Our road trip to Vegas has taken us through some interesting parts of Nevada.

Our first stop was Tonopah (1900) the Queen of the Silver Camps. Few places tell the story of Nevada’s mining past better!
Lunch was at the Mizpah Hotel, a landmark of luxury since 1907. Its origins date back to the days when Tonopah was the last of the Wild West boom towns, bustling with those seeking fortunes in the silver mines. Those who found wealth built this high desert oasis, which has since played host to dignitaries, millionares and movie stars. After falling on hard times, the Mizpah was painstakingly restored to its original elegance and comfort by Nancy Cline (Jacuzzi) who has family ties to the area. We were thoroughly impressed.



We did a brief explore of the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, located on the site of the original mining claims that started the rush to Tonopah.  Jim and Belle Butler’s strike in 1900 brought the United States into the 20th Century, and many of the mining processing techniques developed during that time are still being used today.


We stumbled upon the very intriguing town of Goldfield. When Goldfield was booming from 1905 through 1910 it had all the amenities of any large city, with fancy restaurants, hotels, athletic clubs, church and social groups of every kind, theaters, shopping, sporting events, unions, all the general businesses of the day, casinos, red light district, gold, high grading, and all the hopes of prosperity any individual would want to find.



Many reminders of this boom are still visible. This town demands a return visit. We had no idea the road to Vegas would possess so many treasures.

As part of the Summer Season for the Sierra Parks Foundation, an amazing musical interlude was hosted in Emerald Bay at Vikingsholm Castle and we were there to help.

Chris and Jan were on our team and together we were awesome (and we had fun).


Violinist Mr. John Metros joined Concert Pianist Dr. David Nelson with guest musicians, and an incredible vocalist, for a very special concert held inside Vikingsholm. The concert featured the custom 6-legged Steinway piano, commissioned by the home's original owner, Lora Knight, in 1929. Pretty magical.

We have loved every aspect of volunteering for the Rock Tahoe Marathon from the great communication to this evening of gratitude for the volunteers. 

Sean, Jason and Jessie were our awesome leaders that made all the hard work so worth it.
The meal was exceptional. The Beach Retreat really went all out. I'm still drooling over the halibut topped with blue cheese and walnuts. YUM.
We watched an incredible soon to be released promotional video that was an overview of the race and then the team leaders walked around the room, thanking each and everyone of us personally. Needless-to-say, we're booked to volunteer next year! What a total rewarding blast this entire event has been.
We ended our fantastic evening walking home along the lakeshore. Our crazy weather is producing some memorable sunsets. Wow, what a night!

Celebrating Annie's last night in town and Jan's last night in her fifties, we boarded the Paradise for an evening of awesome.

After an afternoon of intense weather: rain, thunder and golf ball sized hail; we headed to Zephyr Cove to join the floating party awaiting us.

I can't think of a better way to end a decade...

Last time Annie was here she became an Ike & Martin minion. She totally rocked her band shirt. What a fabulous night of friends and fun.

Annie arrived from SoCal and after dinner, we donned robes and walked to the bowling alley.

Everyone we passed on the street and within the building commented on our attire. "The Dude", Jeff Bridges as the Big Lebowski, goes everywhere in his robe with much of it being at a bowling alley. Needless-to-say, we were the Belles of the lanes.
We hijacked Linda and she was the piece that made it that much more fun. She even donned the robe.
While we were drinking red wine, everyone commented on the fact that we should be drinking White Russians. We did, they were great. I found this on a quote website and thought it explains the movie, and us, well. So slip into your comfiest robe, call up your bowling pals, and head to the nearest alley, because it’s Jeff Bridges 65th birthday and I’ve gathered all of the Big Lebowski you never stopped repeating. Be sure to remember to order a White Russian when you get there.
It's been 35 years of zany! Got to love it.

I love a matinee. Maybe it's because when completed, the night is still young. Or maybe it's because the Lake is so beautiful, any reason to be at its shore is reason enough. Today, we came to enjoy a concert, usher for a play and gather with friends.

The afternoon began with a concert on the lawn, grooving to Empty Wallets. We know Paul, the lead singer, so that was pretty cool.
Valhalla Tahoe's summer play is On Golden Pond. "Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer and his conciliatory wife, Ethel, spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter, Chelsea, visits with her new fiancé and his teenage son, Billy on their way to Europe. After leaving Billy behind to bond with Norman, Chelsea returns, attempting to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it's too late."
While the subject of the play was rather heavy, the cast (pictured here) was incredible.
Mel and Gary (our friend, Carol's brother) now live just down the hill. How fun to see them at the play. In the past, we have joined them on a family vacation and have hosted them here. It's a small, incredible world in which we live. I love it so.

For most of the day, we had glorious rain and thunderstorms... not ideal for tourists but so beneficial to ease our drought. The plan worked out perfect, for the evening could not have been more clear and glorious.

We arrived early to observe the most beautiful sunset.


The South Shore of Lake Tahoe hosted its Lights on the Lake, now in its 34th year and billed as “the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in the West.” I am a little kid when it comes to fireworks and this 25 minute spectacle, fired to a synchronized soundtrack, did not disappoint me.


There is something about being at the lake's edge, with the magnificent reflections, that make this show even more magical.




There were thousands of people at Lakeview Commons enjoying an amazing Independence Day celebration. Friends, fireworks, festiveness and fun... what a fantastic night in Tahoe.

A backyard hangout just screams "Summer". Dining with these friends was an audible proclamation that the season of fun has begun!

Cornhole anyone?
Our wine was compliments of David and Karen's June visit.
Dessert was provided my Fern. Cherry pie- oh my!
The jean story is a funny one. These are Lee's Levi's from 1970. They adorned a stuffed lion, and come out every 4th as a decoration. I loved them and promptly put them on. They are like brand new. We may have created a new party game: Who can get into Lee's jeans with Margaret watching? Hysterical. After getting home, I found a pair on sale on ebay described as, "Vintage LEVIS Big E American Flag Jeans 60'S Mens Womans Unisex" and were for sale for $100 (the unisex distinction made me feel better that they fit so well).
Tonight's pre-4th celebration was a ideal kickoff for Independence Day 2015. Let the fireworks begin.

Everything Thursday evening, the shore comes alive with music. We love walking here, armed with beach chairs and gleefulness, to listen to whoever is playing. Tonight's lineup was pretty awesome.

The opening act was story teller, producer and multi instrumentalist Patrick Walsh who, "brings a fresh sound from the world of no genres.  Born and raised in the gold rush towns of Northern California he often incorporates local history and experiences into his songs." This guy plays in town often and we are going to start being fans. He was incredible.

The headliner, Tubaluba, captured the spirit of New Orleans, and conveyed it through their brass street band rhythm and style they call, Jambalaya Brass Rock. They entered via a street parade that got everyone dancing in their seats.
 We partied with the usual suspects- Steve and Cyndi.
Music is such an important component to our Summer. What a wonderful kick off to an amazing season of fun.