Day 15 — The Loneliest Road
Day 15 was a drive from Placerville to Reno to Ely, Nevada. I really had no expectations for what the day would look like, but it turned out to be one of the more magnificent drives I’ve ever made. The road from Placerville to Reno wound through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, passing through Auburn State Park, which had a beautiful gorge and river running through it. The climb up towards Reno on I-80 through Donner Pass was absolutely stunning. As I got above 5,000 feet, the mist turned into snow, and I found myself winding through snow-covered evergreens. It was the kind of drive where you don’t even mind how long it takes — you just want to soak it all in.
When I got into Reno, I stopped at Hub Coffee Roasters, which has been a fixture of Reno’s coffee community since 2009. Founded with a focus on community, craft, and connection, Hub has become a gathering place for locals, students, and travelers alike. The cafe I visited sits right along the Truckee River, creating a peaceful setting to enjoy a cup of coffee. I had a fantastic espresso and a great conversation with the staff, who were curious about the journey. I always appreciate when a coffee shop has clearly been a part of the city for a long time — you can just feel it.
After Reno, I did some errands — a visit to Planet Fitness, a grocery run at Safeway, and a stop at the Patagonia Outlet. Sometimes, even dads need a little retail therapy.
From there, I took Route 50 toward Ely. I had no idea Route 50 is often called the loneliest highway in America, but it quickly became clear why. At one point, there was a stretch of nearly 150 miles between gas stations. The drive wove between snow-covered mountain ranges and across vast, open valleys. I was honestly in awe the entire time. It was the kind of drive that reminds you just how expansive and quiet this country can be — the kind of beauty you don’t easily forget.
As I settled into the campsite for the night, the University of Tennessee was playing the University of Kentucky in March Madness. What a great end to the day — watching the Volunteers beat the Wildcats. Our family loves the color orange.
