So we left later than I thought or would have liked, but with Tom coming in last night, there was still lots to do. We got on the road at 11:00 AM with a quick stop at the Merrimaker to pick up some ice. They are always so giving when it comes to their ice machine.
The car is packed to the max and will need some attention when we stop and fully unload. I say that because currently, we are in a Motel 6 in Reno with the dogs. I'll be getting to that change of itinerary in a moment. Until then, this is the Capital Tour.
Our first stop was Sacramento, CA. My capital of my current state, and I don't mean hot and sweaty. The temperature of Los Osos was beautiful this morning, even almost chilly. 25 miles away, the gauge kept going up to the high of 103.
The dogs were good in the car. Luther very anxious and BJ very whiney. They both settled down for a while and it seemed like smooth sailing. Sacramento is a good 5 hours from Osos. Maybe a bit longer if you take a windy road like Rt. 41. The dogs took it in stride although they were both quite happy to get out of the car in Sacramento to the Partner Dog Park to play some fetch and stretch their legs.
The weather was too hot and I did not want Luther jumping into the pool of water so we left in a short amount of time. The dogs appreciated the run and the water which was given to them. They also enjoyed being back in the AC of the car and quickly went down. We were only a short ride to the State Capital. We arrived just as a tourist bus was letting out, I believe Germans. Click, click, click. I blended right in.
Next on the agenda was a drive to Carson City, through South Lake Tahoe. We traveled down US 50, or rather up, through the Eldorado National Forest and it's wonderful pines and curvy roads. Up, down, up to over 7,000 feet and then down along a road abutting a cliff. The views were great and we landed in Lake Tahoe Basin at the end.
South Lake Tahoe was packed with people. No Vacancy signs and people everywhere. The Lake was beautiful, from what I could catch while maneuvering through the busy streets and people. A half an hour later and we found ourselves in Nevada. The only way we knew was the huge Harrah's and various other casino type hotels.
I was looking forward to settling down along the way and setting up camp, but after calling a few, and being a Saturday night, there was no room in the campgrounds. That's OK. We'll head to Carson City and stay at our old standby, Motel 6. They "always leave the light on" and are the "original pet-friendly hotel chain." Unless you get to Carson City, where a car show is happening and the No Vacancy signs litter the sides of the road.
We googled other hotels and all were sold out. We did find one smoking room, but "No Dogs Allowed!" Wider google search and we find ourselves in Reno. It will be nice to sleep soundly tonight. Luther is already fast asleep. BuddyJack is on his way. Tom is looking for camping spots for tomorrow night and I am going to bed, a bit hungry and even more road weary. It takes me a few days to get those driving legs on, but I'll get there.
More to follow. If you like what you've seen and read, comment on here. I love to get comments and they are very rare. Tomorrow, back to Carson City. From what we have seen, there are many buildings around town regarding the state of Nevada. It will be a walk about tomorrow and then off towards Boise.
