Exploring Nevada while on our contract did not turn out as I expected due to the wildfires that occurred while we were there. Several fires broke out in California and Nevada during our stay and the smoke that resulted kept us indoors most days. It was unfortunate but what we did get to see was well worth our time there.

 

Wild Fire

Despite the smoke from the wildfires, that invaded California and Nevada the majority of the time we were there, we managed to get out and explore Nevada a few times on the days that were not too smoky outside. Most days the smoke was so bad you could barely see down the road and the mountains were practically invisible. It was something I have never experienced before and it really opened my eyes to just how terrible these fires are and the havoc they cause. It was really unfortunate that the fires kept us indoors most of the time but when we did get to go explore I discovered it was an area I would like to visit again.

Normally, you can see the mountains

 

Kings Canyon Waterfall

On one of those non-smoky days we took the opportunity to explore and took a short hike to King’s Canyon Waterfall in Carson City, Nevada. The hike was about 2 miles and it ended at a small waterfall. Given the time of year (July) the snow wasn’t contributing to the waterfall as much as it would in the springtime but it was still worth the hike.

View hiking to Kings Canyon Waterfall in Carson City Nevada

 

Kings Canyon Waterfall

 

Exploring Nevada; King's Canyon Waterfall
Kings Canyon Waterfall

 

The water is so cold

Lake Tahoe

We managed to visit Lake Tahoe one more time before we left the area for our next contract. We took the entire day to explore and made the drive around the entire lake stopping at various points of interest. Lake Tahoe truly is beautiful. You can see more about Lake Tahoe in this post.

Map of Lake Tahoe

Exploring Nevada; Lake Tahoe

Activities

Hot air balloons are very popular in the Carson City, Nevada area. Usually, there are several balloons soaring over the mountain tops in the mornings when we leave work. I wish I could have captured more photos of the balloons but the smoke kind of ruined that too. The area is also popular for flight, hiking, water and mountain activities and much more. Any outdoor enthusiast would love it here.

Exploring Nevada; Hot air balloons
Hot Air Balloons in Carson City, Nevada

 

Food

We discovered a few good restaurants while we were there too. My favorite place was Squeeze In in Carson City, Nevada. The crab benedict was the best loaded with crab and packed with flavor. Next, was the Villa Basque Cafe where they serve a great mix of Basque and Latin foods. You can purchase home made Basque style chorizo, wines, cheeses and various other goods at the restaurant.

 

Wild Horses

And finally, one of the coolest parts of this area… WILD HORSES!! They are free to roam anywhere they please. It is very common to see them in people’s yards, at places of business and running along the highway. They are beautiful.

Exploring Nevada; Wild Horses
One of the wild horses in Nevada

 

Exploring Nevada; Wild horses
Group of wild horses in Carson City, Nevada

 

Quote of the Day

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. –Frank Lloyd Wright

 

What’s For Dinner?

Wood fired pizza and beer at Aleworx in Lake Tahoe

Exploring Nevada; Pizza at Aleworx
Pizza and Beer at Aleworx in Lake Tahoe

 

P.S.

We have a new contract starting in November at Lake Havasu Arizona. I am hoping the area (and natural disasters) don’t inhibit exploring for us there.

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