Friday, March 29, 2024

Winter trip 2023/24 - Las Vegas Bay to Nampa, ID


We start the trek to Idaho

The landscape reminds me of Texas Canyon in AZ.



Then there are Joshua trees


and snow on the Mountains when we Roll-in to Pioche, NV

A Silver mine was opened in 1870.  Over 5 million dollars in ore was taken out by 1872, and by 1900 Pioche was nearly a ghost town.  72 was the height of the boom for Pioche, which had about 6,000 residents.  The city had 72 saloons, three hurdy-gurdy houses, 32 brothels, two theaters, and two breweries,



During the first settling of Pioche, it was said that 72 men “were killed with their boots on” before anyone died a natural death. 

It was reported that nearly 60 percent of the homicides reported in Nevada during 1871–72 took place in and around Pioche.   





This aerial tramway operated in the 1920’s and 1930’s carrying ore from the mines on Treasure Hill to Godbe’s Mill in the valley at 6 cents a ton.



Moving on closer to that snow heading to Great Basin National Park to knock off our list.



The final stretch


We arrive at Great Basin

It starts snowing and we get.to the Visitors Center


They are famous for their Cave Tour but the tours are full the next few days.



Since it was starting to snow in Great Basin and the RV Park looked iffy, we decided to continue on to Ely, NV for a quick overnight.



The landscape reminds me of Texas Canyon in AZ.


Then there are Joshua trees


and snow on the Mountains when we Roll-in to Pioche, NV


A Silver mine was opened in 1870.  Over 5 million dollars in ore was taken out by 1872, and by 1900 Pioche was nearly a ghost town.  72 was the height of the boom for Pioche, which had about 6,000 residents.  The city had 72 saloons, three hurdy-gurdy houses, 32 brothels, two theaters, and two breweries,



During the first settling of Pioche, it was said that 72 men “were killed with their boots on” before anyone died a natural death. 

It was reported that nearly 60 percent of the homicides reported in Nevada during 1871–72 took place in and around Pioche.   





This aerial tramway operated in the 1920’s and 1930’s carrying ore from the mines on Treasure Hill to Godbe’s Mill in the valley at 6 cents a ton.



Moving on closer to that snow heading to Great Basin National Park to knock off our list.



The final stretch


We arrive at Great Basin


It starts snowing and we get.to the Visitors Center


They are famous for their Cave Tour but the tours are full the next few days.



Since it was starting to snow in Great Basin and the RV Park looked iffy, we decided to continue on to Ely, NV for a quick overnight.



Tucson even got to play in some snow

Next stop is Jackpot, NV  we stay at one of the casino RV Parks 



More Snow

Next stop is Three Island Crossing State Park








The Oregon Trail followed the Snake river for 300 miles.   This was the last crossing about 27 miles before Salmon Falls, the last of the great falls on the Snake River 


One of the original ferries

We check out the Museum while waiting to check in.




 We got a nice Site



Would have liked to spend a bit longer here but make it to Nampa for Easter weekend.










 

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Winter Trip 2023/24 - Tucson Last Week

Start the week out with a St. Patrick's Day Parade with decorated golf carts



Line dancers



And Green Beer


 





Saturday, March 16, 2024

Winter Trip 2023/24 - 2nd week March

Start out the week taking Gary to Sabino Canyon to do the hike to the Dam.





The trail is wetter than last week


The Falls are still running well but the Pool looks smaller



The sky looks foreboding 


So head out to find the trail to the top of the dam.  We cross the bridge

and I head up a rocky hill


Gary changed his mind and joins me

We make it to the top


Sabino Creek is running strong with all the rains we've had






Time to head out to bear the dark clouds owing us


We made it out dry but hear a thunderstorm hit shortly after we left.

Finished the M&M doorstop rock someone had requested back in NC


Tucson meets friends on the wash

We're invited to a home made cream party


Delish!


One week to go!