Stop over in Elko n NV Last true cowboy city in the westJun 30, 2011
|
|
| The drive to Elko NV.on 80 was a great scenic drive in the high desert. The elevation averaged 4500 - 5600 ft in Elevation. Between Winnemucca and Elko you can really get a feel for how important the mining industry is in the state. Also the ranches are huge as they go for miles and miles along the interstate. While we were driving we saw a area where steam was coming out of the ground. Turns out these are hot springs. At one area a company erected a cogeneration plant and ran pipe through the entire area and utilized the steam from the ground to produce electricity which they sell on the grid. So cool. Well, Elko is a true cowboy town. We stopped at the chamber of commerce for info about the town. Turns out according to this young lady that gold mining is the largest employer and when the mines run out the town will die. Well, that is not exactly true. Elko was founded as a Railroad town in the 1800's when the rails built west and they met in Elko. So the town was born. The rail yards there are huge and very busy. The casino industry is very active as Elko is a favorite stop for truckers and tourists. Elko is still known as a true cowboy town. On the weekends all the ranchers come into town dressed in their best cowboy garb. There are some great cowboy murals on some of the buildings in town. Sandy found out about a restaurant in town that is Basque. Turns out in the 1800's a group of Basque's came to America and settled around Elko as the torrane and temperature are similar to their native land which sits between France and Spain on the Mediterranean in the mountains. Other Basque's settled in San Francisco. The meal was so big we only ordered for one person. It was delicious. The Ruby mountains are located outside of Elko. There are many national rec areas and state parks there. Elko is also known for the best rodeo in the USA which takes place in July. Spent the night at Hotel Wal-mart. A little noisy. |
Advertisement 
|
