Johnson Lake

 Great Basin National Park: great, greater, greatest (2-3 August)

Great Basin National Park in Nevada has maintained its secluded wonders, despite a noticeable growth in visitors ... noticeable since the last time we were here 22 years ago. At that time we were practically alone on all our hikes. Now, we were surprised and pleased to see people of all ages and especially families with small children underway on some of the easier hikes. However, yesterday on our rather strenuous hike to Johnson Lake we met no one on the ascent, and just one couple on their way up as we were descending. So, while the park is becoming more well known, it is still a place where you can find a peaceful way to spend the time closer to nature.

Bristelcone Pine 3,200 years old

One of the main attractions, aside from the Lehmann Caves, is the Bristelcone Pine forest. These ancient trees are some of the oldest in the world, getting up to 5,000 years old. They are able to survive at altitudes and under severe conditions that are impossible for other trees.

Speaking of severe weather conditions, at Great Basin one always has to keep an eye on the clouds. A bright, coudless, sunny morning can turn into a dangerous thunderstorm by mid afternoon!






A greater surprise than the Great Basin, itself, was the fantastic dining experience that we enjoyed in the village of Baker, where we were staying in a motel. The Kerouac Restaurant had been recommended to us and we were not disappointed. On the contrary, the service was welcoming and exceptionally competent, and the food original, fresh and delicious. The owners, Kate and Jake had just taken over the run down establishment a year and a half ago, and turned it into a wonderful place to enjoy a meal and good company.

And the greatest discovery was Dan, the bartender. With immense inventiveness he concocted the most refreshing cocktails and served them with humor and passion. His Limoncello was absolutely addictive ... a perfect nightcap to a perfect day at Great Basin.

Kate and Jake (owners), Dan (bartender), AJ, Marco, Michelle, Matthew


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