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The Hagley Family Farm
My mom’s friend Doug Hagley gives me a tour of his family’s farm that packs in a surprising variety of experiences. Walking through the woods we hear a million starlings. I take a video just for the sound. Doug with mushroom basket Pond crossing Woods trail They have a white pine tree farm about 25…
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Hackathon Hangover
I’ve had enough of my computer at the moment…yet I think that’s interesting enough to post about. Intellectually I know that Hack4Reno, a 24-hour competition to build an application that benefits the city, was a great experience. I pushed my limits and with a team of 4 (and much needed assistance from a talented roving…
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Ophir Creek Bushwhack
Ann and I are in the mood to gain some elevation today, but the past week’s snowstorm has me concerned about conditions at higher elevations. The Ophir creek trailhead starts at 5,000 feet, which I figure will keep us out of serious snow. Ophir Creek Trailhead There are some rose hips by the creek, but…
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Granite Chief
The weather looks so threatening that we’re certain we’ll be turned back on this hike, but to our surprise the rain and thunder never come. We get a little tour of the famous Squaw Valley ski area, but hike out of bounds where the plant life is still lush and berries especially are flourishing. The…
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Peavine After Work
Ann is looking for a good hill climb that is close enough to Reno to hit after work. People disparage Peavine as being ugly, but we enjoy a steep climb and the dreamy charm of desert hills at twilight. Peavine Hill Climb Peavine Dusk High Point Reno Lights
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Abel Creek Pass Loop
I’m eager to see more of the Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak wilderness, and another volunteer named Mike offers to join me. I warn him that I’m considering some bushwhacking, and he tackles it gamely, even when it turns out to be a LOT of bushwhacking. Our first climb to a ridge up a steep sage-covered slope…
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NPLD Santa Rosa Mountains Trail Work
To celebrate National Public Lands Day I join a friends of Nevada wilderness trip to improve some trail in the Santa Rosa mountains north of Winemucca. I’m curious what these mountains will be like. From a distance they appear to be treeless. On the dusty drive in, the road dust seems to make pools in…
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Black Rock Spring Survey
On the first of two friends of nevada wilderness trips celebrating national public lands day, we head for the Black Rock desert after Ann gets off work on Friday. Arriving on the playa at night is intimidating. Aside from the occasional orange cone, nothing shows up in the headlights except flat white playa. We can’t…
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Stormed Off Castle Peak
Castle Peak rises just northeast of the intersection of Interstate 80 and the Pacific Crest Trail. We figure it will make a good day hike, but thunderstorms get there before we do. Of course we see many interesting things anyway, including a couple of insects I haven’t seen before: a mourning cloak butterfly and a…
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Thunder Mountain Loop
A few people we’ve met while hiking in the Carson pass area have recommended the Thunder Mountain hike, so we decide to try the loop variation of it. This is a definitely a more developed area with campgrounds, roads, and the Kirkwood ski area, but we’re won over by the views and interesting cobblestone rock…