I only learned of this interesting situation a couple of months ago and was drawn to it partly because a hotel that first opened in 1905 operates in Elk Mountain today. The exact path of the route is not known and there's a good chance that I-80 has obliterated much of it. I took a stab at getting from Arlington, which is known to have been on the route, to the town of Elk Mountain on what might have been the route. I drove quite a few miles on dirt roads but am now convinced that most of my driving was NOT on the former Elk Mountain route. The last eight or so miles, however, very possibly could be. I've only included pictures from that section I consider a strong possibility for being close to the old route. I'll admit to some trepidation on heading into that last bit of water but, even though I paused to think it over, I didn't think it through. I didn't even consider that the sunroof was open and, while the faithful Forester rolled on through with ease, I got a little wet from the splashing.

I ate dinner in the hotel's restaurant. When I left my room, I strapped on the belt bag that usually holds my Panasonic camera. My meal arrived and it was gorgeous. I reached for the camera only to find a lens in the bag. I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture. Or so I thought. Camera phones are not my forte and I either did not actually take a picture or I somehow lost it. I wouldn't normally go to this much effort to excuse my failure but that meal needed its picture taken more than just about any I've known. Susan, the owner, is a Cordon Bleau trained chef. The meal was the best beef stroganoff I have ever eaten. Eating at the restaurant does not require staying at the hotel and, if you would rather not drive through miles of ruts and water for dinner, this wonderful spot can be reached from I-80 on a couple miles of nicely paved road.