Full Tank, Empty Road

 

On my way home from exploring Nevada and driving the length of US 50, known as The Loneliest Road in America, I slowed down as I entered Lund. This ranching community has a population of three-hundred and a single gas station. I had driven only forty miles since topping-off the tank in Ely, so there was no need to fill up again. 

 

At the end of town, I set the cruise control for seventy and continued south along State Route 318. As Jimmy Choo, my van’s nickname,  gained speed, a blue highway sign from the Nevada Department of Transportation relayed an urgent message: next gas 105 miles. Despite knowing the tank was full, I checked the fuel gauge. It was a knee-jerk reaction.