ANOTHER WINTER RENO, NEVADA, VISIT February 28 to March 1, 2010

Getting a bit of cabin fever, I made some plans to go on a shorter road trip. But, the weather down south did not cooperate. I phoned the Arizona ranger stations where I wanted to go, and they said there was snow on their high peaks. I had plans for at least three bigger ones, but without a partner, it is a bit dangerous. I even thought to just view the desert wildflower bloom in San Diego County, but that was hardly worth the cash that I'd spend.

So waking up at a good early hour on Sunday, I motored eastbound on Interstate 80. There is a nice, new, rest area facility at Gold Run, and then I stopped for photos at Yuba Gap. I saw more of the snowpack at Donner rest area. It was good, but not any kind of record. Fog descended on the freeway, so I declined stopping in Truckee, CA. I went to my favorite clothing store, and picked up a cap.

The nearby Mayberry Park offered a short walk on paved bike trail, as the hike to the top of the small hill was too muddy. Checking in at my hotel, I then motored up NV 445 to Pyramid Lake. I paid the $6 day use fee and started snapping pictures. I thought that there might be nice snow on the desert peaks, but there was little. The road to the Pyramid is too rough for my car, and I didn't wish to get my oil dirty so soon. I began snapping more photos for a panorama of the lake, and went into Sutcliffe to see that old haunt of mine. The cafe was shuttered closed, and nothing much was open.

I'd forgo driving to my small hill, HJH 65, by the road to Gerlach, NV. You can get stuck in the sand, where the small shoulder worries me about pulling too far off the highway. I did my telephoto shots of the area peaks, and drove back to Reno.

Motoring about, I spotted a sign for a Dandini Gardens. New to me, I sought to check it out. With parking on a weekend, I walked the short trail and got some unique views of the town. I meant to do some more hiking at Rancho San Rafael Park, but instead went back to my hotel.

Feasting on an early dinner at the buffet, I enjoyed salad, salmon, calamari, scallops, Mongolian beef, vegetables, soup, and then a glass of flan. I rested in my room, and took photos of the view, new for me. It was time for some mild exercise, so I strolled about downtown, capturing some neon. I looked for some free Wi-Fi, but could find none.

Trying my luck, I won a few quarters, but not keeping good track, figured that I lost a few dollars, overall. I had a coupon for an extra $5 on a bet, but having won good, for me, on my similar, coupon, first play, a few years ago, that had inspired me to head for a longer road trip. I figured to quit while I was ahead, there.

Watching the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Games, I drifted off to sleep.

Up by about 6 a.m., Monday, I figured to wonder whether to head south along U.S. 395. It is the time of the statistical maximum snowpack, but then I knew that would be a lot of driving today. You might see some photos from other users on the Net, now, and though I love the Eastern Sierra, with no peaks to climb, it would be rather dull. I did entertain some thought to hike in Death Valley National Park, but have mostly been there, done that.

So, I saw what was new along South Virginia Street, and headed for the Huffaker Hills. I remembered my own directions, and got there, to the trailhead. Only two other vehicles were there. I started hiking up the trail, intent on getting some exercise. It was a bit muddy, so I had to watch stepping about puddles and damp spots. It took me my usual 20 or so minutes to top the hill, Twin Peaks (4,851'), and I took more photos. It was a bit hazy, but I like doing hikes again as the light is often different. A storm was due tonight, and I had to drive over the pass to get back home.

I took more pictures of the muddy trail, and then came back to my car. I went back to U.S. 395, and started home. Taking a short stroll in Truckee to see what was new, I had some ideas of doing another hiking trail, but cancelled that. The snow was nice to see, though. Home at lunch, I had a nice, short trip, and see that I haven't lost my touch at being on the road.

I hiked maybe 4 miles, with about 250' gain. I captured 375 images. I spent some 80 dollars cash, including some wins with my gambling losses. Gas was about 2.899 along the highway. I used some four layers while driving, and hiking in the morning. I always stayed warm, even too warm. It was never that windy, or blowing cold. The snow about the pass was typical of spring-like conditions. Though we have more snow coming, I think that winter may be pretty much over.

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