I drove from Grants Pass, OR to Carson City, NV
in early August. I spent the first half
of August in Carson City with a lovely couple that were empty nesters and
played golf several times with my new friend Scott. His wife, Ruth, (also my
new friend) is a lovely lady that made fresh muffins and banana bread for
me. The peach muffins were awesome
(thanks Ruth). From Carson City I did
some day trips to Virginia City, Reno, South Lake Tahoe and North Lake
Tahoe. It was a little hazy with smoky
skies some days in Carson City from the California wildfires, but better than
when I was in Grants Pass, OR. Here are
some pictures.
Here is a view from the neighborhood I stayed in
with smoke in the skies
And then a view from the neighborhood on a
clearer day
Scott and I went to Reno (about 20 miles to the
north) and watched the Reno Aces (Arizona Diamondbacks AAA farm team) play the
Oklahoma City Dodgers (Dodgers AAA team).
We also walked around the city a little bit and through a casino.
I went to Virginia City (even closer than Reno),
visited a museum, and went on a mining tour.
Nevada is all about mining (gold and silver) and gambling. The town has been rebuilt several times due
to fires but still has a lot of shops, restaurants, and saloons, retaining much
of its character. Virginia City is a
famous mining town. Mark Twain (aka
Samuel Clemens) started his writing career there.
On a day trip to South Lake Tahoe (about 25 miles
from Carson City) I discovered Camp Richardson, CA. I have no evidence to back this up, but I
figure I must be related to these people somehow…
Lake Tahoe is beautiful from the southern shoreline
I went on a good hike about 15 miles south of
Lake Tahoe. The hike was to Winnemucca Lake
and Round Top Lake. There was still some
snow on the nearby mountains and I found some next to the trail.
Winnemucca Lake
Round Top Lake
I also took a day trip to North Lake Tahoe. Most of that area is in California and there is
more of a beach area there.
I played golf at 3 different golf courses (one I played
twice) while I was in Nevada. All were very affordable and nice
courses.
Dayton Valley Golf Course (Palmer design)
Silver Oak Golf Course (great views)
Sunridge Golf Course (great views)
There were some interesting things at the Nevada State
Museum in Carson City
State Capitol Building (downtown Carson City)
From Carson City, I am off to Sacramento, CA for a week.
