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November 30, 2005
Fly Like A Bird
Below is a guest entry, submitted by Val.
There is a new adventure in town. I recently took my first intro flight lesson in a light sport aircraft (also known as an Ultra Light or Powered Hang Glider) with Sport Aviation Center in Carson City. It was a blast! We flew high over Tahoe, low over Washoe Lake and I didn't even have to run and jump off a mountain! I really liked that part since I have a bad back.
My flight instuctor, Samantha Moore, was very knowledable. After our smooth take off, she explained how the controls worked and let me take control of the aircraft. At the end of our flight, she smoothly and safely landed the plane and summarized the lesson. I learned that these aircraft are designed just for the fun and sport of flying. I might even think about becoming a sport pilot, with future lessons.
For more information, visit www.sportaviationcenter.com
This is a picture of my flight taking off:
This is an example of a light sport aircraft:
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
Hearing Bells
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
Big news since my last update. Lisa and I are engaged! We are both really excited as are our familys.
Other then that, the weather has changed to almost winter weather. The mountain has been hit by some snow, but we are going to need a bit more if we want to be on the slopes anytime soon. The good news is that the lower elevation creeks and rivers on the west slope of the Sierra came up a bit, and with more rain on the way they may be good later in the week. The south Yuba is just what I need! I am not getting my hopes up to soon, though.
The Truckee river has turned cold. It isn't very far up river that there is ice on the water and that pretty much makes it time for the gloves. Macy and I are still paddling a bunch together after he gets of work, and after all of the abuse that I have given him he finally broke down and asked me how he can get an All Star. It almost brought a tear to my eye. It was like watching a little puppy open his eyes for the first time. Priceless!
Seriously though, we have been having lots of low water fun. I went out the other day and shot video of a move that Macy taught me called the Woo - Woo.
I also got video of and Orbit to Woo-Woo, and an Orbit to Tricky Woo. These are the kinds of moves that Macy and I use while playing HORSE, and the goal is to get them dialed in so that we can do them in lots of different holes.
So, until the next update, you can look for me on the river.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
Discovering Reno's Secret Garden
The wooden bridge over Evans Creek leads to the heart of the May Arboretum.
There's nothing like a walk through the May Arboretum.
This week, the weather has turned a bit cooler but that doesn't mean there aren't pleasant, outdoor places to visit in the Reno area that don't require skis or a four-wheel drive.
Indeed, one of the great things about visiting or living in Northern Nevada is that the bad weather doesn't last forever and is always followed by nice, sunny days.
Which brings us back to our special place. It's the one location in Reno where you'll encounter a fragrant sumac, a Japanese yew or a patch of Mexican hats. All of those species of plants can be found at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden, part of the Ranch San Rafael Park complex northwest of the University of Nevada, Reno.
The May Arboretum is a virtual oasis of trees, flowers, shrubs and all things botanical. Hundreds of plants, including native species and more exotic varieties, can be found spread over the arboretum's 12 acres.
What’s great about the arboretum is its overall peacefulness. Just minutes from downtown Reno, you can park and walk into lush, green gardens intersected by a gurgling stream. The trees are home to several dozen different varieties of birds including golden eagles, falcons, owls, ducks and geese.
The arboretum grounds are divided into more than a dozen different gardens and groves, each with a different theme or atmosphere.
A picturesque redwood bridge crosses Evans Creek, which winds through the arboretum. At several places along the creek, you'll find quiet, shaded, grassy spots that are ideal for sitting and reading a book, picnicking, or just contemplating nature's wonders.
The main trail continues northwest to several other groves of trees and leads up to the Irwin Overlook, located on the crest of the hill above the creek and arboretum. Interpretive signs describe the geology, plants and animal life of the region. This spot also offers a nice view of the entire park.
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open daily sunrise to sunset. There is no admission charge. The arboretum is located at Ranch San Rafael Park, 1502 Washington Street, in Reno. For more information call 775-785-4153.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)
Winter is finally here!
After a relaxing Thanksgiving day and a fun weekend spent with family and friends, we decided to check out the mountains on Sunday afternoon.
This is the view of the Sierras from our house.
We took Mount Rose Highway, passed Galena State Park, up a little ways, and parked our car on the side of the road. We hiked along this beautiful creek for a couple of hours and enjoyed the magic of the snow on our feet.
Not enough to ski -- but plenty to start dreaming about it...
Tele girl is getting excited. Winter is finally here!
Posted by tele girl at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2005
Waiting on the Weather
Every day I check the weather forecast, and every day it seems to be the same. Clear skies, 55 degree days, and cold nights. It is nice Fall weather, but as you know, not good weather for either snow or high water.
I have been having a lot of fun outside though, regardless of the nice weather. Kayaking in the evenings with Macy has been tons of fun. Everyday we are trying new moves and competing against each other in games of "pig" or "horse".
Yesterday while playing a game of Pig I got a P for not being able to do a move. (Actually not being able to not do a move) The move Macy did was this; establish a side surf, take your paddle out of the water, and then flush without flipping over, bracing, or using your paddle at all. Not really a move at all, but I couldn't do it. I was depressed for about 4 seconds!
I have been spending time in the gym, as I seem to do every year around this time. It has been fun to lift weights again. It really doesn't take long to get strong again. Of all the things that you can do athletically, gaining strength seems to be the easiest. I am still running 3 or 4 days a week but that has taken a back seat to the workout that my legs get chasing game birds all over the Nevada mountains.
I finally busted out my cold weather gear the other day. You know, the skull cap, thick fleece, dry pants, and gloves. It is still a little early for the gloves, but the other warm gear has made my time on the water much more enjoyable.
I didn't paddle today, and that doesn't happen very often. You know, that water may be low and the weather may be cold, but my day just doesn't feel right without spending some time in my boat. And oh what a boat the All Star is!
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)
Old Donner Pass Road Is a Quiet Alternative to the Interstate
Donner Summit Rainbow Bridge, built in 1926.
One of the historic railroad tunnels through the Sierra Nevada.
Magnificent views of Donner Lake.
Returning from Sacramento recently, we decided to check out the drive over Donner Summit via historic Old Donner Pass Road. This historic route runs parallel to Interstate 80 for about 11 miles.
Instead of racing through the mountains on the modern, four-lane freeway, this drive is considerably more leisurely, as we journeyed through beautiful, wooded alpine scenery, enjoying marvelous views of craggy peaks and cliffs.
Heading east toward Reno, we jumped onto the two-lane road at the turnoff at Soda Springs. After passing through some fairly developed areas filled with summer homes and roadside businesses, the road began to make a slow climb to the Sugar Bowl and Donner ski areas.
At the parking lot at Sugar Bowl, we stopped to catch a great view of the natural bowl-shaped landscape that gives the resort its name. The two tallest peaks at each end of the bowl are Mount Lincoln and Mount Disney (the latter named in honor of Walt Disney, the original developer of the Sugar Bowl ski resort in 1939).
A bit farther up the road, we spotted the west portal of the Donner Summit Railroad Tunnel, a 1,659-foot-long passage that was constructed in 1867 for trains traveling through the mountains.
The tunnel, now abandoned, was used for about 130 years by the Central Pacific, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Amtrak trains. These days, the trains travel through adjacent snow sheds rather than the original tunnel. We took special note of the stone embankments below the train tracks, which were hand-built by Chinese laborers in the late 1860s.
The road continued to 7,088-foot Donner Pass. I pulled off the road again so that I could look out over the steep eastern face of the pass and see the glimmering jewel known as Donner Lake.
Continuing east on the road, I arrived at the very picturesque Donner Summit Rainbow Bridge. This reinforced concrete arch bridge was built in 1926 (and restored in 1996) and was originally part of the historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental road in the U.S.
The story of Old Donner Pass Road, however, predates even the Lincoln Highway. In 1844, the Murphy-Townsend-Stephens Party, one of the earliest emigrant wagon trains, blazed a trail through the area on its way to California.
A later emigrant group, the tragic Donner Party, however, gave its name to the pass after it was trapped at the lake below during the winter of 1846-47.
These days the interstate has taken away most of the auto traffic but the road remains a special drive, including for many bicyclists. The rugged rock cliffs surrounding the bridge are also popular with rock-climbers and hikers.
From the bridge, it was about six miles to Donner Lake, a scenic body of water that offers sailing, jet skiing, boating, fishing and swimming. The road curved around the north side of the lake through a forest of condos and summer homes.
At the east edge of the lake was the Donner Memorial State Park, which has a small museum commemorating the ill-fated Donner Party. About a mile from the state park was the town of Truckee, where we reconnected with the interstate and continued on to Reno, about 30 miles east.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2005
Retracing the Path of the Historic V & T in Washoe Valley
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which operated between 1869 and 1950, played an integral part in Nevada's mining history.
While the best place to view Virginia & Truckee railroad equipment is at the State Railroad Museum in Carson City, it is possible to find other remnants of the historic rail line, which stretched between Reno and Virginia City.
For instance, at the north end of Washoe Valley it is still possible to uncover the remains of two train trestles, located about 12 miles south of Reno via U.S. 395.
Unlike present-day U.S. 395, which passes over a hill at the north end of Washoe Valley, the Virginia & Truckee route traveled through a narrow canyon that bridged Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley, the next valley to the north.
The entrance to the canyon is near the community of Washoe City, of which not much remains.
About a quarter mile from U.S. 395, we headed into the canyon and found the first trestle. The thick vertical wooden beams still spanned a small seasonal creek and rested upon a sandstone and slate foundation. No rails or ties remained on the trestle, but we could see that the railroad bed continued north into the canyon.
The canyon itself was intriguing. The walls were pocked and rough like bad facial skin. Walking through the narrow passage, the only sound we heard was the wind, which at times seemed to mimic a train whistle.
Another 500 yards or so was a second trestle. This bridge was more complete than the other, boasting a handful of vertical beams and horizontal ties. Along the banks of the creek that snakes down the middle of the canyon we could still make out the intricate stonework of the foundations. The bed continued through the canyon but quickly became impassable. From here, however, we could see the remnants of several other bridges located deeper into the canyon.
Scattered about the canyon were a handful of loose rail ties. After the railroad ceased operating, most of the rails were removed and sold. In many places, the rail bed was difficult to follow because of the thick growth of sagebrush, weeds, and grass.
The original V & T began carrying freight, gold and silver ore and passengers in 1869. The railroad was built to service the fabulously rich Comstock mines, taking ore to distant refineries and mills.
The V & T's route eventually stretched from Virginia City, through the winding Carson River corridor, to Carson City and north to Reno. Later, a spur line was added to Minden and Gardnerville.
By the 1870s and 1880s, the V & T became informally known as the richest railroad in the world because of the enormous mineral wealth it carried out of Virginia City.
By 1938, however, Virginia City had long ceased to produce a sufficient quantity or quality of ore and the V & T line was discontinued from Virginia City to Carson City. The tracks were removed the following year.
In 1950, the V & T made a last run from Carson City to Reno and the remaining tracks were removed.
Still, despite the neglect and ravages of time, there is something special about seeing the trestles and reliving, if only in your mind, the glory days of the railroad that was once the richest in the world.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 12:15 PM | Comments (1)
November 07, 2005
Getting Back on that "HORSE"
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
Well, the weather around Reno has definitely changed. For the majority of the Fall we have had warm weather and lots of sunshine. Yesterday winter arrived and I am already missing the warmer temperatures. Along with the cold weather came low water. Not very good planning on somebody's part, if you ask me. The good news is that we should still have a lot more water through out the winter then we did last year, and I have Macy Burnham to paddle with. Macy and I have been paddling a lot together in the last few months as he now lives in town. ( I grew up paddling with Macy in Eugene. ) Macy is always game for paddling after work, even when it is dark and cold.
So, we have been competing against each other by playing lots of games of "HORSE", or what ever other degrading word that we can think for each other at the time. Over the last couple of years I really haven't had anyone to paddle with during the winter that could push me. Macy is more then happy to do that, and I am more then happy to try to give him a beat down in return.
I have been spending most of my time paddling at the Truckee River Whitewater Park, and even though the water is low I still know that I am learning new things.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)
Deadman's Creek Trail Offers Nesting Birds and Cool Views
The grave at Deadman's Creek Trail.
Hiking Washoe Lake's Deadman's Creek Trail.
Marvelous views can be found along the trail.
At the top, a gazebo looks out over Washoe Lake.
There is a grave at Deadman's Creek Trail near Washoe Lake, located about 15 miles south of Reno. I'm not sure if anyone is buried there--or who it is--but there is a small wooden cross, flowers, and cards marking the site.
But the grave isn't why anyone would want to visit Deadman's Creek Trail, part of Washoe Lake State Park. The reason to seek out this easily overlooked trail is because it passes through a peaceful, little oasis of vegetation that borders a spring-fed creek before leading to a gazebo that offers some of the best views of the area.
Located directly east of the main entrance to Washoe Lake State Park, which is 10 miles north of Carson City, the trail doesn't seem part of the state park because it's on the other side of East Lake Boulevard from the rest of the park.
The trailhead, which is marked with a wooden sign, can be found adjacent to a small, paved parking lot. After passing the mysterious gravesite, the trail winds through the bitterbrush and sagebrush for a few feet before crossing a small wooden bridge.
From there, it meanders uphill alongside a ribbon of thick vegetation that includes cattails, various grasses and shrubs. If you look closely, you can see evidence of a fire that damaged much of this riparian area in 1999.
Fortunately, nature has a way of rebounding so much of the native foliage has returned. While not particularly large, this refuge is home to a number of migrating birds and nesting species, according to the Lahontan Audubon Society.
Birds that have been sited in the area include long-eared and great horned owls, Cooper's Hawks, Black-billed Magpies, Lazuli Buntings, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, wrens and sparrows. During our recent visit, we weren't knowledgeable enough to know the names of the birds but heard and saw plenty hopping through the brush.
The sounds, however, are perhaps the most pleasurable aspects of the hike. The calm gurgling of the spring-fed creek, the faint chirping of the birds, the buzzing of bees and wasps and the rustling of unseen things bring the nature area to life.
The trail parallels the creek and vegetation for about a quarter mile before beginning a steep climb above the growth. As you continue onward, it's best to periodically look back, toward the lake, to enjoy the marvelous views.
The path, which is never particularly well marked, zigzags up the hill. In several places, wooden steps have been built into the hillside to assist you during the climb and to show you where the trail is in case you've wandered off of it.
If you look to the east, you can see the rising hills of the Virginia Range. Brown and somewhat barren, particularly at this time of year, the range is crisscrossed by several dirt roads and trails--popular with off road vehicle riders.
To the west is Washoe Lake, a remnant of a prehistoric inland sea that once covered much of Nevada. In the distance, you can see the majestic Sierra Nevada range including Slide Mountain.
The trail continues to climb before reaching the crest of a hill. It ends at a picturesque wooden gazebo that overlooks the lake and Washoe Valley. This is a great spot to stand for a moment, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the views. Then, it's back on the trail for the return walk to the car.
Since the entire hike is only about a mile roundtrip, the Deadman's Creek Trail is a fine, short, easy day hike that can be done in less than an hour.
For more information contact Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 East Lake Blvd., Carson City, NV 89704, 775-687-4319, parks.nv.gov--Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2005
A Visit to the Home of the "Washoe Seeress"
Wandering around Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley
Checking out the historic displays in the old Root Cellar.
The graves of the Bowers family.
Despite her reputation as a fortune-teller in the late 19th century, even Eilley Orrum Bowers could not have predicted her long-lasting fame.
Bowers is perhaps best known today as one-half of the namesake couple who built Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley--the big stone structure on the western side of the valley that you can see from U.S. 395.
Eilley Bowers was born Allison Orrum in Scotland in 1826 (her nickname was Eilley). At the age of 15, she married a Mormon missionary and traveled to the United States. The couple first settled in Illinois, then moved to Salt Lake City.
Following the Mormon custom of her day, her husband, Stephen Hunter, took several wives after they had settled in Utah. Eilley, however, did not enjoy the polygamous lifestyle and soon divorced Hunter. In 1853, she married Alexander Cowan.
The two moved to the Carson Valley where they purchased 300 acres in Washoe Valley. In 1857, Cowan, who was also Mormon, returned to Salt Lake City during troubles between the church and the U.S. government.
Eilley chose to divorce Cowan rather than return to Utah and moved to Johntown, a mining camp below Virginia City, where she opened a boardinghouse.
During this time, she acquired a handful of mining claims from boarders unable to pay their debts and met a Comstock miner, Lemuel "Sandy" Bowers, who would become her third husband.
The two combined their mining holdings and, as luck would have it, ended up owning one of the Comstock's earliest major silver strikes. Within a short time, the Bowers were among Nevada's first mining millionaires.
Deciding to spend their seemingly limitless wealth, in 1864, the Bowers' began building a huge stone mansion on Eilley's acreage in Washoe Valley. While the home was under construction, they traveled to Europe to purchase furnishings.
When it was completed, the mansion was one of the most magnificent homes in the state and the Bowers were willing party hosts. During the next four years, they indulged themselves on the finest clothing, furniture, and collectibles.
In 1868, however, Sandy Bowers suddenly died of silicosis at the age of 35. By then, the original mine had become tapped out and he had invested much of their money in unprofitable mining ventures.
After the estate was finally settled, Eilley found herself penniless. Despite her best efforts to hold on to the magnificent mansion, she was unable to keep it. Her misfortune continued when, in 1874, her adopted daughter, Persia, died at the age of 12.
Since her days in Salt Lake City, Eilley had been intrigued by the occult. Apparently during that time she acquired a crystal ball for fortune telling and had prognosticated for friends.
In 1875, following her many financial and personal setbacks, Eilley set up shop in Virginia City as the "Washoe Seeress." Despite skeptics, she practiced her arcane arts for nearly a decade, until the decline of the Comstock.
In the 1880s, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked in various jobs, including--as she had so many years before--operating a small boardinghouse. In 1898, she was placed in a rest home in Oakland, where she died in 1903 at the age of 77.
The story of Bowers Mansion almost parallels Eilley's life. In the early 1870s, Eilley Bowers substantially renovated the mansion when she attempted to convert it into a resort and added a third story. Unable to pay the workmen, the floor was never properly finished. Additionally, the cupola and trademark balconies around the upper floor and the original roof were removed during Eilley's remodeling.
Following its sale in 1876 to settle Eilley's debts, the mansion passed through the hands of several owners and became increasingly decrepit over the years. In 1903, Henry Rider purchased the property and operated it as a resort for locals. In 1946, Rider sold it to the Reno Civic Club and Washoe County for use as a park.
In the 1960s, Washoe County voters approved a bond that financed restoration of the house to its original state. The result is a beautiful, 19th century residence that provides a glimpse into the lives of early Comstock millionaires.
While tours of the mansion are only offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends in April, May, September, and October, the site is worth a visit at any time of the year. During our recent visit, we wandered around the outside of the mansion, admiring the workmanship, and visited the former Bowers Root Cellar, now a visitors center that is open all year. Inside, it contains a number of historic exhibits about Washoe Valley and the Bowers.
Additionally, we discovered a quarter-mile walk uphill from the mansion to the graves of Sandy, Eilley, and Persia Bowers. Perhaps because of all the sadness in their lives, it seemed somehow appropriate that the graves of all three have marvelous, sweeping views of the surrounding Washoe Valley.
Adjacent to the mansion is some 40 acres of parkland that includes plenty of lawn, a geothermal-heated swimming pool, picnic tables, and volleyball courts.
Bowers Mansion is located about eight miles north of Carson City via U.S. 395 and State Route 429 (the Washoe Valley frontage road). For more information about the mansion, call 775-849-0201.--Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 11:50 AM | Comments (1)