Last week was challenging with a family emergency. After five days in crisis, I was in much need of a break. What is better when you need therapy than history, friends, and the desert?
Thunderbird at Tahoe
My friend Byron loves history and is a guide at Thunderbird at Tahoe. He arranged a friends and family tour. The usual tour is 25 people, parking at the visitor center, taking a shuttle to Thunderbird and having an hour-and-a-half tour.
For our special tour, we met at Thunderbird. Byran and his wife Carol led us on an amazing, information-packed, multi-hour tour. We visited places and heard stories not included on the general tour. These are the cell phone pictures; I have a million pictures on my camera.
There are so many stories to tell about Thunderbird and George Whittell. Here are a few teasers.
Following the house and grounds tour, we enjoyed a picnic in the gazebo. Byron and Carol brought wine. We relaxed, looking over Lake Tahoe, enjoying a lovely glass of vino… waiving as the boats drifted past.
Desert Therapy
Ludwig
The family insisted I needed desert therapy and to be with good friends. Rumor had it Ludwig was no longer gated or marked as no trespassing. We are probably the only people who can say this, but Ludwig is halfway between Nevada Expeditions and me. I will be updating my article on Ludwig with new pictures.
Hudson
After exploring Ludwig, we followed the Nevada Copper Belt Railway route, looking for Delphi. We didn’t have a plan for the day, but we thought we would try Hudson. The ghost town is on the private property for the Walker River Resort. Austin called and they were very sweet in letting us document Hudson.
We finished our mini trip at the Walker River Resorts Mercantile. I have driven past for years and never realized this cute store was just off the highway. They had a nice selection of drinks, snacks, alcohol and souvenirs. I will be stopping on future visits to Smith Valley.
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