Friday, September 15, 2017

9-15-2017 Day 8 The last day on the bike

The brisk and wet morning at Ward campground
 The last day and a shorter one for sure.  We only did 17 miles and most of it downhill - just 330 feet of gain.  We started out waking up at Ward campground after another night of rain - but no rain in the morning, just 40 degree temps - burr!  So we suited up and then headed down Ward pass to Ely.  After getting there and checking out where we were to stay we headed out for a bit of sightseeing - and ran into closed roads for a car road race!  Back we went and on the way checked out the Nevada Northern Railway office.  What luck as the afternoon train ride was steam driven!! So, we signed on and went back to the motel for a change of clothes and a shower (much needed).  Then, we headed back to the railroad museum, walked around the shops and climbed into some of the old engines. Neat that one can do this.  We caught the free tour of the museum as well, which was full of details and stories we would have never known.  Paul P. and Gayle even got to climb into the fired-up steam locomotive with the engineer.  After that we took the 90 minute steam train ride up to the mine and stayed on the open flat-car to see the sights, hear the cuffing of the loco, and getting showered with coal smoke - especially in the tunnels.  As a railroad buff this is great (even though another shower was needed when I get back).  So, it was a variety of wheels.


On the way down the hill to Ely

Railroad Relics

Standing in the steam engine!

What a piece of history - made in 1909 and still pulling freight

Hard to tell it is 2017 and not 1917!

The open car seat - great view and LOTS of smoke

Up the hill to the wye - great sights, sounds and smells


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