CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE WEIRD KIND

It's hard to imagine a more isolated place, wrapped in mystery, intrigue, and all sorts of speculation including the possibility of alien artifacts. And yet, here in Southern Nevada sits a top secret military base operated by the Air Force and closed off from all spectators, including thrill seekers that test the limits of established boundaries which are clearly marked and way off the beaten trail. More on that later. For now, getting to the small town of Rachel Nevada is the number one priority when entering the Extra-Terrestrial Highway. And so, 40 miles down a very deserted road sits the extremely small town of Rachel. Not sure you can really call it a town.

As you begin to travel down the highway, approximately one mile in, you will note a medium size metal quonset hut, which is known as the Alien Research Center aka tourist souvenir shop. This place has everything alien, and I mean everything. From refrigerator magnets to socks, to shot glasses, to key chains to t shirts yada yada yada.....are you getting the idea??However, what is very cool about this place is the mascot right in front of the store.

Reminded me a little from the 1951 movie "The day the earth stood still". Gort is now living in Nevada and guarding the Alien Research Center or maybe just protecting the trinkets inside.

Approximately 20 miles down the Highway, you come upon this black mailbox. But it's not just any mailbox but rather a out of this world Amazon drop box for Aliens. What the hell is he talking about???

I must admit, I left the DC for a friend of mine as a peace offering and a way for her to say...."we come in peace, things go better with Coke". But check it out, there's a lot of stuff in there. Makes you wonder on so many levels, right???

The only establishment in town is the Little ALEINN. They made a decent burger and I stayed across the street for 2 nights, in a parking lot and up the road a couple of miles from Area 51. Hoping to see some strange lights or odd looking aircraft, or even a black hawk helicopter.......NADA.

What I did see was this old rusted out car with a couple of green faces peering out of the window. They must have missed the space craft to go home.

By the way, this is NOT my first encounter with an Alien. Several years ago, I accompanied this Alien to McMinnville Oregon so she could run a short race with other Aliens. As I recall, this Alien even got a medal for finishing the race.

About 10-13 miles down a dirt road, not too far from Rachel, you eventually come to the gate of Area 51. For a few moments, I just sat in the car and looked around. Very intimidating in spite of the fact that there are no security personnel in sight. There are however, cameras on top of those poles watching your every move. Lenny turns to me and says...."I dare you to put your big toe over the line, in fact, I double dog dare you to do it". Lenny has no concept of pain and suffering and therefore, I declined his dare. I told him this is the kind of place that shoots first and asks questions later. He just gave me the look and then proceeded to call me a "pussy".

Yea, easy for him to say while sitting safely in the 4 Runner. Who's the pussy now???

And it's onto the next set of travel adventures. Stay tuned for more from the road. If you end up going to Area 51, just tell em......"Gort sent me".