Virginia City, NV and Dianne September 8, 2014

After our early start on Sunday, we were in no hurry to get going today.  Bonnie and I stayed in the rigs and did chores and computer work while Larry and Steve went to check out the Cabelas nearby.  On the way out, they spotted our resident bear running from the campground!   They said it was a very speedy bear.

After lunch, we set out to see "The way it was" in the old west in Virginia City, about 30 miles away. The ride to get there was spectacular.  The curvy road up the mountain offered awesome views of Reno and Sparks in the valley below, and we were fortunate to see wild horses several times.

View of Reno and Sparks on the way to Virginia City. 

The town of Virginia City is pretty much a tourist trap with lots of souvenir shops, old west photos, cowboy clothes, etc.  but we found two things we really enjoyed:  lots of saloons with 2 for 1 drinks and slot machines, and a great little tour on a tram pulled by a tractor with a local "character" as a tour guide. Many of the buildings are original and interesting relics from the era when the Comstock Lode was discovered here in the 1800's, and the views are spectacular.

Main drag in Virginia City. 

"The Way it Was"  Museum

Patriotic street signs in Virginia City.  

Local tour driver.  

Some folks lost so much money here that they committed suicide.

We enjoyed our day of being the tourists that we really are in Virginia City even though we missed the camel and ostrich races that were held the day before we got there, and will miss the outhouse races in October. 

Tourists.

Tourists.

After our tour of Virginia City, we had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Reno with a former drama student of mine, Dianne Hale, who now lives in Carson City.  It is such a privilege to still be in contact with this amazing young lady whom I directed in plays at Orange Park High School in the 1980's.   She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher now.  She is also very active in theater, having recently played Dolly in HELLO DOLLY and Mde. Thenardier in LES MIZ.  I am so proud  of her and so happy to have been able to see her here.   Break a leg, Di Di.  Love you.

Mama Drama and Di Di.