Ep 4. The Loneliest Road in America

Backroads USA season 1 episode 4 explores one of the most desolate and lonely stretches of highways in the US - the Route 50, also known as the Loneliest Road in America. Hosted by Brad and Mickey, the show takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the arid, sparse landscape of Nevada, where the earth and sky converge in a surreal, almost otherworldly way.

In this episode, Brad and Mickey leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and set out on a cross-country road trip that will take them along the Route 50. Starting from Fallon, NV, they drive westbound to end up in the city of Carson. As they hit the road, the hosts immediately realize that they are in for a different kind of adventure. The landscapes that they pass through are strikingly beautiful, yet desolate and eerily silent.

The Route 50 stretches for more than 400 miles cutting through the heart of Nevada. It snakes through small towns, abandoned mining sites, and vast stretches of empty desert. Along the way, Brad and Mickey meet some of the people who live and work in these remote areas and listen to their stories.

One of the highlights of the episode is the hosts' visit to the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. These ovens were used to produce charcoal, which was then used as a fuel source for mining operations in Nevada's heyday. The ovens stand tall and proud even today, a testament to the state's rich mining history. The hosts also explore the Eureka, where Brad tries his hand at gold panning and Mickey learns about the state's rich history.

Throughout the episode, the hosts are constantly amazed by the beauty of the landscape. Every mile brings a new vista, each more breathtaking than the last. One of the most mesmerizing sights is the sunset above the vast expanse of desert. Against the backdrop of the multicolored sky, the Route 50 seems like a ribbon of light snaking through the emptiness.

As they reach Carson City, the hosts reflect on the journey they've been on. They realize that the Loneliest Road in America has given them something that city life never could - a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the simple things in life. They have seen a side of America that most people never get to see, and it has left them awestruck.

In the end, the audience is left with a sense of longing, a desire to experience the breathtaking landscape for themselves. The show does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the Route 50, which is not just a highway, but a journey through the heart of America.