Here we are 2015, Happy New Year to everyone!! I do hope you all are enjoying the new year - day two and I am crossing another item off the 'perpetual' bucket list.
Get up close to Area 51 . . .
Ever since I was a kid, when you hear [I'll quote] ". . . the most famous military installation in the world that doesn't officially exist. . ." Then yes, you want to check it out. . . . ROAD TRIP!
We had a full tank of gas, plenty of water and off we went!
and went. . . .
and went. . . .
None of our road trips is not without sights along the way:
Someone was working to to put a golf course on US Highway 93 between Las Vegas and Alamo, the golf course is way in the back. The only landmark is the sign for Coyote Springs, Nevada.
As we got closer to Alamo, we came upon two lakes; Lower Pahranagat and Upper Pahranagat which were located on the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Lower Pahranagat
Upper Pahranagat
With all this water, there must be signs of wildlife in the area:
Not just a Deer Crossing -a Major Deer Crossing
To the hunters in Vermont - if I see a 'Major Deer', I'll let you know!
Ranches and open ranges are what we saw in this area of the state:
Cattle and horses
Even a place for the Cowboys to 'take their boots' off and relax!
Almost there, we are now on the Extraterrestrial Highway - Route 375
Got my SUN GLASSES for the occasion!!
No sooner that we turned onto Route 375:
ALIEN Research Center
CLOSED!
To our left (heading north) we see the top of Bald Mountain.
hummmm
Headed up Route 375, we saw this sign about 20 mile before Rachel, NV. . . .
GO BACK
We traveled 158 miles from our front door to Rachel, NV. . .
The Extraterrestrial Highway sign in Rachel has had many visitors !!
The Little A'Le'Inn
Had to go inside. . . . . . make friends!!
So here is the inside of the Little A'Le'Inn
I asked the owner, PAT about the money on the ceiling over the bar.
She said that when people stop in they leave a bill with their name on it. . . . well - so I did.
Connie, behind the bar gave me the cup of pens and the tape. . . .
Our bill is the one with the yellow outline over the window.
Still a bit early for lunch, Nancy and I talked to the staff a little longer and get a map for the gates that lead to AREA 51. . . . Sorry, I can not post the map on this blog. . . .
Off we go. . . .
Yes. . . more driving.
Then, the Back Gate to AREA 51.
This is a manned post, and NO pictures allowed.
After a quick stop at this gate Nancy and I headed back to the Little A'Le'Inn in
Rachel for an Alien Burger and more conversation with Pat.
Time to head back to Las Vegas, but first one more stop!
This part of our journey was to the Groom Lake Road base boundary. This area of the boundary is located between two hills with signs on both sides of the road.
As indicated in our guide map - DO NOT PASS THE SIGNS or we will be arrested and charged with trespassing. The fine for a first offense is $600!
Guess we are headed the right way. . .
There is company on this road. . . you'll see
Someone else had the same idea we had. . . .
And, yes with all that dust - someone knows when you are headed that way.
Joshua Trees - do get tall, not this big around Las Vegas
You can see a bit of Bald Mountain to the right. . . .
Another close up of the top of the mountain from a different angle.
As we approach the Groom Lake Road base entry, we do notice the pickup truck up on the hill to our right.
Please note the location of the truck (between the two trees)
A close up of the signs. . .
The 'Restricted Zone Boundary' is clearly marked with these bright orange BOUNDARY posts.
Well - this is as close as we are going to get -
Sorry Cheryl (Giles), I do know when NO means NO. . . not going to cross this boundary.
It's a good thing too, remember that pickup truck (between the two trees) on the hill. . . . .
I didn't move it!
Guess it is time for us to leave the area!
One last look back. . . . OK we are clear!
The last stop sign as we are leaving the Groom Lake Road
Had fun on the trip to Rachel and AREA 51. Looking forward to more adventures in 2015.
I mentioned to Nan - hey I still have Roswell, New Mexico on my bucket list. . . . . Woot Woot.
Remember: It's all about the journey!
Love,
Nancy and Dan
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