Reno
Bonneville Salt Flats
On our way to Reno we came across the Bonneville Salt Flats where a lot of the land speed records were made. A very flat and thick crust of salt covers this enormous area. The day we drove by those flats this space was covered with water. As far as you can see water only a few inches high. Unfortunately, there was wind when we arrived at the sign saying Bonneville Salt Flats. Otherwise it would have been like a gigantic mirror mirroring the mountains in the background. Let’s hope I someday return with a very nice car to drive not around but straight =)
Reno
The following drive to Reno wasn’t that different from the drive to Salt Lake City: A lot of nothing and straight streets (Over the Great Salt Flats for example roughly 70 km completely straight). Reno is like a small Las Vegas near to the Californian boarder. It advertises itself as the biggest little city in the world.
We stayed at a very nice casino/hotel for a very nice price. Having sniffed last-minute deals before we once again payed only 40% of the original price for our stay. If you would fly to both Las Vegas and Reno I would recommend that you go to Las Vegas. In my opinion Reno is only good if you are passing through or if you would live within driving distance to it.
Empire State Mine
After one night’s rest in Reno at the Nugget Casino we hit the road once again. The landscape changed from desert to forest upon entering California. It kind of looks like Italy in California. We made a little detour on the way and left the interstate 80 to visit an old gold mine. Unfortunately, it was raining when we were there. And not light rain but rain that made umbrellas necessary. Nonetheless, it was very informative and interesting to see how they used to dig for gold.
