Pics from my autumn trip through the Sierras in my X1

[Itsed65]

I headed up to Reno from the bay area last week, and took the scenic routes, both coming and going. The X1 is a great traveling companion, along with a couple of cameras and a splash of fall color.

I took the interstate most of the way up the mountain, but exited near the summit to get on the old Lincoln Highway (US 40), the original Donner Pass road.

It's a bit more scenic than the interstate. Slightly hot picture, but not too bad for one handed through the windshield. I continue to be impressed with my little Nex

Donner Pass Road by lennycarl08, on Flickr

In a couple of months this ski area parking lot will be under a couple of feet of snow.


20131010-_DSC1735 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

This section is usually closed a lot in winter.

Old US 40 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

But in the fall it is a very nice drive

Licoln Highway by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Crazy lens flair from shooting into the sun. The X1 at Donner Summit

20131010-_DSC1753 by lennycarl08, on Flickr


20131010-_DSC1758 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Afternoon on the summit. The show sheds are now abandoned, and the railroad uses a different line a short distance from here.

Donner Summit by lennycarl08, on Flickr


This is the "Rainbow Bridge". It has been used in many movies and commercials,and dates back to the 20's. That is Donner lake below, and you can see the interstate running down the hill in the distance. A very light dusting of snow remains from a small system the day before I shot this.

Rainbow Bridge by lennycarl08, on Flickr

As always, the sun is in the wrong place to do this picture right.

20131010-_DSC1777 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

The next morning, I decided to head over to Tahoe and took the scenic route over the Mt. Rose Highway, or Nevada Highway 431, which takes you over the highest year round Sierra Pass and dumps you into Incline Village on the north side of the lake. After a brief stop at Reno BMW to reset my TPM system (in and out in 10 minutes) I hit the road. The aspen trees are turning giving some great color to the drive.

NV 431 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Even at 8000 feet, the X1 never seemed lacking for power, thanks to the turbo.

20131011-_DSC1819 by lennycarl08, on Flickr


NV Hwy 431 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

20131011-_DSC1843 by lennycarl08, on Flickr



Autumn on Mt Rose Nevada by lennycarl08, on Flickr


Mt Rose Highway by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Glad to say the seat heaters work too. It was in the 30's when I pulled out of the hotel, and it doesn't help when the fool driver keeps rolling down the window to get a shot!

20131011-_DSC1819 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Ski season is almost here!

Mt Rose, NV by lennycarl08, on Flickr

Notice the plow markers on the highway. This is just above Incline Village.


20131011-_DSC1857 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Next up is the trip home over Monitor Pass and some pretty brilliant scenery. I still haven't finished with those files yet, but will post them when I get them all done. Happy motoring!

20131011-_DSC1884 by lennycarl08, on Flickr

[Billup]

Beautiful shots. Nice X1 too! Good time of year to do some exploring.

[vachss]

Back when I was a Bay Aryan I used to take that road all the time (skiing Sugar Bowl was good for cheapskate grad students). Thanks for the memories.

[woosh]

Really digging the Rainbow Bridge shot!

[remmib]

Great pics and scenery.

[Itsed65]

Thanks guys! Pics from the trip home, which had a bit better color were posted here:
http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=902432

I'm never sure which area I should really post these in