It’s not often I can say I had a fantastic week; it will be hard to top this weekend.
Wednesday
I met my friend Dwayne of Dwayne’s World at South Lake Tahoe to go out photographing. I suggested Tallac Historical Estates, which is spectacular in the fall. Tahoe has been a retreat for the rich and famous for close to one hundred fifty years. Tallac Resort became popular, and families built grand summer estates in the late 1880s. Three properties were saved and restored: the Baldwin Estate, the Pope Estate, and the Valhalla Estate. Unfortunately, the buildings are closed for the season, but the grounds are open to explore.
Tallac Historical Estates
It is amazing how the weather in the Sierras can change overnight. Last week I was wearing tank tops and flip flops. This week I was wearing lined pants, several shirts, a down vest, and a warm hat. I was ready for cooler weather, but dang, I’m cold.
The boathouse and rails to the lake are my favorite feature at Tallac
Fallen Leaf Lake Area
Fall colors have been hit and miss around Lake Tahoe, but Dwayne knew of some good spots close to Fallen Leaf Lake.
Thursday
Ghost Hunting
Hubby and I celebrated the anniversary of our first date with an evening in Nevada’s oldest hotel. We attended the Gold Hill Hotel Haunted Ghost Tour and dinner. Benefits support the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture. This fantastic group has restored and preserved many structures around Virginia City, including Donovan Mill. I’m pretty sure twenty-three years ago, Hubby would have never thought I’d be dragging him on a ghost hunt.
Crowne Point Restaurant at the hotel is fabulous. I would be hard-pressed to decide if dinner or Sunday brunch was my favorite. We have stayed in the hotel and historic home across the street and need to stay the night again. I had the Miner’s Tri-Tip; I’m pretty confident miners did not eat the same quality of food. Hubby had Crown Point Chicken which was pretty yummy; that says a lot since I’m not a chicken fan.
Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters lead our post-dining ghost hunt. We visited several of the rooms and the headframe of the Yellow Jacket Mine, infamous for being the worst mining disaster in Nevada. On April 7, 1869, fire overtook the mine, along with two neighboring mines. Over thirty-five people died, many of the bodies remain in the tunnels.
Our experienced guides instructed us in the use of various ghost hunting tools, including EMF meter, REM Pod, dowsing rods, and reading energy. Our efforts were unsuccessful, the guide believed due to the presence of the cat or three large grounded men, including Hubby, keeping the spirits at bay that night. Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters have tours at other locations, so I might try again.
Friday
I will be meeting friends in Genoa at The Pink House for a birthday celebration. Maybe my ghost hunting skills will improve, and we will see the housekeeper’s ghost. I can’t wait to see what delicious treats they surprise me with on their famous charcuterie plate.
This weekend
Saturday I’m exploring lesser-known sites around Virginia City. I have an overnight trip next week and will spend Sunday getting ready to head out.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weekend!
10-15-2021
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Denice Forcier says
Loved following you on your journey of Virginia City and old Goast towns. The Pink House in Geona was one of my favorite places to eat years ago. Must try again some time soon!
Tami says
Thank you, I plan on spending more time around Virginia during the tourist off-season. The Pink House is a must, it’s our favorite Sunday treat.
terry says
curious why the pink house is closing. it says go to our face book but it is closed. you’re doing a good job of photographing the fall. for two months i’ve seen a blond in a tank top, now i see a winter coat from the chin down and a stocking cap from the eyebrows up, new look for a new season.
Tami says
I just saw Pink House is reopening on Nevada day. Sounds like it will be the same. It was on a Facebook post, maybe on the local page? I asked them if they had the same website so I could update my articles. I’ll try and check it out in a few weeks, I was at Pink House a few days before they closed.
I have yet to wear a stocking hat and jacket, but it will be coming. I have worn a vest once this year at Tahoe. Never fear; I will probably be in a tank top under all the layers! With broad shoulders, most shirts with sleeves don’t fit. That is also why I like vests over jackets.