PONY EXPRESS DAY 6

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We departed a little later than usual today because our first stop (at Fort Bridger) was only 30 miles away from Evanston and did not open until 9 o'clock. Fort Bridger originated as a trading post founded by Jim Bridger, later became an army fort, then a stage stop, then a stop on the wagon train routes, then a pony express relay station and finally a stop on the Lincoln Highway. Lots of restored buildings and contents. The gentleman in the mercantile played the part of an 1850 shop keeper very well, he knew his merchandise but we surprised him with a little knowledge of our own at the risk of being dated. We checked out the livery and found a rather large beartrap of very unusual design. We tried to open it but had to be satisfied with the enclosed picture. And right next to it, was an orange and black restored 1930's motor court, rooms for a dollar, pull-in garage included. Even had electric light powered by an antique Delco generator. Everythings up to date in Fort Bridger.

The mercantile had this sit-tub for bathing.
Can you imagine using that?







We had to rescue Bob B from this giant beartrap.

             And these were the 1930's
                 tourist cabins.

Second stop was at Little America for a 50 cent ice cream cone, now that certainly drags in all the Model A drivers. And you know we all came out with more than just ice cream cones. So the come-on advertised on the roadside billbords really works.

Took the 2 lane roads to the NE, Wyoming routes 374, 372 and 28. First interesting stop on this route was at the Mormon Ferry across the Green River. There is an actual replica of the original ferry parked up on the bank, too bad, would have made a good Model A picture if we could have used it. Getting across this river was very risky business for the wagon trains. The enterprising Mormons put in the ferry and charged $5 per wagon which was a very dear price. Some folks elected to cross on their own and many wagons and people were lost in the waters. Our group collected souvenir rocks as our A's are a little too fast on the hills. Mary B collected mosquito bites, sacrificing to protect the rest of us.

On the ferry.

Halfway to Lander, we came to an actual crossroads at the village? of Farson. Big enough to have one gas station and one mercantile store/cafe. All the Model A's stopped here to refuel. FYI, Gas prices have been ranging from $2.75 to $3.49.

Moving onward, we crossed the Continental Divide at 7550 ft. Two adventurous souls decided to take a dirt road to the restored gold mining town of South Pass City which now boasts of a population of about 7. This town had a very shortlived gold boom and at one time was the 2nd largest city in Wyoming having a population of 3000 at that time. Today the old ghost town is partially restored. It turned out to be very interesting and we spent way too much time there, as a result, did not get in to Lander until 5 o'clock.

Dirt road in.  These cows are watching the traffic.

      Bob M gets a bear hug.

Old time Hotel room
 can you spot the
chamber pot?




                                                                                      Dirt road out.

After dinner, we spotted Bill Rose and Alleys just pulling in. Bill has a problem with his air conditioning bracket which has broken all four ears which hold the compressor. The car is still going but the compressor is hanging off the alternator and the alternator pulley is rubbing and the compressor belt is rubbing. Bunch of guys all stuck their heads in and tried to figure out a simple fix, not easy. So any of you guys that have AC, you better inspect your mounting bracket, this seems to be a very common failure.

All the best minds.

PONY EXPRESS DAY 5

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Since it was pretty warm yesterday afternoon, we bailed out of Wendover at 7 AM this morning and made tracks across the salt flats. Oh, bye the way, message to Ray Fontaine, our arrow that we made when we went to Indiana is gone from the salt flats. Winds were weird, first blowing from the left and then blowing from the right. Somewhere out there we lost one of our magnetic Pony Express stick-ons so when we stopped, we took the other one off, cause we sure want to keep one for a souvenir. The salt is very tempting looking to drive out on except you can see tracks where folks have tried that. Some tracks go out and back and some tracks end in big ruts. Those are the ones that tell you not to do it. We pressed hard and didn't stop until we got all the way to Saltair (the big old building with minarets) on the edge of the lake. Anyway, at the Saltair, walked out a few feet on the salt, just to say we did it, it was definitely squishy. The water was way out today, seems to depend on which way the wind blows, the gal in the gift shop told us that last Wed the water was up to the back door.

Our second stop of the day was at the Pony Express Monument in Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. As early as we left and as hard as we pushed we were not the first Model A's to arrive there. The monument has a big bronze statue and a replica of a typical Utah Pony Express station, which was used just for changing horses. The replica was built for display at the 2002 Olympics in SLC and the logs and lumber came from an old 19th century barn. After the Olympics, it was moved to Heritage Park and now sits within a few hundred yards of the original PX route. Not much for creature comforts, just four walls and a roof, about ten foot square, no windows except for a gun slit in the back. There was also a very small corral in the back that faced the gun slit.

Saw one more marker in Henefer, UT and then pressed on to Evanston,WY. After recharging a little, went out in search of the visitor center. After driving up and down the freeway a couple times, we finally found it in Bear River Park. The nice older lady inside the visitor center fixed us up with lots of WY maps and pamphlets and historical facts and even demonstrated the use of a freight wagon hub wrench. The park has a small herd of bison and there were six new babies. The little bison are really cute and the adult bison are really rather menacing looking. Bob B. was really wanting a buffalo chip but we dissuaded him since the bison compound has lots of signs that say "bison are dangerous" and a double fence (electrified) all around so folks like us can't reach in. The park also had three elk in velvet. Inside the visitor center they have a big pile of elk horns that have been shed by their elk, and I didn't take a picture of them. (Duhhh)

And here is a picture of Patti celebrating her anniversary today.

PONY EXPRESS DAY 4

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Left Eureka at 7:30, 3 passes and one summit later rolled into Ely, NV. Stopped at the train museum and walked all around. Bob B and I met a gentleman who informed us that the repair shops were open, so we informed Mary and Pat that the shops were open and we should go look in. They were only a quarter mile down the tracks. We hiked down there and went in the door, where Bob and I were mesmerized inside this huge building full of machines and locomotives. We looked back and Pat and Mary were standing there with a bewildered look on their faces. "Where are the shops?" B and B, "You are in the shops!" Turned around again and they were gone. Oh well, Bob B. and I had fun climbing on the locomotives.

Click on this for a video of the steam engine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmnly/4716380790/

Second stop was McGill, NV, where they have a drugstore museum. Unfortunately, it was pretty early and it was closed. But,,,,, while we were milling around outside getting gas etc., somebody must have phoned the curator and he pulled up alongside John G and said he was opening up. So we got a look at this store which is a time capsule from the 40's, 50's and 60's, soda fountain and all. They have all the prescriptions that were ever filled in this old store, but nothing is currently for sale, it is all artifacts.

Next stop was Schellbourne on highway 93 which is where the pony express route crosses the highway. There is an old dirt road which is the actual old stagecoach route and Pony Express Trail. Had to point the A down that road just to say I drove on the Pony Express Trail.

We had lunch at the Lages Junction bar/gas station/motel/pool hall/general store/cafe which is definitely the only game in town. We inquired where the kids go to school, and were informed that they must be driven 18 miles to the school bus stop and then another 50 miles on the bus to Ely. Wow!!

Forged on to Wendover, NV. The two Bobs took a quick trip to the Wendover Air Museum, which is where the Enola Gay was prepared and departed from carrying the first atomic bomb used against Japan in WW2.

Tidbit for the day: Bob B got locked behind the gate at the Pony Express Stop, got locked in the sauna at the motel (and Patti was nowhere around) and knocked on the wrong door trying to find us. Seems to be having a problem with doors and gates.

PONY EXPRESS DAY 3

day 3;  190 miles from Fallon to Eureka, NV. (Left click on any picture to see the larger version.)  On the road at 7:30, first stop was at the big sand dunes for a photo op, and this was also the location of the Sand Springs Pony Express Station. Sadly, the historical marker, and the loneliest phone booth and the loneliest road sign have all been stolen. But it still makes a great picture.


Next stop was Middlegate Pony Express Station, which is now a gas station (one pump, one octane) minimart motel cafe bar out in the middle of nowhere, on the original Lincoln Highway, 50 miles to the nearest town. The ladies found some really neat Pony Express T-shirts. Tourists have plastered the ceiling with dollar bills with their names on them.

A few miles down the road on the left is the famous shoe tree. Since we last came through here, the number of shoes has increased by tenfold. And being true philanthropists, we all gave up a pair of shoes.

Stopped at one more Pony Express ruins, pressed on and then stopped for lunch in Austin. The folks there mentioned that they had snow yesterday!! We went into an antique shop, Patti spied a chest made out of old Coca Cola cases, Bob offered to buy it on the way back, and our supposedly friends all started chanting, get the box, get the box. We got the box and then tried to figure out how to get it in the car. Had to stuff some of the other stuff inside the box, but we got the box. Had to include this picture of two dogs in a pickup, in NV a dog only has to be 3 years of age to drive.

Freshly fueled, we hightailed it with a great tailwind into Eureka, NV. The cloud shadows on the road were doing about 50 mph going east, fortunately. We got in about 2 o'clock, an early day for us, so we went exploring in the town. We found a pamphlet for a walking tour so we hoofed around and checked out the Opera House, the museum and the courthouse. Eureka is a really neat little town, with many restored buildings, if you drive through here, don't fail to stop.

Here are a few pictures from Eureka, the opera house with a couple shady characters up on stage, a 5 seat outhouse made for the WPA back in the 30's, and the interior of the local market, which definitely had a little bit of everything.

MAFCA arranged for the local Lions Club to furnish a BBQ steak dinner at the fairgrounds, mighty good food, stuffed ourselves again. And then we took all the Model A's downtown, the local sheriff blocked off the main street and we parked all the A's around the courthouse for a group photo op. Think that wasn't enough? Walked uptown for ice cream.......

Funny story for the day. Bob B. and Pat happened to see the spa room, and it had a sign on the door that said, "Don't close the door, because you will be locked in." Pat talked Bob B into testing to see if that was really true. "You go in and if you can't get out, I will let you out from the outside." So he went in and closed the door. Sure enough, he was locked in, so he asked Pat to let him out. Guess what, the door could not be opened from either side. So Pat went and got the desk clerk who had a key that she said sometimes did not work. She was right, Bob offered to climb out the window, but after a couple minutes of jiggling, the door opened. Of course then the clerk could not get the key out of the door. Moral, don't let these two out together, there will be trouble.

For the record, today we topped 1 pass and 5 summits, the highest summit was Austin Summit at 7484 ft.

PONY EXPRESS DAY 2

First thing we did today was stick our heads in John's bellhousing to check on the throwout bearing.  Looked fine so we closed it back up.  Departed Sac at 7:40 with 5 cars in a group. As we left, one driver named Bob mentioned that Vintage Ford was nearby and did anyone need any parts. Another driver named Bob, whined until we stopped. They were closed unfortunately, but it was a definite photo op.

We drove right by the first Pony Express stop without seeing it, so we stopped at the Rescue Fire Station for some local assistance, and after first inquiring about their facilities, discovered that we had to backtrack a few miles. It was well worth it, hidden behind a bunch of horse trailers was an original Pony Express Barn and Station House, which is now part of a local ranch, still there and occupied. It was here that another driver named Bob found what he claimed to be original Pony Express road apples. We are now carrying some of them with us.

 The gal at the fire station also directed us to the five mile house station marker, which was reduced to a pile of rubble because a car had hit it. She went across the street to the little restaurant to see if the owner would bring it out for us to see, but he declined, said it was too heavy, so we settled for a look at the rubble.  Then consulted with the guidebook to find the next marker.

Then saw Placerville Pony Express Station marker in downtown Placerville, before heading up to Apple Hill for our usual stop (when on the way to Tahoe) at Boa Vista Orchards for apple dumpling, strudel and cider.  Next stop was Sportsmans Hal and the Sportsman Hall Pony Express Marker.  The Hall is now a restaurant but we were too full for lunch. Passed a store called Pony Expresso (such blatant commercialism). Strawberry Pony Express station was named after a man named Berry who fed his clients horses straw instead of hay, hence the name Straw Berry.   And over the hill to Tahoe we went. Wildflowers and snow.   Little off-roading shot here, turning around with a Borg Warner overdrive is interesting sometimes.

Still too full for lunch, up the Kingsbury Grade and down the other side we went. Kudos to Lauren A. for driving the Grade up and down very skillfully.

Lunch stop was in Genoa at the Mormon Station Pony Express stop and a local mom and pop deli. Good sandwiches! Then we checked out the oldest saloon in NV. There were a few bikes out front, we were very careful not to knock them over.   There was a new outhouse out back, definitely required a picture of the lineup in front.

Passing thru Dayton, Bob B stopped to visit with an old work buddy who moved to the desert. From here, the weary group hightailed it to Fallon, the destination for the day.

PONY EXPRESS DAY 1

If the car can get up the driveway, we are off. If it can't, one of us will have to get out and push.

Well, five Model A’s and their occupants took off from the Donut shop in Milpitas at 10 AM this morning. That would be Bob and Mary, Chuck and Helen, Rodger and Noreen, John and Judy, and Bob and Patti traveling to Sacramento. We had Pony Express food packets of beef jerky and hard tack and a Pony Express logo to put on our A windows.

We made a quick pit stop in Livermore and then hit the road again. Bob B. found the first treasure a one inch rubber washer! You never know when you will need an extra part. On the other side of the Altamont Pass we encountered a stiff cross wind at Mountain House Road which started to blow “stuff” out of the yellow pick up, a hat box and a wheel chock.

Next stop Foster’s Big Horn restaurant for lunch in Rio Vista (the pictures explain the name.) MMMM good, everyone felt much better after lunch so we pressed on to Sacramento. At 5 we went to the first Pony Express stop for us but actually it was the last stop coming from the East, the Sacramento Station in Old Town Sacramento. Rider Sam Hamilton on April 13 1860 brought the first mail from St. Joseph, Missouri.

Then on to the kickoff at the California Auto Museum (Towe). We had an excellent BBQ dinner and dessert. Larry Carpenter , a member of the Pony Express Association, gave an excellent talk and showed a video from 1995 with Huell Howser as the narrator regarding the annual re-enactment of the Pony Express Ride. Larry has been participating since 1995. Those are some tough riders even today.

Tomorrow we are off to Fallon, Nevada with many stops along the way.

OKAY, WE ARE READY????

Four pictures above, self explanatory I hope.

Well, we must be ready because every inch of the coupe has been packed. Under the seat are extra parts, one of everything, in many kinds of cloth bags. We wouldn't want any rattles.

The rumble seat has 2 tool bags, oil water, marvel mystery oil, polish, 3 in 1 oil, etc, and 2 small suit cases, ski jackets which we never travel without and a small pillow so the shorter person can drive and reach the pedals. Did I mention that we have some electronics? Laptop, GPS, cell phones, walkie talkies, how did they get by in the thirties?

We will hit the road at 9AM on Wed and Bob will be singing his traveling song, "On the Road Again, Going places that we've never been,,,,,,,,"

Hope you enjoy the Pony Express Tour with us. You can alos look at this tour from 2 points of view, ours and John & Judy's. (http://modelaindowntheroad.blogspot.com)

2010 HERE WE COME!!

We have two long tours planned for this summer. In June, we will take the MAFCA 150 Year Pony Express Tour from Sacramento to Casper, WY and then return via Estes Nat'l park, and Moab, UT. On July 29, we head for Whitefish, MT towing our Model T to participate in the National Model T Ford Club Tour, which will take in Glacier Nat'l Park, a side trip to Canada and Lake Koocanusa. This is a hub tour centered in Whitefish, and each day, we will drive the Model T to a different destination. So stay tuned, sport fans...........