Day 1: Santa Clara, CA to Gardnerville, NV

Summary:
   Miles:   222
   Average: 49
   Maximum: 91

Roads:
    880, I-680, 84, Tesla, Grant Line, 99, 120,
    Jack Tone, Comstock, Clements, 88, 756

Saturday morning traffic leaving the Bay Area was very light. I did see hundreds of motorcycles headed for the Hollister rally. I'm glad I was going the other way! Traffic stayed light until I tried to get on I-205 in Tracy, where traffic was at a standstill. So I paralleled the freeway on Grantline Road all the way to highway 99. After that the traffic was very light. Highway 88 was beautiful with virtually no traffic - no trucks, no campers, no motor homes! Hard to believe that on the fourth of July weekend traffic was so light. The ride over the Sierras was simply wonderful, with cool temperatures, lovely scenery and little to no traffic. I could pick a pace and stick with as long as I wanted. I arrived in Gardnerville in late afternoon, pulling into Will and Phyllis's driveway tired but happy.

Phyllis prepared a lovely dinner and our friends Brad and Linda joined us for dessert. It was a great evening and a grand way to end the first day of the trip.