10/26/2009

October 24, 2009 – Virginia City, Nevada

 We woke to a beautiful morning.  Here is our site (check out the mountains around us – we are at ~ 4500 above sea level):

10-24-09 A Washoe Lake State Park 003

10-24-09 A Washoe Lake State Park 004

Washoe Lake:

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Mule deer on their way for a drink in the lake:

10-24-09 A Washoe Lake State Park 012a

After a few stops in Carson City, we made our way to Virginia City – the scenery was WOW!!! 

Virginia City and the surrounding areas are known for their rich silver mines in the mid 1800s. This town sits in the high mountains – it is amazing to see and just imagine what it was like for the miners.  The buildings along the main street are original although it is mostly a touristy town now.

We decided that we would take the trolley around the town.

Getting ready for the trolley:

 10-24-09 B Virginia City 010a

The Main Street (the sidewalks are wooden):

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10-24-09 B Virginia City 004

The building behind the Delta Saloon is their courthouse and still in use today (Virginia City has about 1000 year round residents):

10-24-09 B Virginia City 011

There were even entrances to the mines from some of the buildings:

10-24-09 B Virginia City 034

In its heyday, only millionaires were allowed on the second and third floors of the Old Washoe Club.  Now think about it, this was the mid 1800’s – what would that million dollars be worth today!

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The Red Light District:

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The Churches:

10-24-09 B Virginia City 003

The Mansions:

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The cemeteries – there are 15 in Virginia City – Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Fireman, Chinese, Irish, etc. (remember this is the 1800’s – LOL):

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One of the mines:

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And one of the characters – LOL:

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After lunch, we decided to take a stage coach ride – oh my.  I have a LOT more respect for our ancestors who traveled this way!  We did less than a mile and my back and butt were sore.   I cannot imagine how they did hundreds of miles and even slept in them while traveling.  WOW!

Here is Andy by our stage coach and horses:

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And we are off – HI HO SILVER, AWAY!!!

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Back home at the campfire, we watch hang gliders take off from the mountains, drift in the air currents and land in the park.

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10-24-09 C Washoe Lake State Park 010

What a nice ending to a great day!

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