ROAD TRIP:
LAKEVIEW, OR to CARSON CITY, NV
April 22, 2022
The distance from Lakeview (elevation 4,800 ft / population 2,600) to Carson City (elevation 4,800 / population 58,000) is about 250 miles. There was little traffic and the road was good. This is a scenic route but without many photo opportunities. The highway is two-lane until north of Reno when it becomes a freeway. This route travels through high deserts, rural towns, and empty spaces, with mountains viewed to the east. The remoteness of Highway 395 ends north of Reno when the unending expansion of Reno into pristine desert land is evident.
Vanishing America:
I was fortunate to spot a few abandoned phone booths, a vintage theater, country store and an old-fashioned barber shop along the way.
(Click on Map For Larger Image)
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PHOTOS
(Click on Photo for a Larger Image)
Vintage Movie House
The Niles Theater opened in 1937 during the Great Depression and had a seating capacity of 678. Today the theater shows first-run movies and is also used for musical performances, live drama, and community events. It is owned by the non-profit Alturas Community Theater. Location: Alturas, CA (Population 2,700 / Elevation 4,400 ft).
Old-fashioned barber shop located in downtown Alturas, CA.
Telephone booths are almost extinct. This defunct public phone is located along US 395 in rural Ravendale, CA (elevation 5,800 ft / population 38). Ravendale was a station on the Nevada-California-Oregon Railway line, but unlike many such towns, Ravendale survived after the line was abandoned by the railway line company in the late 1990s.
Factoid
In 1880 the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway (NCOR) was formed to connect Reno, Nevada, to The Dalles, Oregon (on the Columbia River). To save money, the company chose to use cheaper narrow gauge (3 feet wide) rails rather than standard gauge (4 feet 8 1/2 inches wide). However, only 238 miles of track were laid so service never extended beyond Lakeview, Oregon. Because of the company’s reputation for mismanagement, it was often called the "Narrow, Crooked & Ornery" railroad. In 1925 the Southern Pacific Company purchased the NCOR and converted all the remaining NCOR tracks to standard gauge.
I was not aware of the Nevada–California–Oregon Railway until after this trip. It was a total coincidence that my route today followed the old railroad line from the northern terminus to the southern terminus.
Location: along US 395, north of the US 395 and CA 36 junction.
I drove past this "thing", then turned around and went back to check it out. I have no idea what it was. Location: along US 395 north of the US 395 and CA 36 junction.
After closer inspection, I still have no idea what this was.
Fencing - Cattle Land
Location: along US 395 north of Doyle, CA
Mountain-River-Cattle
Location: along US 395 north of Doyle, CA
Country Store
Winje's Country Store is temporarily closed and their website was down. Hopefully, it will re-open. Location: Highway 395 in Doyle, CA (population 750 / elevation 4,300 ft).
The Pontiac Catalina was a full-size automobile produced by Pontiac from 1950 to 1981. This one was converted to 4WD. Notice that the keys are on the engine hood. Location: Doyle Loop off of US 395 (Doyle, CA).
Old Chevy Truck
Location: Doyle Loop off of US 395 (Doyle, CA).
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COPYRIGHT
These photographs are the property of Leon Jackson and are protected by copyright laws. Photographs may not be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Leon Jackson. © 2022 Leon Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
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1 comment:
Fun read as always. The Chevy is my favorite image.
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