The one thing that I have really enjoyed about highway 50 through Nevada has been the little towns. Most of them were founded in the mid-19h century and don’t look like they have changed much. I took a rest day today and explored Austin a little bit. Austin itself was built up the steep sides of a canyon part the way down the mountain from Austin Summit.
The right side of the building, currently the library, is the oldest bank building in Nevada.
I saw several places like this, dug into the side of the canyon. They all looked as dilapidated as this one. This one in particular had a chimney, making me think it may have been a home at one time.St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 1866. It reminds me of the little white churches in New England, but built with local stone.Austin Methodist Church, 1866. The minister at the time financed construction by organizing a silver mining company and selling stock as far away as New England.St. George's Episcopal Church, 1877. It is the only one of the three historic churches that is still used as a church.
Highway 50 in Nevada is part of the Lincoln Highway, one of the first trans-continental highways. There are little concrete posts like this all along the route.
Your photos certainly indicate what interesting little towns they are. I do so hope that Dick and I get to travel that route some day. . . . . . .. Re: the founding of the Methodist Church. Not at all surprised the minister was so enterprising. John and Charles Wesley preached in the pubs in England, out in the open fields, any place they could find people who would listen to them preach. The early Methodists were a hard working, dedicated lot. Early circuit riders had an average life span in the 30s because of the hardships and dangers of the occupation. Now we live in cushy houses, have all kinds of benefits. But hopefully the men and women who serve the churches today are just as dedicated in their own way.
Pedaling America 
Your photos certainly indicate what interesting little towns they are. I do so hope that Dick and I get to travel that route some day. . . . . . .. Re: the founding of the Methodist Church. Not at all surprised the minister was so enterprising. John and Charles Wesley preached in the pubs in England, out in the open fields, any place they could find people who would listen to them preach. The early Methodists were a hard working, dedicated lot. Early circuit riders had an average life span in the 30s because of the hardships and dangers of the occupation. Now we live in cushy houses, have all kinds of benefits. But hopefully the men and women who serve the churches today are just as dedicated in their own way.
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Except for the modern vehicles Austin looks like a movie set for a western. I wonder if any movies have been filmed there. Interesting little place.
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