Alturas, CA to Sparks, NV
Distance: 174 miles
Campground: Sparks Marina RV Park
Cost per Night: $53 (eek!)
Duration: 1 night
Weather: Warm (92) and sunny
We woke up fairly early again (for us) and were on the road before 10:00. We drove out to the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, but didn't see too much other than some Canada Geese, a few pelicans in the distance on a lake, and dozens and dozens of swallows.
We headed down Hwy. 395, which is a pretty drive with green farmland and mountains to the west. The sky was clear and blue, with wispy white clouds scattered here and there.
As we drove past Honey Lake, the wind picked up, making for a very stressful drive. The RV was constantly pushed from side to side, forcing me to slow down even slower than my usual 55-58 mph. (Gotta go slow to get 9 mpg!)
Taking a break from the wind.
The wind remained gusty the entire way into Sparks, Nevada and by the time we merged onto I80, my nerves were pretty frayed. As if that wasn't enough, the traffic was insane and I was more than relieved to get off the freeway and find my way to In-N-Out. If they served beer or wine, I would have been a very happy camper. A strawberry shake would have to suffice.
We arrived at the Sparks Marina RV Resort, which is quite beautiful, in a "resorty" sort of way. They provide an escort and help guide you back in to your site (not necessary, but nice). There are over 200 sites, all paved, level and a nice strip of Astroturf and picnic table. There's a clubhouse, pool & spa, as well as a "Zen" dog yard and larger dog run. Oh, and trees. Lots of trees.
It was nice to get a back-in site on the outer edge with a lot of shade. It was hot! It was 47 when we woke-up in Alturas, 65 when we left, 88 in Milford when we stopped for gas, and 92 when we arrived in Sparks! So, we decided to go for a swim, which felt wonderful.
If we're ever in the area, we'll stay here again. It's a nice, quiet park, in spite of the number of sites. Plus, In-N-Out is just a few miles away.
I bet driving that is tough in the wind. The highway looks so deserted.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I'm beginning to get used to driving in the wind! I'm even used to the semi trucks passing by 20 mph faster than me. :) I prefer not to drive on the Interstates, but sometimes we don't have that choice. Yes, that highway was pretty deserted! :)
DeleteSounds like a nerve-wracking drive... glad it was a relatively short day!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, it was pretty hairy, but as the days have passed, I've gotten used to driving with wind gusts and semitruck traffic. Albuquerque was another stressful city with 8 lanes and an insane overpass area between I40 and I25. OK, 8 lanes might be an exaggeration, but I was too stressed to count accurately. ;)
DeleteI have mentioned that we have In-N-Out in our area, right? Ha! Lovely pictures. I wouldn't like driving in the wind either. Sometimes when we are driving out to NM, West Texas and also Eastern NM is quite blustery. However, I'm almost never driving. Married to the guy who really wants to 'be in the drivers seat' and I'm good with that. Ha!
ReplyDeleteKay, aren't you lucky?! Rod loves In-N-Out, but I can live without it. 1 or 2 visits a year is about all I need. :) I'm like your hubby. I prefer to drive rather than ride as a passenger!
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