Continuing our trek easterly, we departed Fernley, NV along route 50, a neat town to visit much to our surprise. Route 50 is known as the “loneliest Highway in America” and indeed it is such. The road is wild, steep, curvy and with shockingly beautiful scenery. seeing some vehicles on the way. We continued toward Austin and Bob Scott’s Boondocking Campground just beyond at 7200 Feet above sea level,
arriving at 1:30 to be assured of a choice of sites. No worries on that score however, in what had been sunny and clear weather we drove through thunder storms and rain on the way. As we turned the key to off to seek a site, we were “hailed” upon bombarded by sleet, hail and heavy rain.
We paused for lunch awaiting the storm to abate. Paul ventured out into the wet to seek a suitable site(site 4 for a 36′ foot MH with tow worked well, if you want to venture there. $5.00 a night.) We set up the rig then drove in the Jeep to the town of Austin nestled in the hills.
The road to Stokes Castle is near the gas station. The tower is all that is left. Mr. Stokes built the castle in 1897 in the likes of an Italian Villa and in the Victorian style manor with 3 floors, plumbing of the times, lighting, and all of the luxuries of the day. They family stayed a year and then he sold his mining, railroad and banking ventures and moved away. The castle was sold several times including to a Knudson family. It now belongs to a local resident. Back we went to the rig to find 3-4 neighbors. What a delightful day it was for us.