Rest Stop Expose

Back on March 20th, when we began our Ridgeline Pioneer trip, I reminded RBK that we'd be making fairly frequent "rest stops" since we weren't in a hurry.  On our first day of driving we passed through three states and visited three diverse rest stops which caused me to think about them as, perhaps, an icon, not simply a place for jubilation.

The quality of a state's rest stops indicates its willingness to be a gracious host but also to market itself and present a face to the world.  Illinois, for example, has rest stops with low-slung roofs reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright creation, one of its favorite sons.

Rest stops in Missouri have a folksy feel with a sort of front porch. When I popped in for a visit two adorable elderly ladies were having an in depth conversation about a family funeral in another state and finding a nice coat in an upscale department store there.

This Utah rest stop pipes country music through the building.

Nevada Rest Stop.  Kinda looks like a mini-Ghost Town.

Oklahoma "rest stops" are exactly that and nothing more.  Rest is allowed but not use of a restroom because it's just a pull out.   We drove past this one without stopping, however, there were tee pees over picnic tables.

Arizona rest stops are pretty on the outside, even festive, and some even have a little bazaar of goods for sale.  But inside the facilities are half doors on the stalls. It's a little embarrassing to stand up after using the toilet and be face to face with a passing patron on the hunt for a stall.

New Mexico rest stops and visitor centers are the most luxurious I've ever seen.  The staff are also knowledgeable and friendly, dispensing helpful information without anyone having to ask a question.  The woman in the photo below (on the left behind the counter) actually called across the room to see how she could help us find the right place to visit near Santa Fe.

Another well-kept rest area in Arizona.

Imagine my surprise when we bumped into this adorable restroom on the Vernal Falls trail.  The restrooms in Yosemite were so plentiful and well-maintained that I have decided all my future long hikes will have to be done in a national park.  No more "Tippy-Toes" incidents for me!  (See Channel Islands post.)

This adorable human-sized giraffe greets all guests in the Cass Winery restroom.  This lil gal was just inside the door and scared the *)&*(&) out of me!

California rest stop set against a mountainside. Very picturesque location (mountains not visible)

The Iowa soil erosion display.

Iowa had a confusing display on soil erosion displayed on large posts. I couldn't read the explanation because I had to keep moving left and right to see the words. I got frustrated with it. They also had these funky wash basins and a posted list of "rest stop rules." How helpful!

Nebraska's rest area provided some education as well. Have you ever heard of road ranches? I hadn't either. Apparently, back in the 1860's and 70's road ranches sprang up to serve stage coaches and freight carriers along the Platte River. They provided overnight accommodations and provisions to travelers, each offering a local specialty like cheese or an unexpected luxury like wine. Native American attacks plagued them and poor or unsanitary conditions were sometimes in place. When Union Pacific Railroad built through many ranches closed.