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

October 22, 2009 – Traveling thru the High Desert

We left our little spot in the trees and continued south alternating between National Forest and High Desert Landscapes.

This is Klamath Lake:

Yes, that is a snow covered mountain and lots of birds in the lake – they are heading south also – :-)).

 

And the high desert – we are between 4000’ and 5000’ above sea level:

 

Isn’t this just beautiful…  I really missed the desert – can’t believe I said that –:-)))

We are camped at Honey Lake RV Park near Milford, California – a Passport America park.  We pulled in late and the sunset was incredible and the stars – oh my!!  I have missed the desert!

Stats:

Miles Traveled: 335 miles

Routes Traveled:

Oregon: US-97; SR-39; SR-140; SR-39; SR-139

California: SR-139; SR-299; US-395

October 21, 2009 – A Lazy Day

We woke to rain this morning and decided to just relax.  When the rain let up we decided to do a little exploring.

The first stop was at the Deschutes River viewpoint in the campground:

We made a stop at the post office in La Pine and then off to the Lava Lands Visitor Center.   This area has a number of natural lava formations and we wanted to see some of them.  The center and surrounding area – closed for the season as well as the Lava River Caves.  We then went to the Lava Cast Forest but the road ended and with the rain last night and this morning, I did not want to drive 8 miles on a dirt road..

So we headed back to the RV and relaxed.  I did get caught up with my emails since the computer crash and transfer.  So if I owe you an email and you have not heard from me, please email me again.  The rain also started again so no campfire tonight.  

Tomorrow we head further south but this area still remains on our bucket list (only earlier in the season) – I am going to need more buckets – LOL!

A final picture of our site:

October 20, 2009 – The High Plateau of Oregon

Today’s travels took us thru more of the Gorge:

a long climb out of the Gorge:

 

To the high plateau:

Just imagine being on this high plateau, grasses as far as you can see, and in the distance, the snow covered peaks of the Cascades.

Mount Hood:

Mount Jefferson:

I will never tire of this and continue to say – WOW, WOW, and more WOW – we are so blessed!

We stopped in Bend, Oregon to get new tires for the Tracker – it was time!  And then headed to La Pine State Campground for the night.   Another beautiful state campground and since it is the off season, we are getting full hookups for $12.00 – Nice!  We may stay here for a few more nights, depending on the weather, and do some sightseeing.  Stay tuned.

Stats:

Miles Traveled: 239 Miles

Oregon: I-84; US-97