Redding, California to Reno, Nevada

Today we took off cross country and abandoned the interstate highway for secondary roads cutting cross country through the National Forest from Redding to Susanville, CA and then on to Reno, NV on highway 395.  We had about 225 miles to drive.  It was a very scenic drive where we got to see some of the largest pine trees I have ever seen.  It was two lanes most of the way with very curvy roads but we took it easy and had no issues.  The motorhome did great even though we pulled some very long steep uphill grades on several occasions.  For those wondering the downhills are very easy since I have a two speed engine brake.  I have went down seven percent grades for seven miles and rarely even have to touch the brakes. The only issue we have ever had occurred in Washington on a very steep downgrade where they had ground down the road for repaving.The problem was they ground down the lane I was in at two different heights that kind of rolled like waves,  This didn't bother the motorhome but the car started jumping on one side and then the next.  I slowed to 45 or so and it was still doing it.  I pulled over thinking I must have a flat tire or something but everything was ok.  I think it was the way they ground down the pavement in the lane we were traveling in.

For the next three nights we are staying in Reno, NV.  While here we plan on driving around Lake Tahoe which to many I have heard is one of the most beautiful places in the country,  We also plan on doing some gambling one day where Huli will win and I will bum money off of her since I lost all of mine.  We also plan on having dinner one night at the Western Village Casino which I learned from are neighbors in Redding has the most awesome food you can imagine.  It's not a downtown Reno casino but outside of town around four miles,  They said you will not believe how good the food is but it is a well kept secret.

After we leave Reno we are heading to Salt Lake City, UT to see my much older brother Skip and his family,  We are staying one night in West Wendover, NV,  On Friday we will drive the two or so hours to Salt Lake City where we will spend the weekend.  After that we are going to put the pedal to the metal and get home quick.  This is where we may do our first over night at a Wally Mart,  Not sure yet we will have to see.  I don't plan on making any reservations but want to just stop when we are tired and ready to stop.  This will be a new experience since a long day is seven hours for us. Freightliner said their seats are made for twelve hour driving days.


Things are really dry here

At one time that may have been a lake.

Reno