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.

**UPDATED** Scenery South of Reno in Black & White - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part V (a)

This is part V(a) of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area. 

These shots were taken between Carson City and Reno, mostly in Washoe Valley.  One of my friends suggested I explore these pics in black and white and I think that's a great idea!  This blog is the exact same as the one I recently posted, with the exception of all of the conversion to B&W.

On Old 395 in Washoe Valley.

Looking over Washoe Lake.

Looking up toward the new, unopened section of 395.

Bowers Mansion.

Ruins in the slide zone along 395 of the May 30, 1983, Slide Mountain rock slide

Although this sign said 'Welcome', they tried to shut the nearby electric gate and trap my sister and her kids while they were clearly trespassing and trying to pet a horse. "You lie, sign!!!!!"

The victim of the flagrantly illegal petting!!!!!!!

Scenery South of Reno - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part V

This is part V (That's 5 in smarty-pants-speak!) of my series of photo blogs detailing my recent trip to the Reno/Sparks area. 

These shots were taken between Carson City and Reno, mostly in Washoe Valley.  They have not been colored in any way, the deep dark blue skies are a result of the polarizer on my lens.   

On Old 395 in Washoe Valley.

Looking over Washoe Lake.

Looking up toward the new, unopened section of 395.

Bowers Mansion.

Ruins in the slide zone along 395 of the May 30, 1983, Slide Mountain rock slide. 

Although this sign said 'Welcome', they tried to shut the nearby electric gate and trap my sister and her kids while they were clearly trespassing and trying to pet a horse.  "You lie, sign!!!!!" 

The victim of the flagrantly illegal petting!!!!!!!

Washoe County Courthouse Beehive - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part IV

This is part IV 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 Downtown Reno.  If you look close at the top left corner of the Courthouses front facade, you can see a large beehive. 

Washoe County Courthouse, 

This hive has supposedly been here since  the 1950's!  I can't find any definitive info on this, but I've heard it for awhile. Looks burnt out right now.  I'm not sure why. 

This is NOT my pic.  This is what the hive normally looks like. 

Virginia City - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part III

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

These shots were all taken the afternoon of August 3 in the Virginia City area. Virginia City sits just up the Geiger Grade Rd. from South Reno, across the valley from Mt. Rose and Lake Tahoe.  It's known as home to multiple silver mines, a real Old West Main Street, several old cemeteries (which I'll post more on later) and for the last 50+ years, the home of yearly camel races.  

(From http://www.visitvirginiacitynv.com),  Once a vital settlement between Denver and San Francisco, Virginia City influenced the entire country. During its boomtime, Virginia City's mining proceeds amounted to millions of dollars, equaling billions today. Every inch of this picturesque, Victorian-era town, celebrates this colorful history.

Signs of VC's mining history are everywhere.  There are new mines opening to this day. 

Rommie named this truck "Mater" after the one in Cars.  

Bailey and Rommie goofing off....

This scene was in the window of a candy store.  I thought it appropriate!

I had to pay this old dude $1 to pose for some pictures!  Well, my dad did because I was far too cheap!!!!!

This is a large mound of silver ore serving as a monument to the silver strikes in the area. 

This working train was in the Gold Hill area on the way toward Carson City.