Wow, time sure does fly these days. Sill here in Carson City, settled in Lot#4. Been looking around the town and discovered the source of the wonderful chimes, a Carillon! (although unfortunately a totally electronic one consisting of a 300watt amplifier, 4 speakers and a chip containing the "voices" of over 400 bells). It's still lovely to hear a tune every hour and "Westminster" chimes on the quarters. It is housed in the Tourism Commission building just across the block. Now it isn't a tourist information centre, but the Commission itself which generates all the brochures and "arranges things". Strangely the Tourist info building is 1 mile south on Hwy395, housed in the railroad museum (on tomorrow's agenda).
We've had fairly decent weather these last few days, although cool at night, the bright sunshine during the day helps cheer everyone up! There are so many americans around who have "dropped off the ladder" in these financially challenging times. They are the people who were just clinging on and making a living before, but now find themselves without homes (after foreclosure), jobs and now many on welfare or greatly reduced income after their job hours have been cut back. Some are lucky enough to have trailers or motorhomes, some now on the streets. It really is hard to see someone go off every day walking the town applying for every job they can find with often dozens of others applying also and returning emptyhanded and footsore. Skylar has been doing this for over a year now! Not enough money to move anywhere else and not enough to afford rent, he "exists" and is slowly degenerating in health o the extent he is worried for himself over the winter. At least everyone looks out for each other and a strong sense of community seems to have sprung up again.
Drove a few miles back to Washoe State Park on Tuesday, a large reserve around a lake that is unfortunately depleating fast. 2 years ago the boat launch had to be closed permanently as the ramp is now over 250 yards from the waters edge!
Having talked with a few dam operators and Park Rangers, there seems to be a severe problem with water level reductions in most, if not all, the major lakes and rivers here and I'm surprised there is so little conversation or apparent concern over the issue. Perhaps everyone is more worried about the here and now than what may occur in years to come. That could lead to disaster I feel!! Whilst at Washoe I did "tanks" and even found a nice shower, but oh boy! the water pressure was phenomenally high! No wonder they had a couple of broken water pipes that were shut down.
Did a bit of grocery shopping at Walmart (sorry, yes Walmart, they don't have much competition here). Their meats were 2/3 the price of Canadian outlets, which means half the price of the UK! Bison steak at $5.05/lb and tasty it was too. Had to buy a new headlamp to replace the drivers side that decided to conk out. Still no luck with the high level lights, just can't find where they splice into the clearance light circuit. Tested every fuse I can find.We had a dusting of snow overnight and I awoke Thusday morning to light rain pattering on the roof, but with a gorgeous view of hills covered in snow in the distance.
Just realised it is Friday the thirteenth tomorrow, not that I am superstitious! (I'll just cross my fingers here).
Both Wednesday and Thursday evening I've had a knock on the door about 5pm and been presented with a lovely home-cooked meal. Wayne and his wife Rose had cooked enough dinner for both myself and Skylar as well as their family. Very kind and generous of them and I must say she is a rather good cook! I'll have to think of something to give them when I leave.
As the weather forecast is looking decidedly chilly, I'm thinking it is about time to head further south toward Death Valley, but still deliberating whether to take Hwy 395 through California or Hwy 95 through Nevada. More high desert in Nevada apparently (so cooler at night), but it would take me through Tonopah which is advertised as the best star gazing town in the world! I also aim to visit Virginia City on the way out of Carson which is now a "tourist ghost town". Maybe there won't be too many tourists this time of year!
Good luck to everyone for tomorrow!
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