Last Full Day in the Park (part 2)

While I was meandering around the lower areas with my binoculars, Tom was completing the 3-mile Alphine Lakes Loop. This trail at 10,200 feet elevation is described by the National Park Service as:

One of the most popular trails in Great Basin National Park, the Alpine Lakes Loop allows folks to get away from the road but not straining too hard. Just under three miles, this loop hike passes by two alpine lakes, Teresa and Stella lakes, all while going through alpine meadows and coniferous forests. Passing in the shadow of the highest peaks of the Snake Range, Wheeler Peak and Doso Doyabi are visible on this trail providing sweeping views of the sheer cliffs and flanks of these mountains. Wildflowers and wildlife are regularly visible during the summer months, and a night hike rewards many with a vast night sky.

On Wednesday morning, we had an early checkout time at the Border Inn Casino (10:00 instead of the usual 11:00, perhaps because of the fact we were actually sleeping in Utah while paying in Nevada!). After filling up the Jeep, we again hit the road, aiming for Ely to stock up on fresh water, coffee, coke, and whatever else we could think of. After Ely, it was southward to Caliente!