We are heading west along Interstate 80 following intermittently the California Trail and the Pony Express Trail. One of the Rest Stops along the way is located near the Humboldt River area where many pioneers traveled and settled. Mark’s ancestors were among those who passed the area. Not only passed the area but his Great-Great-Grandfather was born on the Humbolt River, Utah Territory just a few miles from here in 1854… On a plaque at the rest stop are the following words.
“Looking at the broad valley of the Humboldt River before you, close your eyes and imagine how it would have been in the mid 1800’s. You would hear the creak of wagon wheels instead of the sounds of traffic on the interstate. Hundreds of men, women and children camping next to wagons along both sides of the Humboldt”
At Battle Mountain, Nevada we made a left turn heading south on a road we had never traveled before, Highway 305 towards Austin. We had read about an interesting area called Berlin-Ichthyosaur Park near Gabbs, Nevada and had passed the signs for it many times traveling Highways 50 and 95 across Nevada. So this was our opportunity to check it out. When we arrived at the junction in Austin, Nevada we chose the road less traveled, State route 722 and it was a good choice. A narrow road but very scenic.
As we slowly maneuvered the turn on to State highway 361, we observed a building that looked like it belonged in another era, a western movie perhaps. You almost expect to see horses tied up to the hitching post. A last minute decision to pull into the parking turned out to be another unexpected interesting chapter in our travels.
OLD MIDDLEGATE STATION
We went in for a burger and the management invited up to park our motorhome in their parking lot for a few nights. there was a storm heading our way. So we did! It was a good decision, it stormed and flooded many areas for two days. It rained where we were parked and snowed in the mountains around us.
Looking Highway 50 right down the center line a few miles from Middlegate, Nevada
The Shoe Tree is located about 2 miles East of Middlegate Station on the North side of the road Highway 50. Be sure to check it out.
More Relics around the property at Middlegate.
We are now off to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park near GABBS, Nevada, State route 844.
