Elko, end of January,,,

Destination Elko, located in Elko County, in the northeastern corner of Nevada. This county is 44.550 qkm/17.200 sq.mi large, inhabited by only 55.000 people. Compared to Bavaria: about 70.500 qkm/27.240 sq.mi. large and populated by approx. 13,2 mio. people. That fact might tell you, that living conditions are for sure different, mind-sets, too. The city of Elko itself has around 23,000 population, among them many miners and ranchers in the surroundings. 

Skies were dark blue, sun was out, though it was frosty in the morning. Watched some interesting films during the day in the Western Folklife center, the hub of the NCPG (National Cowboy Poetry Gathering), in the historic Pioneer Hotel (building, bar and mural below).

In the afternoon we went for a stroll through downtown Elko, saw old neon signs of motels, more murals, the courthouse, casinos, Anacabe's Mercantile and famous Capriola's - ranchwear, spurs, bits and saddles. 

Anacabe's

Courthouse

Cowboy John's Coffeeshop

We did some grocery stopping before we checked in the Hampton Inn & Suites, a nice, luxurious hotel with large, comfy rooms, a bathtub, fridge and free breakfast.