"Cabin Fever"

With the series of snow events we have had this January and the over cast skies lingering day after day, I have been working on a stored up energy factor which is commonly known as “Cabin Fever”. Fortunately, I have looked out the window to see BLUE sky overhead on a few days. So, I grabbed my camera, a cup of coffee, a couple of cookies and yelled “road trip” on the way out the door. I stayed close to the Carson City area on some 2-3 hour round trip drives.I drive slow! The first nice day brought me to Genoa and the Carson Valley. There was a light dusting of new snow from the night before on the foot hills and summits. The Carson River was glowing from the reflection of blue sky and the willows along the banks.Near Genoa, the Sierra’s stood out vividly with the new snow on them.It was quiet and the view was wonderful. I could have stood there all day.There was very little auto traffic on the roads, obviously luck was with me. Views such as this may have been overlooked if it was a busy time of the day. The very next day I drove through Jack’s Valley on the south end of Carson City. Route 206 follows the Sierra’s down to route 88 at the California line. These photographs are north of Genoa along Rt. 206.In the area of Eagle Ridge a buck came out of the brush to say hello and was checking to see if it was safe for the Doe. They are used to seeing people and accepted the fact I was hanging around them. This is what I call deer hunting!I'm not sure who was more at peace with this afternoon.Further down the road I stopped for a conversation with a friendly horse. A bit one sided though! I suppose that’s a good sign that my fever didn’t get too high!!I was taking pictures when my new friend decided to check me out. Sure is a handsome horse.Last Thursday, the 14th, the sun came out again so I decided to go up to Washoe lake area and explore there in the afternoon. The lake is definitely showing signs of low water but the good news is this years snow pack should bring it even higher than it was last spring. Another quiet location where you can sit and enjoy nature and it’s beauty.I continued along Eastlake Blvd. to Jumbo Grade Rd. on the right heading north. The road leads to a trail head which was once a continuation of Jumbo Grade. It was a mining route which connected with others, such as Orphir Grade, leading to Virginia City. Mines which dotted the route have all but disappeared. Some articles left behind can be found in the brush but the buildings are gone completely. It was too muddy to take the walk on this day but it is on my things to do list. In researching the Jumbo Grade I discovered there used to be a toll bridge across the lake to Franktown. The mill in Franktown would process the ore from the mines on the Jumbo Grade.This is the view going up Jumbo Grade. Looking west back toward Slide Mountain. The road is in good condition and does not require a 4 wheel drive. Good thing because I don’t have one. Well, today I took off again at day break to see if I could catch the sun shinning of the east slopes of the Sierra’s. Another fresh snow left the area south of Genoa and down Rt. 88 from Minden just glowing in the morning sun. I’m very happy the “Cabin Fever” is settling down.Brine ice sparkles on the branches of a tree on Route 88 in MindenI made it to the California line and could clearly see the storm moving in.You can see the clouds on the summits here. It moved in fast. The Highway was posted with chain restrictions so I decided to head back to the blue skies of Carson City.I welcomed the new snow from my rear view mirror. Happy and content on breaking the “Cabin Fever” once again. What a beautiful place we live in! Yes?