The Truckee River is what first drew people to this area and modern-day Reno is trying hard to continue to capitalize on its appeal.  The River walk is a combination of city sidewalk and winding bike path that follows the river bank.  We stroll about 1 ½ miles through neighborhoods dotted with small green spaces then a stretch lined with restaurants and larger city parks.  Public art is scattered throughout.  Rhino Man, an enormous abstract flower arrangement, and a whale (it lights up at night).  They have created a short whitewater section for kayakers to play where the river splits around an island park.  There are trout in the river, or so they say.  Several fishermen are waist deep is the snow melt swollen river trying to bring one in. 

We grab lunch at Smee’s along the river.  Their specialty is Alaskan Cod.  Both the fish and chips and clam chowder are a hit.     

Reno lays claim to Burning Man, the mega gathering that happens every August out in the Black Rock Desert some 100 miles from here.  Art Parks scattered around town contain a number of the works first created out there.  We have to visit a few.

I spy a coffee shop as we stroll back toward the car and decide to check it out.  There is more, a gourmet chocolate shop and an ice cream parlor called Rolled Mountain Creamery.  Intriguing. I couldn’t resist.  I choose lemon raspberry and the show begins.  Milk/cream is measured into about a cup jar and natural lemon extract added, shake.  A scoop of berries goes onto a 24” diameter freezing tray-thingy.  Out come two wide scrappers artistically wielded to move the quickly freezing treat into creamy goodness.  More fruit is added, it is all smoothed into a thin layer then the final step, it is rolled into four tight little rolls which are stood in the serving bowl.  It does not look at all like ice cream…ok by me, it tastes delicious.  Tart lemon and bright raspberry flavor with a smooth yet icy texture.  Go there if you get the chance.       

The forecast rain is holding off and part of the plan all day has been to check out the Food Truck Friday at Idlewild Park.  It is a weekly summer gathering of some 35 trucks with a huge range of fare including beer and wine and the bright green Mr. Margarita truck.  The most fun food truck name, Codfather, serving many things from the ocean.  Lots of BBQ, tacos, dogs and burgers, Thai, Indian, Italian…just about anything you can think of. 

We have a hard time deciding but settle on a Thai spicy rice bowl and lamb gyro plus dessert from Still Rolling…a twist on the eggroll, they say.  I wouldn’t really call it an eggroll but the deep fried tiramisu with ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate covered coffee beans is fantastic.

Weather is closing in and we head on home as the entertainment is just starting and the crowd is still flooding in.  It looks like it is a pretty popular Friday evening event. 

First, a quick stop in Fallon for a cup of coffee and a couple fantastic cinnamon rolls, one plain iced the other orange cranberry.  We munch on them as we gaze across the first pools in the refuge.  What is not to like about that? 

Stillwater NWR is a collection of marsh lands and seasonal pools that are a migratory bird oasis in the high desert.  It is not peak season now for birding but we see enough to be interesting.  The graceful: black necked stilts, avocets, western grebes, a swan.   The amorous but clown-like ruddy ducks.  Richly colored cinnamon teal.  Bright, cheerful sounding meadowlarks.  A cautious and watchful coyote. 

Desert Rose is a nice little RV park along US-50 but Fernley is a pretty quiet little town.  Their wildlife management area is mostly a giant mudflat this time of year so birding is not so great.  The only near excitement was that Betsy (you know, our garmin) tried to send us cross country into the management area.  No way, you would be surprised how slimy desert soil can get when it is periodically flooded.  Ick.  We chose another route that involved at least graded gravel road. 

A lot of sculptures must come out of Burning Man.  Fernley has a couple in their Main Street Art Park.  I like the turtle best but the bottle cap flower/tower is pretty cool too.

Weather is still unsettled in this part of the country so we are treated to dramatic looking skies for much of the trip.  Across the valley and along mountain ridges to either side bright billowing pillow-like clouds erupt above dark menacing storm fronts where rain streaks toward the ground.  It mists then pours then clears.  There is a burst of brilliant sunlight then it all closes in again.  Wind buffets the motorhome particularly fierce as we cross passes or the widest open spaces.  It is a bit hard on the driver but pretty spectacular for me.     

Wild burros are along this stretch of US-95 too.  We come to Hawthorne NV home of the largest arms depot in the world.  Row after row of earthen bunkers march across the scrub brush desert.  Impressive…a bit frightening to imagine a time when one might “need” all this fire power.  The road takes a very unexpected turn as we climb cliff-side along Walter Lake.  A very curling section of 95 is carved into the jagged bare rock face along the west shore.  They warn of big horn sheep crossing.  I keep out a sharp eye but see none.  It is all beautiful in its own desert kind

Tonopah Historic Mining Park encompasses a number of the early mines that were responsible for the boom of Tonopah.  We check out the museum and the History of Tonopah film…we will have to do the site walkthrough another time.  It is 45F and the wind is howling.

Did you know… US95 Reno to Vegas is home of Phase I of the Nevada Electric Highway Initiative?   We noticed many Tesla charging stations as we drove this way.  The docent at the historical park filled us in: it is the result of that initiative.  Tesla funded them all along US95.

Related did you know…the only lithium “mine” in the US is here in this valley.  It is actually “mined” by evaporating naturally occurring lithium laden brine that is found under these ancient sea beds.  Who knew?