




After heading east from Fallon traffic dropped off almost instantly. Soon there were no fences, no homes in the distance, even power lines became scarce. After driving for a bit I pulled off the road to admire the vast nothingness and was surprised when two military helicopters appeared from behind a nearby hill and buzzed overhead. I was aware there was a military base near Fallon, but hadn't expected to see that. Highway 50 was otherwise quiet, but knowing how varied my road trip was about to become, I knew this drive would only emphasize the contrast. 
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| Two military helicopters passed me along the way. |



In 1954, when Angel Island had a Nike Missile site, the building was converted to a barracks. In 1962 the missiles were removed, but the abandoned East Garrison of Fort McDowell remains today. Stairwells and unstable structural elements have since been removed for safety, but the structures themselves can still be entered and explored. More from Angel Island here. 

