Last Few Shots - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part X

This is part X of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area.  These shots were all taken August 1-4 in the Reno/Sparks area.  They didn't really fit in any of the previous blogs and make up the last of the pictures from the trip.

This is the former Fitzgerald's Casino where my Grandmother used to work.  Now it's called Comm Row and  has climbing walls on the outside.  Oh, and that's the Reno Arch in the foreground.

This was the view from our window at the Nugget.

Flowers in my Mom's backyard.

Lockwood area East of Sparks.

Lockwood area.

These dudes were all over!

In case you REALLY got to go!!!!!!

Another of my favorites from the trip.

EXTRA heavy-duty flag poles!!!!!

Sunset in the Sky Ranch area reflecting off the smoke of a nearby forest fire.

This completes my "Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area" series.  I hope you've enjoyed the shots or at least found something that perked your interest in the area.  Thanks for looking!!

Wild Mustangs Near Sparks (with video) - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part IX

This is part IX of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area. 

On August 2, 2012, we took a drive out near Lockwood, NV, to look for Wild Mustangs.  We came upon these guys partially up a hill and I was able to slowly approach and get this video and some amazing shots!  

Although wild horses are commonly thought to have been introduced to Nevada and other Western states by European explorers and settlers, controversial new evidence (including DNA evidence) has genetically linked the horses we see today to the those roaming the West as far back as 1.5 million years ago! 

I took a video of the mustangs too and posted it on youtube here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRCDWj2XI68  

If you look closely on the hill to the right, you can just make out some more Mustangs.

As we drove away, we found several more Mustangs!  They seemed to be everywhere now!

It's incredible to think these horses just roam freely in the area!!!

Downtown Along The Truckee River - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part VII

This is part VII of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area. 

These shots were all taken the afternoon of August 2 in the Downtown Reno area.  In downtown Reno, you can walk along the Truckee River and wander through several small parks.  They have really upgraded the area and made it look nice, unfortunately, the homeless think so too and the area is quite a draw for them, much like many other downtown areas around the country.  

Several years ago they re-did the river downtown and added all sorts of features to create rapids, pools , etc.  

Truckee River, looking NW from downtown Reno.

Several little motels from years ago remain in this area.  Primarily along 4th St, which is Old US 40.

Tubing and rafting down the Truckee is always a great summer past time.

You meet the nicest, cleanest, most upstanding citizens downtown!!!!

Look close, this guy actually has a real pacifier in his mouth!!!!!!!

The old Riverside Hotel/Casino.  This old relic has been saved from destruction and revitalized this part of town as lofts and small stores.

Along the river seems to be a favorite hangout for the homeless.

She wasn't swimming, she was taking a bath!

As always, thanks for looking and remember, clicking any of the photos will bring up larger, higher-quality versions......

Jose and His Galena Creek Bridge - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part VI

This is part VI of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area. 

These shots were all taken the afternoon of August 1 in the Plesant Valley area, south of Reno.  North of Washoe Lake (Washoe Valley to Mount Rose Highway), I-580 is almost completed along the western hillsides of Pleasant Valley.  The new freeway will include seven bridges between Reno and Washoe Valley, including the Galena Creek Bridge. This 1,725-foot Bridge with a 689-foot span over Galena Creek is reportedly the largest cathedral arch bridge in the world. 

Slide Mountain Ski Resort can be seen above the bridge.

Meet Jose.  While we were at a school below the bridge taking pictures, Jose came across the playground where he was working to say 'Hello'.  He saw I was shooting the bridge and got really animated, telling me he had been on the unopened span.  He explained that a couple days before our visit, NDOT had opened the span for pedestrians to cross and view with no vehicles present.   Jose was proud of the fact he had been one of the people to have taken advantage of this opportunity, figuring he would never get this chance again.  He noted that he not only went across the bridge, but he did it on roller skates!  He was only too happy to pose for a photo in front of 'his' bridge!

As always, clicking on the photos will bring up larger, higher quality versions.