John "Snowshoe" Thompson Snowshoe Thompson is known as the "Viking of the Sierras" and the father of skiing in the Sierras. Snowshoe was born in Norway on April 30, 1827, with the name Jon Torsteinsson Rue. He later changed his name to John Albert Thompson. In 1837 when John was ten, his family immigrated to Missouri. In 1851 John drove a herd of dairy cows to California. He settled ... VIEW POST
Recent Ghost Towns & Travel Updates
Winter Sunrise
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Nevada Bighorn Sheep
It took me several attempts visiting Bighorn Sheep with my friend Vic before I found a ram. This beauty was at Walker Lake, outside of Hawthorne. Bighorn Sheep are the state animal of Nevada. A Ram can weigh as much as 220 pounds and live for 8 to 12 years. ... VIEW POST
Butters Mill Six Mile Canyon, Nevada
Six Mile Canyon is the site of some of the first mining efforts and settlements in Northwestern Nevada. It lies 2 miles east from Virginia city. The distinctive rock outcropping above Butters Mill can be seen from Virginia City. Mining began in Six Mile Canyon in 1859. Miner's flocked to the area and soon there were several mills and the town of Mount Pleasant, later renamed Ophir. Those ... VIEW POST
The Power Couple
This is my favorite Bald Eagle couple. My friend and awesome wildlife photographer, Dwayne Hicks, introduced me to this pair of local residents. He refers to them "The Power Couple". I haven't seen them much lately. I think they have been hanging out at their nest with the chicks. ... VIEW POST