Nate’s Performance instructed me to drive the Jeep 500 miles before it goes back next Friday to change the differential fluid. So, I headed out with Great Basin Exploring to try out the modifications off-road. We decided against the desert as it was hot and headed to the Sweetwater Mountains instead.
Nugent Cabin
I had seen pictures of the Nugent Cabin for years but wasn’t sure exactly where it was. Several families and off-road groups have well-loved and cared for the cabin. It is open to whoever wants to stay and gets there first. The rule is you leave it better than you found it. People have replaced windows, decorated, cleaned, and stocked the cabin. I would love to revisit and spend a few days as this awesome historical cabin.
Nugent Log Cabin
Across the meadow from Nugent Cabin is an abandoned log cabin. I checked a few references for this area, but so far am drawing a blank on their history. Miners first worked in this area in the 1860s, and this cabin is similar to one at Belfort and Bouler Flat. Multiple towns and mining camps popped up in the 1870s and 1880, so it is possible the log cabin dates to this time frame.
Silverado Mine
I have driven through Sweetwater for years and never knew about the history tucked in the mountains.
Before 1896, Silverado Mine produced more than $20,000 in silver ore. The mine had a ten-stamp mill powered by steam and cyanide processing. Mules transported ore.
Going up?
Great Basin thought he saw something at the top of the mill, so we decided to investigate. He asked if I was ok driving up the steep and narrow road. I told him it was fine, as long as I didn’t have to back down.
Haha, this is called foreshadowing.
The road narrowed and started falling off the side of the mountain. Great Basin walked the next section to survey the road. He came back down the road and up to the driver’s side. Darn it; I know what this means. He asked if I wanted to back down or have him do it. I didn’t want to, but I wanted to try.
I made it ways down and could have backed down the entire mountain. But it would have taken me forever, so we traded out drivers.
Rosie the Riveter
Saturday, friends had their first annual party since Covid hit. They always go all out with a theme. Westen, Morrocan, and this year, 1940s. Everything from the invitations, food, decor, dress, tableware, and more matches their theme.
I have never been a make-up or hair person. Clothing is another story, but what used to be dress clothing is now outdoor wear. So, Saturday, I went and picked out lipstick and tried to apply make-up and not end up looking like a circus clown. My little one said I looked like Rosie the Riveter, but I had bigger muscles. I told her she was my favorite daughter.
Leave it to me; when I arrived, all the women looked adorable in stylish dresses, pin-up clothes, and heels. So what does Tami arrive in? Denim shirt, jeans, combat-style boots, and a bandana: driving a Jeep, of course.
I had to get a photo with Honey Badger. Then again, with the awesome Jeep, they had at the party.
Sunday Drive
Hubby and I went for a quick drive Sunday to rack up some miles. We didn’t have much time, but we took a run to the border at Topaz Lake, then back through Wellington and Hoye Canyon.
I wanted to get a shot of Honey Badger and the sign, but I will have to play with the angel. The speed limit sign and solar panel kept getting in the way.
Getting ready!
I wanted to ensure the tent was ready for my upcoming camping trip and smart Hubby suggested I set it up for a few days to try it before I left. I had grand plans to make it comfortable and cute. I forgot how small it is.
After a month of camping, I enlisted the help of my little one to set up the tent. After she finished laughing at how I tried to put up the tent, I told her she was no longer my favorite girl child. She gave me a lesson on proper tent construction and how to survive a month in the wild.
She laughed about my ideas for the inside. I need to remember how small the tent is; only big enough for one. And, there is no headroom, which I discovered when I sat up, and the fan/light fell on my head. I have two weeks to show her mom will get what she wants.
terry says
the problem with reading one of your 5 minute articles is i click on the blue words and it becomes an afternoon article. thanks for the posts
Tami says
Haha! I’m sorry to distract you for life but glad you went down the rabbit hole!
More coming soon; I’m getting ready for my camping trip with the Godfather of Nevada ghost towns.