On to Winnemucca (It's in Nevada)

This morning started out beautiful.  We woke up, enjoyed a free waffle and coffee (milk for Chris) then were on our way before 8 am!

Our first stop was actually a drive through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.  Pictures do not do these trees justice.  They are incredible!

Even the clover growing near these giants is oversized!

Back on the road, for some more beautiful scenery.

We had to stop for a bathroom break.  While walking Haru, she noticed her first squirrel!  These are completely foreign to her since Okinawa doesn't have them.  We spent quite a while watching her and the squirrel interact.  The squirrel barked at her, but she didn't bark back.  A little whining and a few attempts to climb the tree, but no barking.

Haru was sad that it was time to move on.

Little did she know that our next stop was to see The World's Largest Fly.  It is located right where you would expect to find it - on top of the outhouse!

 If we would have asked for the outhouse key we would have been handed a key attached to a flyswatter!

Back on the road, the scenery is starting to change as we leave the forest.

Imagine our suprise to be stuck behind an Exchange truck - they truly "go where you go"

 **for the family and friends not associated with the military, The Exchange is our verision of a Wal-mart - only more expensive and the only option when living overseas- and their slogan is We go Where you go.

After a bit the clouds that had been threatening all morning finally gave way to rain

One of the more interesting rock formations we saw along this drive was a long stretch of rocks that look almost like they were spraypainted:

but after seeing one right after another we decided it was natural

We also spent a portion of our drive along a rocky creek, that became a wonderful waterfall.

More driving and more landscape changes -

We were hopeful when we saw a sign for big horn sheep, but we didn't get to see any

The scariest part of today for me was this hill.

  Those that know me well, know I don't do hills, drop-offs or curvy roads well.  This hill was all three thrown together with no guardrails to boot. 

The best view was actually the downhill view.  I took this when I pulled into an overlook spot to catch my breath. 

Finally the top!

Another hour or so of driving before we made it to Nevada.

The drive here was pretty flat and quiet

so I gave Chris a chance to drive, the speed limit was 70 which he didn't exactly follow.

Finally we made it to our stopping point in Winnemucca Nevada.  For those that are interested, yes our hotel has slots, blackjack and poker, but at this point all I want is a pillow and a blanket.

See you tomorrow after we stop just outside of Salt Lake City!