Boise, ID to Winnemucca, NV
Another beautiful day! Took a car tour of Boise. First stop the Boise Depot, a Spanish-style railroad station. The Union Pacific knew how to build beautiful stations.
Next stop the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. They have a statue by Greg Stone of Anne, but I don’t like it. They made her look undignified. Her foot is on a chair, her body twisted, and one hand is very awkwardly behind her back. Not appropriate for a symbol of resistance to fascism.
“The sculptor, Greg Stone, from Northampton, Massachusetts, cast Anne as if she were pulling back an imaginary curtain and gazing out a window from the family’s attic hiding place.” Source
It still makes her look awkward and contorted. I would be surprised if no one had objected.
Downtown, there were a lot of people on the streets even though it was Sunday. I also saw a lot of bicyclists. Boise seems a very civilized, and vibrant, town. Went up to Camel’s Back Park, in the North End neighborhood. Seems like a great neighborhood, with some lively stores on 13th St.
Left Boise for Winnemucca, NV, a long drive through mostly desolate country. First I passed through Idaho’s wine grape growing region. Then into Oregon.
I crossed into Pacific Time and gained another hour, and soon after crossed into Nevada.
Where’s the casino? Found it.
I have a fondness for Nevada. The anything-goes atmosphere, the 24-hour culture. The deserts and lonely roads.
Finally arrived at Winnemucca. The city is named for a Chief Winnemucca (1820-1882) of the Paiute tribe, who at one time lived in this area.
Winnemucca is a treasure house of great signs.
Nevada has a different feel from the other Western states. The feel is hustle.
This is the country that inspired “Willin’.”
Lowell George 1945-1979
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