SEEING THE ELEPHANT AND OTHER SHORT STORIES OF LIFE ON THE ROAD

I'M WAY BEHIND IN REPORTING MY ADVENTURES---SO I WILL COMPRESS THEM IN THE NEXT FEW ENTRIES.
DONNA'S---A REAL LIVE BROTHEL----WELLS NEVADA. 

Not very attractive outside---didn't go inside---but quizzed the locals about the details---like-- HOW MUCH??  The short answer here is $150 for a quickie.  For more details: http://www.businessinsider.com/prostitution-legal-nevada-prostitutes-brothels-sex-2011-12?op=1

Way out in the boondocks, we stop to get the story of the Pony Express.

Then back on the road I had this eerie experience of a "Ghost rider".  Can you see it or is it a spot on my windshield.  Anyway it vanished as soon as I clicked the camera.

This mountain has long been an obstruction to East/West traffic near Elko, Nv and just recently they decided to permanently solve the problem---

with this tunnel through the mountain.

On the far side is a terrific museum explaining the wagon trail to California that passed here.

It was closed!  Soooo, we just stayed the night right here at the gate.

And were glad we did.  Terrific dioramas like this made us appreciate their heroism.

Outside they showed how the local Indians could make a serviceable shelter in two hours or so.  Consider how much of our time and energy is required for a modern shelter.  The outrageous cost of shelter is the elephant in the living room when considering the issue of poverty in America.

And speaking of elephants ---I loved this scene illustrating the then famous phrase:

"I HAVE SEEN THE ELEPHANT"

I understand it intuitively but it's hard to explain.  Click here if you're curious:

http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/site/comments/elephant_to_see_the/

And speaking of elephants---check this out.  This 20 yr old lady was kind enough to peel off her shirt to let me photograph her tattoo.  Are you amazed that someone would make this kind of (lifetime) commitment?

OR THIS?? I engaged this Amish guy and his wife outside the museum.  He's in his thirties and has 5 children with another on the way.  Was very religious --giving me the thumbnail version of his faith.  I didn't challenge him on his beliefs or on the obvious fact that he is contributing to a great evil ---OVERPOPULATION OF THE PLANET.

Sooner or later we (the people) will have to legally restrain the breeding impulses of these earthy people. (Think China's one child policy)

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: SLOW TRAVEL WITH A CURIOUS EYE IS A SURE FIRE WAY TO SEE THE ELEPHANT.