A RENO VISIT AND FALL COLORS TOUR October 11-12, 2000

While I usually hike, climb, or ski, this trip was primarily for photography and to enjoy Reno, Nevada.

I motored to the Patagonia Outlet where I picked up a fall 1999 style anorak at a final clearance price. Having a buffet lunch, I regretted that no one I know will join me for a free meal (2 for 1 coupon). I visited the Washoe County main library, and went to a computer dealer to look at the new items.

Watching the sunset from my hotel room, I relaxed in a nice mood.

After viewing the nightly news and part of the Presidential debate, I motored over to catch the Great Basin Group slide show, "Wild Nevada." Recent photos taken in High Rock Canyon, the Ruby Mountains, Toiyabe Range, and the Sierra Nevada were shown. Some art projects at the latest "Burning Man" Festival were of some interest. As a surprise, six candidates for the City Council appeared to explain their views.

Getting up early the next day, I motored south on U.S. 395 to make my generally annual check of the fall colors in Hope Valley. I made stops at the USFS Ranger Station in Carson City and the library in Minden to use some time. By about Noon, I was waiting, along Highway 88, for sunbreaks through the thick, dark clouds to light up the colorful stands of aspen.

The displays were sufficient for me to shoot a roll of film. I have a record of selected groves as to their magnificence, taken each year, for perhaps the last 20 years. The timing and quality of the "peak" differ each year due to seasonal variances.

The western slopes of the Sierra were dusted with light snow. The leaves there weren't as prominent, maybe due to the lack of direct sun.

After a talk at a USFS ranger station with the wilderness staff about summit register policy, I came home at about dinner time.

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