I-80 at Sunset Somewhere in Wyoming
At my age, a 13.5 hour drive is a bit too much. However I wanted to reduce the last day of the journey to 10.5, so I managed to endure it. Western Nebraska is a breeze to travel through as the traffic lightens up, the road is drivable and the posted speed limit is 75 mph.
In terms of scenic beauty, I-90 does not compare to I-80 through the Rockies. The ascent to the continental divide (which is crossed twice on I-90) is not so obvious. However I did note with the extra weight and wind resistance that the 325xi was often running at 3500 rpm (and sucking gas when doing so). I reduced my speed with the cruise control to gently nudge the bimmer back into sixth gear.
The slide down the Rockies from Rawlins to Rock Springs on the western side is far more dramatic. You full well realize how high you slowly climbed up from the east. With that big black box on my car-top, I had to watch my speed carefully.
A few hours later the climb begins again when approaching the Wasatch Range from the east. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of interstate highway in the country. Unfortunately it was well past dark when I rolled through Park City, UT. I did stop for coffee, there as the fatigue of the drive had set in. I took the long winding path down to the Salt Lake Basin slow and easy.
Salt Lake City is still one of the most dramatic places to into at night. Yet when I finally arrived at my hotel I was relieved that the long drive was over. The Marriott night clerk was most helpful in finding me some food at that late hour, and upgraded me to a wonderful suit.
After a long stretch through the Great Salt Basin, I repeat the climb and decent through the Sierra Nevada Range tomorrow on what looks to be a warm, sunny day. What a shame that I have to pass through Lake Tahoe without time to re-explore. Both my client and their customers are somewhat annoyed by my absence. I best get there, or my return trip will be much sooner than planned. Also I am so much looking forward to officially moving in to my house in El Dorado Hills.
