Friday, May 5
Immediately after breakfast, I pitch a surprised Reggie into the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
“Something different for our walk, Reg. You’ll like it.”
We ride into town.
The same walkway that goes past Young’s RV Park reaches across Caliente. I park the PTV at the curb, tether up the Reggie Man, and we set out down the sidewalk.
Come along with us for a tour . . .
As you know from reading my blog, I seldom eat in restaurants. I show these photos for those of you who do.
At the Knotty Pine, gambling is on the menu.
I hear the burgers at J and J’s are very good.
A sign by the door boasts that “we don’t cook your food until you order it.”
We walk past Caliente’s crown jewel.
About Caliente Railroad Depot . . .
“Caliente Railroad Depot is located in southeastern Nevada. The once busy Union Pacific station now houses the Caliente city offices and a small public library.
“Freight trains still pass by the historic mission style station but since Amtrak pulled out years ago there is no more passenger service. There is a small box car museum next to the station Hours: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday year-round.
“Caliente was at one time a Union Pacific hub. Its location half way between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City made it an ideal stop over for trains. Union Pacific had a roundhouse and repair facilities for steam locomotives at the east edge of town.
“When steam locomotives were replaced with diesel in the 1940’s operations moved to Las Vegas. ” — nevadadaytrips.com
Another landmark — not seen along this walkway because it’s located on the far end of town — is the Caliente Hot Springs and Motel. (I took this photo previously in a quick drive-by.)
For groceries one goes over the railroad tracks to a strip of shops next to the railroad depot.
Food Town, the Thee Laundromat, a variety store . . .
. . . a shop for quilters . . .
. . . and another restaurant, The Brandin Iron.
“Open 7 days a week” serving breakfast and lunch. . .
I’m curious to hear a resident’s view of Caliente.
An opportunity presents itself at one of the stores. A woman of middle-age is ringing up my purchases when I ask where one buys groceries. I know the answer, but I want to hear what she has to say.
“You can shop at Food Town. Family Dollar has a few items. There’s a nice grocery in Panaca. We go there sometimes.”
“What about the big stores? Do you miss having a Wal-Mart?”
“No! Not at all,” she responds with emphasis.
“About every two weeks we drive into Cedar City, get what we need at Wal-Mart, put stuff in our freezer. If you stay on the road to Panaca, it takes you to Cedar City. I can get there in an hour and fifteen minutes.”
“And you don’t mind the drive . . . ”
“Not one bit. I’d rather live out here. We can buy stuff online, too, and have it delivered. My son-in-law, he orders a side of beef or a whole pig for the freezer. You do what it takes.”
Handing me my bag of purchases, she wraps up our conversation.
“No, I don’t need to live near a Wal-Mart. I don’t need to live near Wal-Mart people either. I like it here. I like living in the country.”
Reg and I return to the PTV.
“Okay, little guy. You’ve had your walk. I want to go places today.”
On cue Reggie lies on his back in submission. I pick him up, unhook the tether, and toss him in.
He drinks some water and settles into his bed. I fire up the PTV and we leave Caliente, taking Route 93 north to Panaca and Pioche, for a day trip.
More about that in another post!
rvsue
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