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I will be attending a convention in Elko, NV in August. I have my Amtrak reservation and have arranged lodging at the host motel which is the Red Lion. Yet, I am a little concerned, never having been to Elko. The westbound train arrives at 3:00 AM (if on time). The motel clerk told me that their security people will pick me up and that they check with Amtrak on the train's expected arrival, though I can also call them. I believe the motel is less than a mile from the station. I think the station is not much more than a shelter. The eastbound train is due at 11:00 PM. The convention is at the convention center, very close to the motel. I was planning not to rent a car at all.
I would like to hear from anyone who is familiar with Elko as to the situation and security around the station and anything else I might like to know. Also, I believe there is a site where you can view photos of Amtrak stations but I don't remember what it is. Will appreciate any comments.
RR4me Member # 6052
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Can't help, all I've ever done was drive through Elko - and that didn't take too long!
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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During Fall 1968, i rode WP #17, Zephyr, Slc to Elko, played slots for a few hours, then rode SP 102, City, back to Ogden.
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Elko is certainly not a hotbed of crime so I don't think security would be a problem. Especially since the motel says they will pick you up. Shades of the Isaak Walton Inn.
Elko has a convention center! Who knew!
Bob from MA Member # 4686
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The event is the annual convention of the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA). It is held each year at some point on one of the two trails. I have been to previous ones in Casper, WY, Reno, NV, Manhattan, KS and Loveland, CO. True, Loveland was an exception as not being on either trail; but there are connecting north-south trails just east of the Rockies. There are two days of talks, etc. and two featuring all-day bus field trips.
This is one time when I hope that the westbound Zephyr is running two or three hours late.
notelvis Member # 3071
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I spent a day (literally) in Elko in July 2002. I was driving a bus for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps that summer.
We arrived in Elko at around 10:00am after driving through the night from the San Francisco area. Our drum corps members rehearsed at the high school all day while we drivers slept until late afternoon. After supper we fueled the vehicles and the corps performed an exhibition at the local football stadium that was well attended. We loaded up the equipment and left town around 10:00pm driving overnight to Cheyenne, WY.
In the 6 or 7 waking hours I spent in Elko it appeared to be a tidy small town in which many local residents take a great deal of pride in their community. The folks I encountered were pleasant and very hospitable. I'd guess it's unlikely that you'll encounter any difficulty there...... the only uneasy part would be if the hotel leaves you stranded at the Amshack upon arrival.
palmland Member # 4344
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If you get bored with the convention, the fascinating Nevada Northern Ry. is less than 3 hours away.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Oh..... Palmland, how right you are....
And for a price the Nevada Northern will let you play engineer on one of their steam locomotives.
The fourteen miles I ran 2-8-0 #93 back in 2005 remains one of the highlights of my railfan life!
zephyr Member # 1651
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quote:Originally posted by Bob from MA: The event is the annual convention of the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA). I have been to previous ones in Casper, WY, Reno, NV, Manhattan, KS and Loveland, CO.
Maybe our paths will cross in Elko. I've attended OCTA conventions in St Jo Mo, Salt Lake City, and Nampa, ID. Just look for a guy wearing a t-shirt sporting a complimentary slogan about Zip Code 5.
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