Rocky Gap Road

Determined to make it to the top of the Rocky Top 4x4 road on my third attempt, I proceeded on. It's only supposed to be 6 miles to the top. It's all uphill. The last time a blizzard turned me back. This time like George Mallory in his third Everest attempt, I was going to succeed or die trying. After I passed my previous highest elevation point, about 6,000 feet, it seemed like the road went on forever. It was deja vu all over again as the turns and bends in the road seemed like instant replays. But finally, after who knows how long (remember I'm running without a watch) I made it to the summit.

Much to my surprise there was a Jeep club at the top. I asked the leader if the trail went any further and he told me I could go 8 miles this way and pick up another trail and go another 15 miles and then hook up with a highway that would take me 45 miles back to Vegas. I don't think he realized I was on foot.

As the Jeepers were eating sandwiches and cookies I explored around and mulled over their offer for a ride back. It looked by the size of their stomachs that they might be eating for a while so I told them I'd head downhill and maybe catch a ride when they passed me. I was having so much fun running downhill, when the first two Jeeps passed I declined a lift. But the third one had an open front seat so I took it. The road was so steep and rocky it's equally difficult for Jeeps and runners to go uphill or downhill. My curiosity of another trail has been satisfied.