Into the Desert

Thursday we crossed into Nevada and got a camp site donated at Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. So far, people we've met have been incredibly generous towards the Lea's Foundation cause, from handing us $20 from their motorcycles to offering us showers and of course donating lodging. We've also met many people along the way who are or have been deeply personally affected by leukemia, lymphoma or other cancers.




This is the Harrah's literally at the state line of Nevada at the southeast corner of Lake Tahoe (the green sign under the speed limit). They just couldn't wait.



We spent Thursday afternoon at Zephyr Cove, we dipped in the water but it's snowmelt! The sand was toasty warm though. The chipmunks at Zephyr cove are insane, and at times we felt like we were slowly being surrounded by those little dinosaurs from Jurassic Park. We did not feed them, but man they tried. At night, we made a pathetic attempt at a campfire and ate our ill-advised 3 cans of beans and some toasted marshmallows. Stacy, in his infinite wisdom, opted for a burger and fries down the road. In the end, however, there were no major bean-related incidents.



Stacy made some friends who wanted him to throw eggs at a boat with them. Stacy respectfully declined after finding out they didn't have any eggs.



This morning we headed out from Zephyr Cove around 6:45 and passed through impressive little spire. We headed up over the last remaining shadow of the Sierras and coasted 2,200 feet down for 10 miles into Carson City, NV. It's difficult to explain how awesome that ride was. I think Stacy put it best when he said he felt like Batman. After having his seat adjusted in South Lake Tahoe and having the fitter say he can't believe Stacy made it over the mountains, he is a new man.



Carson City may send some mixed messages, but it's people were supportive and kind! Thanks CC.



On the way out from Carson City, we happened upon this little gem. No words, but we all agree we'd love to commute in it.



We rode the 60 miles from Carson City to Fallon in great time, passing through sagebrush landscapes dotted with oases of casinos gun shops. Oh Nevada, we love you. The weather has been great for us, and Ed, a manager we were talking to at Carl's Junior, said the weather should be overcast and kind of cool most of the week. Maybe we'll get lucky!




Arturo came across this on the side of the road coming down into Carson City and decided to blend in a bit. Definitely a local. We've now made it to Fallon, Nevada and Super 8 generously donated a room for us. We plan to hit the sack pretty soon since tomorrow is 118 miles to Austin and we intend to leave around 1 am in order to avoid at least some of the heat. Wish us luck! We'll update you all the next chance we get.