Lake Tahoe

September 20, 2021September 14, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After a long and arduous drive through the mountains was excited to finally get a peek at this august body of water.

Then came across the Cave Rock area pull out. Cave Rock was a spiritual area for the first inhabitants of Lake Tahoe, the Washoe people.

Lake Tahoe fun facts according to Auntie Google and area signage:

Is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world
It borders on Nevada and California
It is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall
It is over 2 million years old
It has no outlet, it evaporates
While it does not freeze, it can carry water temperatures as low as 39 degrees

Stopped at my favorite store, Dollar Tree, along the route. The store was directed to close by 4:30 pm as winds had changed and there were fire safety concerns. While checking out locals told me of a route to take as some routes had been closed. Several miles down the road some damage was seen.

Park closure and thank you signs for fire fighters were everywhere along the drive.

Stopped at Emerald Bay along the route. While all areas were closed, could not pass this one up. This is a must see.

Fanette Island is the island in the middle of Emerald Bay. Here a Norweigan woman, Lora Knight, built a Scandinavian castle, Vikingsholm in 1929. Mrs. Knight also had a tea house on Fanette Island. The Castle is close to this area, next visit.

Will return in better, and safer times. Oh the perils of climate change.

One wonders, what must the animals think about all that is transpiring?

On the way to Lake Tahoe

September 19, 2021September 14, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Decided to visit Lake Tahoe as the hotel concierge said the wildfires had improved and it was safe. On the way came across a sign for Bower Mansion and decided to stop. Sadly, the Mansion is only open Saturday and Sunday from 11-4 through 10/31, however, if in the area check it out and send me some pictures. I’ll bet its spectacular inside..

A little history – Sandy and Elley Bowers erected this Mansion with monies from their gold and silver mines in Comstock. Elley lost the Mansion in 1876 when the mines ran dry, and it passed through several owners. The Mansion then came into disrepair. In steps Henry Riter who purchases the Mansion site unseen. He restores the Mansion then hears of Elley Bowers death and has her ashes restored to the family plot on the hill behind the home.

While Riter never lived full time at the Mansion he leased it to others finally selling at 80 years of age to a group of women who had the same vision as Riter for the the property. The women, cash poor, started a statewide campaign to save the Mansion, acquired the monies and a park was developed on Mansion grounds.

Next stop, the state capitol, Carson City. Was hoping the state museum was open, however, it was closed. Saw the sign for the Governor’s Mansion and stopped. What a majestic home. The Governor does not live here full time, only stops in now and then according to his neighbor across the street.

From here visited historic downtown Carson City which had many shops and restaurants. What a clean and quaint town. Came across the state tourism bureau but this was closed as well. Took that as a sign to continue on my way to Lake Tahoe.

Virginia City – Part II

September 18, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Followed the noise of the train whistle and found myself at a railroad station.

From here bought my ticket for a half hour ride through silver and gold country.. In the 1860’s when Virginia City was ablaze with those wishing to make their fortunes in the gold rush this steam train flourished. In fact by 1859 $40 million (which equates to 8.4 billion in today’s values), of gold was discovered. The train system was built to accommodate the industry as horse drawn transit was costly and slow. The docent had much information and gave insights into a fascinating American era. Sit close in order to hear as the train is loud as are the visitors.

The area has much memorabilia for viewing. But this gal who recently returned home is perhaps the most fascinating. She’s been in over 65 motion pictures and returned for the first time since 1938. She deserves an Oscar. 🙂

Here’s a list of other things to explore in Virginia City..

MacKay Mansion – John MacKay an Irish immigrant was the wealthiest man in town. The home also has paranormal events besides tours.
The Way It Was Museum
The 4th Ward School and Museum
Firehouse Museum
Mark Twain Museum – here the famous writer got his start in a local newspaper
The Chollar Mine Tour
The Gold City Mine Tour

And before closing some pics of Downtown.

Farewell from the Sheriff of Virginia City.

Virginia City, Nevada

September 17, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Visiting this 19th century Victorian boon town was like being placed in a past era. How these folks made it to Virginia City is beyond me as the trek up the mountain while perilous, was a thrilling ride. When motorcycle dare devils past at exorbitant speeds as a senior driver I took the many pull offs letting them pass and enjoyed the views.

Virginia City has much to see and do besides the shops, bars, and restaurants. First on the visit was the Silver Terrace Cemetery at the beginning of town. Began in the 1867 this cemetery has the departed from various religions and fraternal organizations. Many interesting, cemetery pieces with intact engraving exist as the departed were wealthy and able to afford marble headstones.

A few more modern stones.

Good segway.. on to St. Mary of the Mountain Catholic Church

What a beautiful church… Make a stop, say a prayer, you will be inspired. Then the whistles of the train spur you on to another great town visit..

Nevada Art Museum

September 16, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

What a collection, really enjoyed it.

Started with land art – how different. Check these out..

The Christo’s were represented. Remember the Gates in NYC Central Park?? Google it.

Loved the modern art selections..

Rose B. Simpson – The Four A dramatic piece representing the 4 directions, moving and beautiful. This woman has a varied education – besides an MFA she also has education in automotive body repair.

The Museum has purchased the catalog of Judy Chicago, an 82 year old New Mexican woman who works in smoke sculptures using pyrogenics. She narrates a documentary on her life at the exhibit. See it.

The Museum has quite a history beginning 100 years ago when locals joined as a club doing art work together. Lorenzo Latimer, was the instrumental founder of the group, and later the Latimer School was born. Much of the lovely art work from that early group is on display. Here are a few.

And finally, stop on the roof for the view…….

A must see Museum!

St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral

September 15, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

After leaving the Airport stopped by this historic Cathedral to see its architecture and renowned mural.

The Mural

Was pleased to see all social distancing and wearing masks.

The Cathedral is a work of art and it’s many modern stained glass windows illuminate the church. Here is a representation of our first American Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton.

This was a special mass as the Bishop of the diocese was retiring after 15 1/2 years as Bishop.

In his sermon he called for unity. Concise, to the point, and well done.

Congratulations.

Prayers Answered, Newsom Remains

September 15, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Followed this recall and grateful for the results. $200 million spent on California state funds for this. Can you imagine how many shelters for homeless that would have paid for. Money misspent for craziness. Enough said.

Reno Airport

September 14, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Was impressed with this small airport. It has a nice feel. Has the usual suspects..

Don’t forget the gambling, many machines available in the Airport.

Some comfort..

Many advertisements walking to the terminal entrance, perhaps too much, but liked these two.

And while not a sports fan, nice for those interested.

Last comment – good to know who is in charge, but as in Salt Lake City diversity is sadly lacking.

Four Days In Reno – SLC Airport via Delta

September 13, 2021September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Working 4 12 hour days is a killer, but to have 4 days off in a row is a joy. Started my visit leaving Evanston, Wyoming, at 3 am for an 8:25 Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Reno. What a joy to be on a Delta flight again.

We love to fly and it shows.. It sure does..

Salt Lake City is upgrading and their progress is to be commended. While TSA does not smile, (possibly due to few staff), and wish their conveyor belts would go slower, are my only complaints. They have been voiced.

Didn’t realize they have a female mayor in Salt Lake, nice to see. They also have a female mayor in Reno, guess it’s catching on.. it’s about time.

The SLC Airport parking is efficient, and only $10. per day, economy. The lot is enormous , well lit, and friendly bus drivers pick up customers timely. Masks and social distancing is practiced. Bus drivers sanitize after terminal drop offl.

Another nice touch .. volunteer program for the Airport. Any interest??

Art was different in the Airport – some beautiful, some local, and some questionable..

Good Flight Information

The piano in the large customer lounge remains.

Time for departure.

Dinosaur National Monument

September 13, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Trekked to this National Monument in Vernal, Utah. This area is one of the world’s richest beds of dinosaur fossils from the Jurassic Period dating 150 million years ago. The tour starts at the Visitor Center with a tram taking patrons to the fossil building.

Once inside the fossil wall reveals various dinosaur bones imbedded in stone. The exploration of this area for dinosaur bones came from Andrew Carnegie’s desire to have a dinosaur collection in his Pittsburgh Natural History Museum. In 1909, Earl Douglass was sent to explore the area after a survey indicated the possibility of dinosaur remains. Bones were found on August 17, 1909, and within 5 days scores of people came to view the find.

Fossil Wall

Visitors are able to touch a dinosaur bone which is quite a thrill for young ones, and old ones as well..

Looks like a flower to me..your thoughts??

In this area a shallow sea once covered the region with much fish. Rocks date to 104 million years ago. Other interesting facts from the displays:

4 million years ago the first humans in Africa
Dinosaurs extinction occurred 65 million years ago
Shallow seas covered Utah 95 million years ago
Flowering plants evolved 140 million years ago
Sauropod Dinosaurs dominated 150 million years ago

There is a 40 minute hike from the fossil building to the visitor parking through fossil areas. While the hike is essentially flat wear sneakers, a hat, and bring water. There is signage explaining the fossils in the rocks, however, I was unable to locate these fossils. The Fremont Indians did carve petroglyphs in some of the rocks, see below.

After the hike take the 10 mile scenic drive through the Park. There are several hiking trails, and a campground on this drive. The Park extends into Colorado where there are river trips and a campground as well. This is known as the Canyon Visitor Center, however, no fossils are located here.

Rock formations seen on the 10 mile scenic drive.