Ely Nevada...We were reminded it is pronounced; EeeLeee Not EeeLie

To escape Vegas we were recommended to head North into the desert mountains.  We Google'd a bunch of towns on the two lane highways and settled on Ely, Nevada and the Prospector Hotel, Casino and RV Park (Has a pool and hot tub so we are not roughing it).


 The drive was only 250 miles, Hyw 93 and 318 North to 6. The road was great and the reduction in temperature was a dream come true.  The changing face of the desert is something that we will have to come back and see again.  I guess we are very fortunate to be here at this particular time of the year as it is during these few short weeks that the desert blossoms.  I would not want to be here in summer (120F, 100 at night).


One thing very obvious during the drive was that the 'little' towns and homesteads are all deserted. The locals say there are more Ghost Towns now than in the 1800s.  Look at the photo and see if you can find us on the map!


Once we found Ely (Eelee) and spoke with a very informative desk clerk about what to do and what to see, we decided to make Ely a two day stay.  We knew we owed Kyle a swim as the poor fella had been cooped up the whole stay in Vegas due to the heat so our first order of business was finding a lake.  We found Cave Lake, it was a beauty and we all enjoyed it, Kyle was the only swimmer.  I have narrated the photos in the album so I won't repeat them,  read along and you will pick up the story line.


Ely is a very historic town that is struggling to stay on the map.  It is still one of the largest copper mining areas along with many other precious ores but with automation that does not employ many anymore.  However, the city is hanging on as a holiday stop.   Hyw 93 is listed as a historic scenic route and Federal money has kept the highway in great shape.  Hundreds of caves in the surrounding mountains are now hiking and climbing attractions designed for the young and flexible! We were surprised to watch the RV park and the Hotel sell out on a weeknight, off season.  Good for them. 
Our only complaint with the RV Park was that the WiFi was very weak and brutally slow.  So there will be no photo uploading or blog while we are here.  Tomorrow will be special treat for Gerry.  I will leave it up to Claudia to show him the pictures!