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July 25, 2006
If Rocks Could Talk
Grimes Point petroglyphs
Even after years of study no one is quite certain how to interpret the centuries-old Indian petroglyphs or rock writings found carved on cliff faces, canyon walls and boulders throughout Nevada.
In Northern Nevada, some of the most accessible examples of these mysterious petroglyphs can be found at Grimes Point, about 12 miles east of Fallon on Highway 50. To reach Grimes Point from Reno, travel about 34 miles east on I-80 to Fernley, then head southeast for another 28 miles on Alternate U.S. 50 to Fallon.
Visitors to Grimes Point will find an interpretive trail that winds for about a mile through a small forest of engraved boulders and rocks. Petroglyphs in the area have been dated to more than 7,000 years old and contain a variety of styles, reflecting different eras.
A series of informative signs point out theories about the writings and the different types of symbols. For instance, the oldest petroglyphs are believed to be the simplest, utilizing a basic "pit and groove" pattern on several boulders. More recent designs are more elaborate and can resemble deer, lizards and the sun.
One sign notes that some historians believe the writing has religious or cultural significance and may have been part of a hunting ritual.
Regardless, there is something special about wandering through the field of carved boulders and knowing that you're in the presence of something so ancient.
Because of the relative isolation and remoteness, you walk on dusty trails surrounded by silence shattered only by the passing of an occasional car or truck and the sound of your own breathing. In the afternoon summer heat, it becomes easy to imagine someone sitting in the shade of one of the boulders and chipping a picture into the rock that represents the hot sun overhead or, perhaps, a prayer for a good day's hunt.
The carvings, which are spread throughout the hill are Grimes Point, are remarkable. On one, you can clearly see the outline of a lizard, while another is covered with a series of wavy lines.
Of course, since no one really know what they mean you're invited to have your own interpretation. For more information about touring petroglyph sites contact the Nevada Rock Art Foundation, which offers regular tours, at 775-323-6723, or go to www.nevadarockart.org.-----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)
July 21, 2006
Video Of The Day: Collegiate Nationals Boatercross Finals
Check out this video, shot in the Truckee River Whitewater Park at the CSTV Collegiate Nationals Boatercross competition.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2006
Video Of The Day: Snowboarder Wipeout at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Here is a funny video of a beginner snowboarder who discovers the least of his problems is the low battery on his camcorder!
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2006
Back to Work
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.
Since my last update I have been kayaking, kayaking, and more kayaking.
Yesterday I met with about 30 members from every avenue of media down at the white water park and gave them a demonstration. That seemed to go well as everyone seemed very interested and there were smiles, clapping, and thumbs up from everyone.
The white water park has been really good but is finally starting to get low, as it has been dropping around 50 cfs a day for the last 10 days. So, this means that I am going to be moving my paddling sessions upstream to a little secret hole that I have, if it is still there after the floods this winter. My favorite hole upstream washed out two years ago, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Other then that I have been wrestling a couple of days a week Those who have known me for a long time know that I wrestled for years growing up, so I am enjoying doing a bit of that in my spare time.
I also finally finished the landscaping in the front and back yard. And I must say that if I was competing with my neighbors in the nice lawn competition, I would be dominating.
Posted by Nadia at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)
Video Of The Day: Lake Tahoe Ski Trip
This video makes me itch for winter.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
Photogenic Fort Churchill
Overview of Fort Churchill
The best time to visit Fort Churchill is late afternoon. That's when the sun drops to the edge of the nearby mountains and paints long shadows on the adobe ruins.
Recently, we journeyed 45 miles east of Carson City via U.S. 50 and Alternate U.S. 95 to Fort Churchill State Park. The U.S. Army built the fort in 1860 to house troops protecting western Nevada settlers, who feared an Indian uprising.
Earlier that year, local tribes had fought with the white settlers in the so-called Pyramid Lake War. The fort also provided protection for Pony Express riders and later served as a western outpost for the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
In 1869, the U.S. Government abandoned the post, which was expensive to operate, and auctioned the buildings. The wooden roofs, supports and porches were removed and sold, but the adobe walls remained. Wood from the fort was used to build Buckland Station, a stagecoach stop and hotel, which still stands about a mile from the fort.
While efforts were made in the 1930s to preserve the ruins, it wasn't until 1957 that the site was acquired by the state of Nevada for a state historic park. Since then, the state has stabilized the remaining buildings in a state of "arrested decay."
These days, Fort Churchill is a photographer's wonderland. Its appearance seems to change depending on where you're standing and how the sunlight plays on the ruins.
A good place to learn about the history of the fort is the visitor center located on a bluff overlooking the fort. Inside, visitors will find a helpful park ranger as well as a miniature model of the fort as it appeared in the 1860s. Back then, all the adobe walls were painted white and each building had a low, over-hanging roof, which also served to protect the adobe walls.
An interpretive trail leads from the visitor center to the fort ruins. Along the way visitors can discover the location of the two-story officers quarters, the parade grounds, hospital, troop quarters, the armory and other buildings.
Below the fort, in a beautiful cottonwood grove on the banks of the Carson River is a developed camping and picnicking area. There, you'll find 20 shaded campsites (but no RV hook ups), an RV dump station and picnic tables. For more information contact the Fort Churchill State Historic Monument, 775-577-2345.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)
July 17, 2006
ALL ABOARD
We read that the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City was going to run one of its old steam trains this weekend so we headed over there for a ride. We arrived to find a small crowd of other train fans waiting for Engine Number 8, a vintage locomotive that was built in 1888 by the Cooke Locomotive & Machine Company and originally used on the Denver, Texas & Fort Worth Railroad.
The classic engine, now used for steam-ups at the state railroad museum, was once owned by Twentieth Century-Fox Films and appeared in several movies including "Jesse James," in 1938, and "The Gambler" with Kenny Rogers in the 1970s.
After paying for our tickets, a very affordable $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-11 (under 6 free), we boarded the train, which had three passenger cars including a red caboose, an open car, and an antique Virginia & Truckee Railroad car (old Number 10).
Within a few minutes, the locomotive had built up a head of steam and we pulled away from the restored Wabuska Depot, an authentic V & T building that had once stood in the Nevada hamlet of Wabuska (near Yerington). The train runs around the outer edge of the museum grounds, offering an overview of the various buildings, including the main museum and the shops where the trains are maintained and restored.
It passes by a replica of an old-fashioned roundtable, which is kind a "lazy Susan" for trains, before heading behind the structures, by Ted Gibson Park, and toward a wooded area surrounded by a small marsh filled with cattails. There, the train begins a complicated series of maneuvers that allow it to be turned around before returning to the depot.
Along the way, we're jostled by the swaying motion of the old steam train, feel the metal wheels gripping the tracks, and experience the unique ride only found on an old-fashioned train journey.
We'd been on the train for about a bit under a half-hour but the ride felt like it was much shorter. We chatted briefly with a volunteer, who enthusiastically told us the history of the V & T and the car in which we were riding. We climbed off the train and wandered over to the museum and the maintenance shops.
But as we viewed the shiny locomotives and restored freight and passenger cars on display, we realized that they only made us think about riding the train again.
So we did.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum offers steam train rides on nearly every weekend during the summer and selected dates including Labor Day weekend, Nevada Day weekend, and Thanksgiving weekend. For a complete schedule call 775-687-6953.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2006
Rafting the Salmon
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.
I got back last night from an eight day over night trip on the Main Salmon in Idaho. I rowed a boat again this year but brought along my kayak on the back which allowed me at one point or another to paddle on four of the days.
Other then that it was lots of fishing, and generally hanging out relaxing. I think that I might have gained some extra belly flab but it just gave me something to rest my beer on, and it will be gone soon enough...
As soon as we arrived home yesterday I quickly unpacked the truck and headed down town for a quick kayak session. This morning, like usual I was up running and will be heading to the river later in the day. If I am doing then math right our US Team trials are just over six weeks away, so it is time to ramp back up to full speed. For me that means longer play sessions and more running. I like to keep my competition weight at around 190 lbs or lower if possible, and I am at about 194 right now. There are two ways that I can do that. One, just paddle and eat way less. Two, paddle and run while eating the same. I prefer the second option as I have actually come to really enjoy a daily run, and food isn't bad either. Why do I believe 190 or lower to be the magic number? Because I feel much faster and more explosive at that weight, as well as gaining the ability to paddle harder for a longer period of time. I actually came home from the Colorado trip at 188 pounds which is the lightest that I have been since my sophomore year of high school, and I believe that it has show in my ability to be a lot faster in the races this year. I still am not where I want to be with the races or with the freestyle but I am always trying to reach that unattainable place of satisfaction.
So, from now until the World Cup is over this fall I am in full training and competing mode, and loving it.
Posted by Nadia at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2006
Taking a Film and Fountain Break in Sparks
My daughter loves the Sparks Interactive Fountain on Victorian Square in Downtown Sparks
During the summer months, taking my daughter to the movies in Sparks is about more than just catching a flick and grabbing a bag of popcorn. Going to the movies also involves bathing suits and towels.
I say that because my 11-year-old daughter absolutely loves playing in the interactive water fountain in front of the Century Theatres in downtown Sparks. So whenever we go to the movies during hot months, we usually have to factor in time for her to play in the water fountain.
The Sparks Interactive Water Fountain on Victorian Square is an amazing thing. Throughout the day, a dozen or more water jets spray up to 35 feet in the air. The fountain is synchronized to music, with four 8-minute shows hourly.
The other day, she and a friend from out of town decided to see a matinee at the Sparks theatre ("The Devil Wears Prada"). After the film was over, they raced into a restroom, changed into their swimwear, and headed to the fountain.
For the next hour, the two girls had great fun playing in the water, squealing with delight as the jets of cool liquid sprayed their faces, backs, feet, and arms. They ran through the water, seeing who could best avoid the various jets, and tried to stop the sprays with their feet.
Of course, the girls weren't the only ones playing in the water. We saw some kids filling cups with water to toss at each other while others brought along squirt guns----as if there wasn't enough water to go around. Two teenage boys wrestled with each other at the edge of the fountain to determine which was going into the water (both did).
In the end, the biggest challenge was trying to dry off the two girls so they could sit in my car for the trip home.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 01:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2006
Video Of The Day: Star Spangled Sparks
Happy Fouth of July from Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place!
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 03:14 PM | Comments (0)