Day #15 – Just Drive, She Said

Today we awoke, again, bright and early with the sun. It was a nice morning, and everyone was quick to get going as we were all feeling very dirty. Pete, to top off the dirty feeling, ran down the dirt hill near our campsite one too many times (after mom told him over and over for two days to stop doing that) and wiped out. He was covered from head to toe in dirt, and even had it in his mouth! Showers truly can’t come fast enough.

Our drive back across Tioga Road was just as pretty as yesterday. Once past the Sierras, we headed into Nevada. We really wanted to go to In N Out Burger one more time, so we took a 20 minute diversion towards Reno. Timing was good, and we ended up having lunch there around 1.

After that, it was pretty much movies and video games in the car, while mom and dad took turns driving. Nevada is WIDE on the north end of the state! We did pass a few thunderstorms (got some cool lightening on video - see below). Dinner was at an Arby’s in Cheyenne, WY. I had hoped we would have something a bit more exotic, but what can you do when you’re in a hurry?

I had really hoped to see the salt flats of northwestern Utah, but by the time we got there the sun was setting, and I only really got a glimpse of them. There were no rest stops and no gas for almost 100 miles! I was so glad we had gotten gas in Cheyenne. We missed seeing the Great Salt Lake because it was dark, and we didn’t get to Snowbird until 11pm Utah time. Peter had passed out, and we had to carry him to our room.

Speaking of our room, OH WOW! Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous!! I really outdid myself on this place, but I knew we were going to want something nice after a few days in the woods. My photos don’t do the room(s) justice, but I did take plenty. The kids had their own add on room, and so everyone got a bed! (well, Pete got the couch, but he didn’t care).

Steve and I felt like we were in a palace. And what’s the first thing we did, even though it was closing in on midnight? SHOWERED! Wahoo! Everyone bathed except Pete who was passed out (and the dirtiest). He would have a bath in the morning. We all went to bed pretty late, but we were comfy and CLEAN!