Day 06 - Winnemucca, NV to Burney, CA

From the desert mountains of Nevada to the lush evergreens of the California forests, today we had spectacular changes in scenery. This morning’s temperature was 65F and we left the hotel at 7am to continue our march west. We stopped to top off our fuel tanks before getting on the interstate. While fueling up, a local Winnemucca police officer drove up next to us and struck up a conversation. He also owns a Goldwing. We spoke about Goldwings and the upcoming Wingding event in Nashville (15,000 Goldwingers from around the globe expected!) You meet the nicest people on a Honda.

We jumped on I-80 west.

We saw more signs like yesterday that said "Prison Area" and not to pick up hitchhikers. Yesterday we couldn't see any of the facilities and figured they were underground. Today, however, we did see one and it looked serious. As did this power plant.

We took a needed rest break after about 2 hours. Within another 30 minutes we entered Reno and took a quick detour to ride under the Reno Arch.

After 4 days of riding west on I-80, it was time to head north. We exited onto 395 North and made for the California state line. Once in California, we get the privilege of being limited to 55mph (because we are pulling a trailer), paying $1 more per gallon of gas, and dealing with the horrible spring loaded gas nozzles that just do not work on motorcycle fuel tanks. We also drove through the inspection station and were quickly waved through.

Shortly after getting into California, the scenery changed dramatically from the previous days' grasslands to pine forests and curvy mountain roads. The smell of the pine trees was especially strong as made our way along CA-70.

We stopped in Quincy, CA for lunch at the Pangea Cafe and Pub. It had a relaxed California vibe and really good food. After lunch, we took CA-89 into Lassen National Park.

After a quick stop at the visitor center, we formulated our planned stops:

Sulphur Works was a neat fumorole. It was stinky!

Lassen Peak Trailhead and other views along the way.

We made it to Burney, today’s destination, around 6:15pm. We walked next door for dinner at Art’s Outpost. After dinner we walked to Subway to buy our lunch for tomorrow’s picnic.

The weather today was very nice. Lassen was in the 70’s and sunny. Burney was 90 when we arrived but the air was dry, with just a little breeze made it very comfortable. Tomorrow is expected to be sunny and cooler as we make our way to Crater Lake, Oregon.