12 Men in the Desert

From: "Chris Graves" caliron@att.net

In June, 2006, twelve men of questionable wisdom chased the old CPRR grade between Wells, Nevada and Toano, Nevada.

One fellow flew in from Germany, cutting his vacation short to join the crew; another drove all the way from Michigan with his bride in tow (she was wise, and stayed in the motel while he chased dirt and iron).

Informally led by Chuck Sweet, Bob Chugg and I, at the end of three days 'enough was enough' and the 12 went their separate ways, none the worse for the experience, albeit all a bit dustier and worn from it. Chuck and I, discussing the events over a beer in Wells, mutually agreed that such an tour was our last, as dust, dirt, flat tires, mechanical challenges and poor diet had taken their toll.

Looking back through the prism that 6 months of fuzzy memory creates, however, I am once again thinking of chasing the rails through the Pequops, and beyond.

If anyone else is foolish enough to attempt this trek again, (repeat trekkies or newbies, either one) please contact me directly. There is no fee, no charge and no reasonable reason to do this, unless you really are into history and the CPRR.

You would need a minimum of a high clearance vehicle with GOOD TIRES and at least one good spare tire, the ability to see the humor in 40 miles of dusty road with NO FACILITIES, and a stomach strong enough to handle the vagaries of the motels in Wells, Nev.

This junket would again be held in June or July, this time in 2007, to last no more than 3 days, excluding the drive to Promontory Summit, which usually takes a day to complete from Wells. That piece of the trip REQUIRES 4 wheel drive.

—G J Chris Graves, NewCastle, California