July 9: Unfortunately, today marked the end of our time in Utah, and our departure to Ely for the night. Cutting northwest from Cedar City, we explored the mining settlement of Frisco, and after crossing into Nevada, paid a visit to Great Basin National Park, driving to the base of Wheeler Peak, the second highest point in Nevada. Since our dog was with us, we didn’t do any hiking or explore the Lehman Caves, which we’ll have to do on a return trip.

Soon after leaving Great Basin National Park, we turned onto the Loneliest Road in America – US 50. Near Ely, we stopped at the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park, where six very well preserved charcoal kilns still stand. Soon we arrived in Ely for lunch, the hotel, and some more relaxation. To pass the time in Ely, we visited the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and boy were we impressed! The museum is a working museum, meaning the trains still run to take passengers on some of the original routes the trains worked from the nearby mines. Seeing, and smelling, the inside of the active shops made this museum even impressive than the also impressive Railway Museum in Old Sacramento.

The rest of the day consisted of dinner, exploring downtown Ely, drinks, and Alison winning $50 within 5 minutes of sitting down at the nickel machine.