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U.S. Highway 50 is a freeway that stretches from Maryland in east to Sacramento,
California in the west to Ocean City. The route transverses through the large desolate
areas that have no signs of civilization in addition to several large desert valleys
separated only by dry mountain ranges, in what is recognized as the Basin and Range
region of the Great Basin. For this reason, Highway 50 was named as The Loneliest
Road in America by Life magazine in July 1986, and true to its name, it has remained
so even after years.
Driving around in a rental car gives more freedom to enjoy the
Legend of Shoe Tree on Highway 50 than any other alternatives, So if you are planning
for a drive to discover the truth, America
Car Rental helps to put your plan into action.
Though the name was a depreciatory remark, it was seized as a marketing slogan by
the Nevada authorities few years later. One of the recent attractions on it is a
cottonwood tree with more than a hundred shoes dangling from it. No one knows the
origin of the custom but many believe it started during early years of 1980s.
A study was undertaken by a San Franciscan reporter to find the root of this strange
phenomenon of shoe trees and this is what is believed to have happened :
"A young couple had just taken their marriage vows in Colorado and was heading
toward California. As they were driving across Nevada, an argument started among
them. Finally, the husband pulled over to one of the sides of the road, right beneath
the big cottonwood, and left his new bride to cool off while he steered to the Middlegate
Station for a beer.
After tossing back few mugs, he returned to the tree and found his companion still
hopping with anger. In an instant response, he got hold of a pair of her shoes and
tossed them into the tree, then went back to the bar for more beer. After another
half or so, he returned to his wife. This time, they successfully managed to patch-up
their differences. Unfortunately, he tried to get her shoes out the tree but couldn't
and so they drove off leaving the pair dangling from a branch. Over years, other
travellers saw the foot ware in the tree and began tossing theirs into its branches.
And thus, the legend of Shoe Tree on Highway 50 was born."
So, next time if you rent
a car USA and find yourself headed down the same highway, make it a point
to take a break and admire the Shoe Tree. It's a real gem along America's
Loneliest Road. Just don't forget to bring some shoes to toss up there. And
if you are one of those who don't do any exercise, expect your arm to be a little
sore the following day. Trust us, it'll take more than one try.
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