Wrapping Up Carson Valley

Original hot springs house - Grover Hot Springs

It is more than just urban sprawl that has me re-thinking my remembered love of Carson Valley. The picture in my head is different in many ways, and I have to really think about where we "entered" the valley back then. What my view was at that time.

Markleeville, Fredricksburg, Gardnerville.....these names sound familiar. Look at the map and realize we have been several miles north of the area I remember. 

Let's go check it out!

Taking Hwy 395 south to Hwy 88, we enter California at the base of the Sierras. Fredricksburg still has a road, but no town remains. I think it was just a single, old wooden building even twenty years ago. The mountains tuck in more closely here, the valley spotted with colorful trees, and small ranches. Ravines cut patterns through the grassland. This part of the valley is exactly how I remember it - absolutely beautiful. Yep, I could still live here.

We continue east toward Markleeville on Hwy 4 and I now remember that as the road I traveled from Stockton, CA. The general store is still there, along with four small eateries and a lodge. The county has a good size building on the corner, and the post office and library round out the town. All on the main street. Population 200, interspersed throughout the mountain. 

A small side road takes us to Grover Hot Springs State Park. A small sign gives the "pool" hours. Pool? The campground is primitive with 22' trailer limit.

Around a corner and we come to a huge golden meadow surrounded by pine forest and steep mountains with jagged rock. It's pretty even in its brittle-dry state.

One small parking lot is full at 11:00 AM, the other has a couple spaces left. A trail cuts through the meadow and into the trees. The weather is perfect, just reaching 70 degrees when we arrive. Let's go for a walk!

I wear my Keene hiking boots all the time - driving the rig, out to dinner, grocery shopping. Today I'm in sandals :-(. So this can't be a hike, it has to be a walk.

The active creek is a wonderful surprise and we spend some time just listening to it moving over the rocks and through the beaver dam. Beyond the water, the forest canopy is healthy and green.

Bill points out the pool behind the large fenced in area - a real swimming pool - and the hot springs coming out of the ground above it. Oooh, makes sense now  :-/ 

Today there are several people enjoying the hot water and the gate is open for all comers. But there is a chained "waiting line" area outside the fence so this spot must get crowds in the summer.

Current hot springs pool 

When you come to Markleeville, because you really should, be sure to eat at Alie's Café. It's the smallest place in town, the staff and locals who eat here are super friendly, and the food is excellent.

Coming down the mountain Bill talks with Kevin who is feeling much better and expecting to be released later in the day. A couple changes in his meds seems to have made the difference. Great news! Plans are made for us all to get together.

They stop by to see our home, and then, like our first evening in Carson City, having a great time with new friends over dinner, we spend our last night here with old friends over dinner. We're so happy Kevin is okay.

Bridgette, Kevin, Karla, Bill, Jodee

Our week here has been a good one, and we're ready to move south to enjoy more of the beauty and adventure of Hwy 395.

The only fall color in the mountains - this little tree really stood out

Finding Natural and Historical Gems While Sticking Close to Town

River Walk - Truckee River in Reno

The reason we didn't make the trek to Elko, NV, was because our good friend Kevin was coming here for a doctor's appointment.

Turns out it was good timing as they admitted him to the hospital in Reno on Tuesday afternoon. Not sure what the situation was, we decided to postpone longer day trips until we had more information.

After running some errands we stopped for lunch at The Firkin and Fox (also known as fric-and-frac by highly educated people), an English Pub inside the historic St. Charles Hotel. They have a lovely patio across the street from the state capitol.

The weather was a perfect 70 degrees and we took a nice walk around the capitol grounds after our delicious meal. Although the planters are all bare due to lack of water, the trees and landscaping are beautiful. The capitol itself is quite small, with the legislative branches housed in a separate, more modern building. The state supreme court building is much larger and stands between the other two.

Capitol among the trees

Nevada State Supreme Court

Statues honoring history and heroes are interspersed throughout the lovely grounds.

Early settlers - miners

Namesake - Kit Carson

Founding father - Abraham Curry

Love this giant beauty with the cloud shadow

Kevin's wife, Bridgette, called Wednesday morning with an update and we headed for Reno. Stopped at a pretty park on the way, but with no dogs allowed, we didn't spend much time.

Bowers' Mansion Park

We didn't want to take Tessa in the hospital so I dropped Bill off and went looking for jackets - the only thing we've misplaced in our travels is both our jackets :-(

Before I found any stores, I found the River Walk and we had to stop and check it out. Tessa and I enjoyed a thirty minute walk along the water with a couple side loops through downtown. 

It is an interesting mix of joggers, geese, art, the homeless, flowers, ducks, school children, musicians and historic buildings. 

Tourists from Canada

Century old Methodist Church dwarfed by casino 

Utility box as art

Fall flora

Art as art

Happened upon a Burlington Coat Factory and found comfy warm jackets for both of us. On the way back to the hospital I made a right turn and there it was...

.....the most recognized icon of Reno, NV

Bill was texting me to get picked up as I pulled up beside him - we're scary like that sometimes :-)

Kevin remains in the hospital where they don't seem to have any plan or prognosis, although he is in good spirits and fairly comfortable. I'm glad we're here and able to see for ourselves how he's doing. Few people we know are more ornery and stubborn, so I'm confident he'll soon be back home.

We'll get in a day trip and stay in touch, then see if our departure day may need to change.

A Frenzy of Friends - Both New and Old

Carson Valley in Nevada is one of those places I've been to once and thought I could live there. That first visit was 20+ years ago and boy has it grown! It still has that "protected valley" feeling, with the majestic Sierras to the west and lesser mountain ranges around the other three "sides". The high desert cottonwoods, junipers and scrub brush provide a rugged landscape that is both wild and serene.

High desert landscape

Cold and cloudy skies

Room to run outside the park

But the town of Carson City is big now! The downtown casinos and small state capitol are surrounded for miles by car dealers, large retail chains, big box stores, RV dealers, lots of eateries, and major medical facilities.

We originally made sure Carson City was a stop because we have friends from high school who live here. We were also going to Elko, NV, to visit more friends, and then learned they would be in Carson City this week as well. Perfect!

And on top of those old friends to see, we had the chance to meet up with a couple fellow bloggers - who are now wonderful new friends as well.

John and Pam (Oh, the Places They Go) were already at the Silver City RV Park in Minden, with Dave and Sue (Beluga's excellent adventure) on their way. There was a spot next to them so we booked it for the weekend.

"Following" people on their blogs for a couple years when they're already living the life and having grand adventures, and we're preparing and waiting to just get on the road, gives them a slight hero status in my eyes. So "getting to meet" them is a pretty big deal for me.

The reality is no less wonderful, but from the first handshakes and hugs, these are just real, fun and delightful people. Although I can totally picture each of them in tights and capes.......

We also meet the famous Lewis and Sasha - Dave and Sue's silly black dogs - who are normal canines and perfectly happy to hang out in their spacious motorhome while humans visit outside and go to dinner. Unlike a certain other dog who shall remain nameless.

That dog's new most favorite people - Sue and Pam (we like 'em too)

Getting together for happy hour each evening and enjoying two scrumptious dinners in town, we had a great time sharing our love of the full-timing life, and laughing more than we have in forever.

When I updated our location on RVillage I noticed a very familiar name - Russ and Linda Ranger were here as well. We have communicated on the RV Dreams forum, he reads this blog, and we've been following, but never catching, each other all summer. Returning to the park on Saturday I noticed there was a La Palma parked behind us, and sure enough there was Russ walking over to meet! A big hug and a quick visit and looking forward to seeing them the next day. Oops...

I was bummed to see their rig was gone in the morning, but a note later in the day confirmed they are on a tight schedule to Arizona, and then back to Mexico for the winter. We'll catch up with them next year for sure!

When we first arrived, Bill called Karla and invited us over to her house for Monday Night Football. Our Elko friends happen to be her brother Kevin and his wife, and they were arriving on Monday. So really, it was a perfect plan :-)

Bill and Kevin - friends for over 40 years

The company and the game were great, and we made plans to get together this afternoon. Unfortunately Kevin's doctor's appointment resulted in an overnight stay in Reno so we'll see what happens the next couple days.

Fun With Potty in Virginia City, NV

With the Jeep repaired (fingers crossed) we continue south on Hwy 395 and into Nevada for a few days. We'll stay in two different parks in Carson City, with meet ups at both that we've been looking forward to!

Saturday morning we take a day trip to Virginia City, NV. It's a beautiful sunny morning as we climb above the Carson Valley. 

Virginia City is known as an old mining town with a lot of character, a fun place to spend a couple hours among historic buildings and touristy shops. 

Apparently it is also known for the Annual Outhouse Races. And this "world famous" event takes place the first weekend in October. 

Who knew?

And we are lucky enough to arrive in time to catch the competition. 

We grab the last spot in a small parking lot on Main Street, and soon learn we are right at the finish line. Within thirty minutes the little town is overflowing with people - many who are in the spirit of the event.

These gals went on to win the "Undie Run Relay"

As fun as the people watching is, the day is all about the racers and their pit crews. First they entertain the crowd in a parade down hill. It's amazing the wide variety and creativity that is potty humor! 

Then the races begin with one driver and two potty-pushers to get the "vehicles" back up the hill.

We learn that this year's crowd of over 5000 people is the largest ever in the little town for any previous event.

Although there is an alternate route to get through town, because it is a state highway, Main Street (Hwy 341) must be opened for ten minutes in regular intervals. After watching the parade and several heats, we head for lunch during one of the breaks. As expected the eateries are packed, but we get seated at The Palace Saloon in about fifteen minutes. The food is good, the service is wonderful, and the dining room includes the original floors, bar, and light fixtures - all 100 years old.

"P" for Palace

After lunch we sneak out of the parking lot between a couple run-off races and check out the less crowded part of town.

Perfect weather all day

Whenever possible we try to take a loop drive, and today we continue out the other side of town on Hwy 341. Once the highway crests the Geiger Summit at 6789 feet the unobstructed views of Reno, Carson Valley and the Sierras down the other side are incredible. Competing with the vistas are beautiful rock formations of red, yellow and gray along the mountainside.

We wrap up the day trip with a quick stop at Trader Joes (yay!!), and Walmart (necessary evil), getting us back to the park in time for happy hour.

The stop at Silver City RV Park is the result of planning a meet up with a couple bloggers who I have followed for over a year. More on all that fun in another post.

They Come in Threes

It is likely true that good things come in threes as well, but do we make note of them?

Of course not.

Bad things we expect will not cross our paths as solo incidents. And that expectation is generally met.

While at the ranch in Lakeview I thought we ran out of propane. We only use it for the range, and the gauge said we had 2/3 of a tank. But when the burner wouldn't stay lit, and the propane switch light went out twice, it seemed the logical conclusion. So we just didn't cook on the range for a few days.

Arriving in Susanville, the tank would only take 4 gallons. Hmmmm.......

Put the question out on a couple forums, got some ideas on what to check. Didn't try any of them. Instead turned the switch on and it stayed on. Burners all worked, not turning off after thirty minutes of cooking. Will have it double checked at our maintenance appointment. Yay, one down.

Cooking breakfast while Bill's in the shower and suddenly there's water running from under the kitchen sink. He is not showering in the kitchen. I'm not doing dishes.

But when the shower is turned off, the water under the sink stops. Hmmmmm........

Given the issue with the sewer line elevation at this park, our first thought is that the problem is related to that. But why didn't the shower back up instead? Bill checks and the hose is empty, as is the grey tank. That end of things seem to be working.

Pull out the trash can and cast iron pots, and see that the elbow has come loose. Oh good, an easy fix! The pipe to the gray tank runs along the back of the kitchen sink and is why the water made it's way where it did. He secures the compression fitting. Do some dishes, run a load of laundry. No more water where it doesn't belong. Yay, two down.

Breakfast includes smoothies this morning and when I pull the honey bear from the pantry it has leaked. A lot. 

I immediately see that the nose and tip of one ear are missing.  Hmmmmm......

Our first night here the "camp cat" came in the rig for a minute until we put her out. Later Tessa is sniffing like crazy in the corner. We think it's the cat scent, but she is scratching under the dinette and looking at the pantry. I open doors and look with a flashlight but see and hear nothing.

However, the condition of the honey bear and pieces of a dressing bottle wrapper pulled away means it is very likely that what she was after is an unwanted guest. Most probably picked up at the ranch.

So number three is pending extermination and prevention therapy, but it too will be resolved.

It's so nice to know they only happen in threes.......