THE HOME STRETCH FROM BAKER CITY OREGON

It’s not a welcome mat, and the rest stops aren’t as lavishly furnished, but it’s a good sign.

So was reserving a room in the Geiser Grand.

 

 

They are dog friendly with the European feel of eccentricity, or maybe it’s just Halloween.

If a spiral staircase is spooky, you’re in luck.

There’s also an elevator with its own spooky noises.

 

I’ve never been on a cruise ship, but if I ever do I hope it’s as gracious as this.

Like the Titanic dining room.

 

 

With a touch of The Poseidon Adventure.

 

 

Meanwhile, upstairs:

 

 

Treat yourself to the biggest room this side of Gallup and the dorm-room dimensions of the Old Santa Fe Inn.

 

 

Dog friendly and kids invited.

 

 

Spacious banquets.

 

 

And more.

 

 

Some buildings take you back in time like a drive down canyons with layers and layers and hundreds of millions of years.

You’re put in your place, a fading memory of your own life.

And somehow, just somehow, there’s a brightness to the day.

And what better place to start than the Geiser?

 

 

For all of the places you’ll never stay, this one checks all of the boxes.

It has the feel of an age past without the dust and rust along for the ride.

When I hear that lonesome railroad whistle whine I’m glad to be a little further down the line.

Make the last stop a grand stop.