Bozeman, Montana to Elko, Nevada

It was another long driving day, less than yesterday, and a conscious choice I made. Not only does it mean tomorrow and Monday will be shorter days, but I've ensured I'll miss the winter storm that are forecast for both Montana and Idaho. I had hoped the forecast from earlier in the week would be wrong, but I was told by several people in both States that they are expecting some snow. 

I got away from the hotel at 7:30 in the morning, and was checked in at the Comfort Inn in Elko at 5:30 p.m. (my time, it was 4:30 p.m. here).  I don't feel nearly as tired this evening as I did yesterday, so the plan is to stay awake and watch the Jays game. Watching the highlights of yesterday's game was fun, but not nearly as exciting as watching a game. Rather than go out for a meal, I picked up a sub sandwich on the way here and will enjoy that for my dinner.

Leaving Bozeman, I initially planned to take a shortcut to Dillon about Whitehall, but somehow I managed to miss the turn off. When I realized what I'd done, I keyed in Dillon and the GPS took me cross country  before connecting to Highway 41. The initial highway wasn't the best but thankfully it wasn't a long distance. The route was quite scenic, and I stopped at one point to take a few pictures. While I've been amazed by the scenery in Montana many times during the drive, this was the first time there was a pull-out I could drive into.

I don't recall exactly when I crossed into Idaho from Montana but I do recall thinking that Montana is a HUGE state. I did cross from the northeast corner to the southwest, so that likely has something to do with it. Idaho on the other hand took far less time to drive. I had joined Highway 15 at Dillon and took it as far as Dubois before turning west onto 22, which turned into 33, then 26 and finally 93 before I reached Twin Falls. I had stopped in Arco at a gas station - I've forgotten the name. It was around lunchtime and they had a small cafe there. I purchased a grilled cheese sandwich and a muffin - less than $6 USD! No fuel was needed at that point.

The scenery in Idaho certainly wasn't as exciting as Montana. I did see multiple magpies and several tumbleweeds. 

My next stop was Twin Falls for fuel. Darn GPS had me passing by several stations before landing me at the place with the most expensive fuel. I turned around in their lot and went back to a Shell station. The price was $3.39 per gallon. I'd noticed prices were higher in Idaho than Montana. It still took less than $30 USD to fill. It was early in the afternoon still, just after 2 p.m. so I decided to carry on to Nevada.

The drive was definitely scenic, with lots of traffic on the two lane 93 to Jackpot. There were several passing lanes, and the speed limit was 65. I kept it about that speed and was passed by semis and smaller vehicles alike. I discovered when that cell service is spotty, as I tried to call my son to wish him a Happy Birthday. 

As you can see, aside from the morning in Montana, it was a cloudy day. The morning temperatures were in the high 40's and low 50's (8-12C), and it wasn't until I reached Nevada that I saw a temperature of 67F (19C). Tonight it will be quite cool, but I expect I'll see warmer temperatures the further I go south. Meanwhile D tells me they reached 17C (63F) at home.  

I've just realized I messed up and will be heading back to Wells on the I-80 in the morning. Thankfully it is only about 50 miles. I should be taking the Highway 93 to Vegas before I hop on the I-95 which will take me to my overnight at Laughlin. Oops...I chose Elko based on the hotel, and didn't check my map. On the other hand there would be anywhere to overnight before Ely which is at least a two hour drive from Wells. I wouldn't have wanted to drive that far today...so as Patsy would say, the Jello jiggled. :)

I should have about an 8 hour drive tomorrow, depending on the traffic going around Vegas. As it is a Sunday, I'm hoping it will be an easy drive. Wish me luck! I'll give myself a little extra time in the morning, as I won't be able to check in to a hotel until 2 or 3 in the afternoon. No gambling for me!

Most of the information in these posts is meant to remind myself for the next trip. I hope you don't find them too boring.