October 25, 2009 – Lake Tahoe

Another beautiful day in the high desert!

We decided to go to Lake Tahoe and take the gondola up the mountain.  However when we got to South Lake Tahoe, the gondola was closed for the season – :-(((.   We stopped in Harrah’s Casino, had a great lunch and gave their slot machines our $20.00 donation – LOL!

We then made our way up the east side of the lake.  Did you know that Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America at 1600’ deep.  Sixty three streams flow into the Lake and only one, the Truckee River, flows out into Pyramid Lake.  Unlike most bodies of water in North America, this lake’s water never reaches the ocean.  And now for pictures:

 

Take a look at the pine cone I am holding – it is HUGE and HEAVY.  I picked up another one – maybe I will decorate for the holidays – :-)).

As we left the lake we headed over the Mt. Rose pass – and SNOW!!

And back home, we watched the sunset as we sat by the fire.   Check out the sunset reflection on the mountain.

Tomorrow we head south – cold front and snow will be here on Tuesday and we want to avoid it.

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):

Washoe Lake:

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

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:

 

The Main Street (the sidewalks are wooden):

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

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

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!

The Red Light District:

The Churches:

The Mansions:

 

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

One of the mines:

 

And one of the characters – LOL:

 

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:

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

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

What a nice ending to a great day!

October 23, 2009 – Travel to Nevada

The sunrise this morning:

 

I have to say that this picture was by my Andy with his new birthday camera.   Those who know me, know that I am not a morning person and he did a great job in capturing the beauty of this sunrise!!

We made our way further south – more pictures of the high desert:

If you look in the left middle of this picture, there are trees with the fall colors.  We have found that every area near a home/ranch we saw a number of trees, most now changing color – what a contrast to the surrounding area.

We made our way thru Reno and are staying at Washoe Lake State Park – between Reno and Carson City.  What beauty!!!  I promise pictures tomorrow.

Andy and I spent the day doing some things around the motorhome and just enjoying the sunshine and the dry weather.  And, of course, the incredible sunset, the stars and a great campfire!!   (And we heard the coyotes howling!)

Stats:

Miles Traveled:  94 Miles

Routes Traveled:

California: US-395

Nevada: US-395