Boise to Gardnerville

It is a long way from Boise to Gardnerville, Nevada even though we stopped in Winnemucca. It is a long way from Bend to Boise but we made it in one day. I realize that some people in RVs will knock off 300 mile days without complaint but we were tired on all three legs of our journey. 

Winnemucca

Our first leg south from Boise we stopped in Winnemucca, Nevada. To make this stop more affordable, we joined Passport America, which is a program that allows for short stays at commercial RV parks for half of the normal rate. We have known about the membership for a long time, but this is the first time we used it, and compared to normal prices, you could say that we paid for our membership, almost, on our first time using it. Still, I’m a little timid because there are many limitations. Besides that, there are so many great public camping that is less expensive.

Troubled Start

We stopped for lunch at the Oregon/Nevada border in McDermitt Nevada. The starter would not engage after lunch. It turned out to be an electrical connection in the gear shifter not making contact, disabling the starter relay. I had to move the gear shifter at the same time as twisting the key to start the engine. Sometimes I hate “safety” systems.

We arrived in Winnemucca late, but still well before dark, 260-mile day. I’m just glad we didn’t get stuck at the Nevada border.

Departing Winnemucca was no problem although we were a little spooked about our starter.  This drive was shorter at 215 miles we arrived at Patty’s and Joel’s house in Gardnerville, Nevada for our first ever mooch-docking visit.

Mooch-docking

The going definition of mooch-docking is when you stay at a friend’s house, and they supply electricity. Since it is getting cold, electricity is a real benefit. Another term that we have learned, but not used is driveway-surfing. It is the same as mooch-docking with the exception that you don’t get to the plugin. Of course, the difference is minor. The point is that you are at your friend’s house and this is the treat.

Patty and Joel were friends from when we were volunteer ski patrollers for the National Ski Patrol and we all worked at the same ski resorts.  We have been friends for more than 20 years, but don’t get to see them as often as we like. It is a real treat.

While staying at their house we drove up and visited South Lake Tahoe, as always it is very pretty.  Tomorrow we plan a visit to Virginia City.

Here is a link to the google map for the area.

Link to our 2018 Route.

Link to our route Boise to Las Vegas.

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