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!!!

Masonic Cemetery at Virginia Cities Silver Terrace Cemeteries - Reno/Sparks NV, and Surrounding Area, Part VIII

This is part VIII 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 at the Masonic Cemetery at the Silver Terrace Cemeteries in Virginia City.  The Masonic cemetery dates back to the 1800's.  I could have spent several hours exploring and shooting pictures.  As you stand in this cemetery, you will notice at least 10 other old cemeteries on the nearby hills.  Seems a lot of people died in the area during the gold/silver rush.

Cemeteries make great subjects for photos and I couldn't pass up the chance to shoot a real Old West cemetery!  (For more background info on the Silver Terrace Cemeteries, go here:  http://www.visitvirginiacitynv.com/attractions/virginia-city-cemeteries.html)

Virginia City.

Many of the headstones are missing or damaged.  I think it adds to the uniqueness of the cemetery. 

These were the strongest smelling pine cones I've ever smelled!  You can see the caramelized sap in the picture.

Look closely and you will notice an old silver mine in the background.  Some of these mines were right up against the main town. 

Wooden grave marker.

I was amazed to discover they used wood for headstones and even more amazed that some of them were still there!!

This ended up being one of my favorite shots from the entire trip. 

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.