys and passes. I take down all the names.
Robinson Pass - 7,606 feet, Antelope Summit - 7,438, Pancake Summit - 6,517
This stretch of ROUTE 50 is the old Pony Express Trail and is known as the loneliest road in America. I can see why. Don't worry, we have our survival kit with us. After 57 miles we see one farm steading. We spot a 'ranch for sale' notice. Tempting.
Pinto Summit - 7,376
Into Eureka and a short stop for breakfast. This is an old mining town that once supported 11,000 people. Now there are about 1,500. Some of the old buildings remain.
Hickinson Summit - 6,542, Bob Scott's Summit - 7,195, Austin Summit - 7,484, Mt. Airey Summit - 6,519
We leave Hotel Nevada and its gambling machines
Up at 3.00a.m. to leave at 5.00 !!! Peter has forgotten to change his watch again. Go back to bed. Set off at 5.20 - quite cold, jackets on. We traverse a series of valleys and passes. I take down all the names.
Robinson Pass - 7,606 feet, Antelope Summit - 7,438, Pancake Summit - 6,517
This stretch of ROUTE 50 is the old Pony Express Trail and is known as the loneliest road in America. I can see why. Don't worry, we have our survival kit with us. After 57 miles we see one farm steading. We spot a 'ranch for sale' notice. Tempting.
Pinto Summit - 7,376
Into Eureka and a short stop for breakfast. This is an old mining town that once supported 11,000 people. Now there are about 1,500. Some of the old buildings remain.
Hickinson Summit - 6,542, Bob Scott's Summit - 7,195, Austin Summit - 7,484, Mt. Airey Summit - 6,519
We pass the sand mountain- 2 miles long and 1 mile wide.
New Pass - 6,348, Drum Summit - 4,840, Sand Springs Pass - 4,450
After 250 miles of nothing but arid valleys and mountain passes we come to a wider valley with the River Carson marked on the map. Here lies Fallon, more evidence of agriculture, dairy, beef lots , the best water melons, irrigation. People cannot survive without water. Also the home of the US Navy's "Top Gun" training base. Onto Carson city then over a stunning last Pass - Spooner - with lots of trees and get our first glimpse of Lake Tahoe, unimaginably beautiful.
New Pass - 6,348, Drum Summit - 4,840, Sand Springs Pass - 4,450
After 250 miles of nothing but arid valleys and mountain passes we come to a wider valley with the River Carson marked on the map. Here lies Fallon, more evidence of agriculture, dairy, beef lots , the best water melons, irrigation. People cannot survive without water. Also the home of the US Navy's "Top Gun" training base. Onto Carson city then over a stunning last Pass - Spooner - with lots of trees and get our first glimpse of Lake Tahoe, unimaginably beautiful.
Philip and Kathryn are there to greet us having flown in from Scotland to Reno then hired a car.