I have been visiting Reno since I moved to Sacramento on a very regular basis. For many years, I had a college friend and her family living up there. It was also the closest place to gamble before the casinos opened up in California. Over the years, Reno has experienced several booms and busts, however they are now in a long boom cycle with lots of tourism related to outdoor adventures and new jobs in warehousing and battery manufacturing.
Geiger Point between Reno and Nevada City
Although I am not a big gambler, the Reno casinos often send me cheap rooms. The Peppermill Reno is a personal favorite with big and comfortable suites at cheap prices. Most include a jacuzzi tub with a television which is a great way to watch a Giants game in the summer! Room service and a heated pool make up for the losses at the table. My July trip was supposed to be for the July 4 baseball game between the Reno Aces and Sacramento River Cats, however I failed to purchase my tickets in advance and showed up to a rare sold out game. Fortunately I was able to watch the game from my room, of course in the hot tub!
Summer Gondola Ride at Heavenly Mountain Resort
It is rather easy to travel through Lake Tahoe coming back to Sacramento. The morning was overcast after the wildfire smoke cleared out, but the lake was bright and sunny when I arrived in mid morning. I stopped at Sand Harbor for some pictures, and then headed to the Heavenly Mountain Resort for some fun. In the summer, they open up the gondola to the mountain adventure area with a rock wall, zip lines, rope course, and summer tubing - my favorite. After a few trips down the hill and a precarious chair lift ride to nearly 10,000 ft, the altitude got to me and I had to head back down to the lake.
Historic Gaming Table at Nevada State Museum
There is always a lot to do in the Reno & Lake Tahoe area. I enjoy visiting Virginia City and seeing the museums in the area. The natural wonders of the lake and desert being so close to each other is really spectacular and worth a trip. Unfortunately, I hit another wildfire on the way home and had to skip a dinner with friends on the way home. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
Art Soup at Nevada Art Museum
Historic Gaming Equipment at Nevada State Museum
Reno Exhibit at Nevada State Museum
Me at the Heavenly Observation Platform
View of Nevada from 10,000 ft elevation at Heavenly
Climate change is hitting California hard in 2018 with droughts, floods, fires, and even two freak hail storms in Spring. Being rather unusual to hit downtown Sacramento with a large amount of hail that accumulated and looked like an actual snowfall. Both events reminded me of actual snow from Flagstaff during college and gave me an opportunity to capture this rare event. It was very fun to see my town with a nice white dusting. Please enjoy the photos below.
It has been a long time since I updated my travel blog. I have been traveling, but between a stressful year at work and saving for a new house, my trips have been rather mild. Nevertheless, I am working to update my blog with a few gems from the past year. Chicago was a destination twice this year. The first trip was in July for my friend's surprise 40th birthday party; the second was a last minute escape from the horrendous wildfire in Northern California. Both were very different, but still an interesting journey.
Chicago River at Sunset
July is a rather tough time to visit Chicago. The weather is often hot and humid with lots of unpredictable thunderstorms and the occasional gorgeous day. My trip included all of the above. My flight was delayed leaving Sacramento which meant I was unable to arrive at the restaurant in which my friend was being surprised for his birthday. I was in constant communication with his girlfriend with competing Lyft rides attempting to arrive early. He was very shocked to see the party and even more shocked to see me sneak up behind him after missing the big reveal. My bags were still in the corner since I didn't even have time to hit the hotel. I even had to change in the airport bathroom!
Downtown Chicago and Elevated Train
Most of the weekend was spent with my friend and his family enjoying the time and World Cup action. On my final day, I was able to sneak him away for a nice time in downtown Chicago eating Italian Beef sandwiches and riding in his boat down the Chicago river. I also managed to get in some museum time and a little alone time at my hotel.
My second visit to Chicago in 2018 was a bit different. The terrible Camp Fire created a smoke plume that choked the entire Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area for 12 days with unhealthy and hazardous air causing many health problems and closing work and schools across Northern California. After our work closed, I hopped on a plane to escape the smoke to again visit my friend in a much colder and snowier climate. I was able to breathe again and slowly recover while watching the snow fall and teleworking.
Wrigley Field with Snow
I was able to finally pull myself out of the apartment and do a little sightseeing while in Chicago. The freezing temperatures and snow were a challenge, but after being on house arrest with the smoke, a little frozen water could not stop me. Chicago in the winter is as brutal as their summers with wind and snow making everything difficult. Fortunately with no plans and lots of time, I was able to take it easy and do some exploring.
Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza
Of course I had to eat while in town. Having access to a refrigerator allows the consumption of fresh deep dish pizza for dinner and breakfast! Delivery is a great option when it is cold outside too. I had my usual Italian Beef and even was able to go out to a swank and hip restaurant with a couple I met at the birthday party earlier in the year! It was very difficult to enjoy this trip after seeing the horror of the Camp Fire and knowing the miserable conditions back home, but I attempted trips to the Art Institute, Macy's Flagship Store, and Wrigley Field to remember what normal looks like.
Frozen Pumpkins and Snow
I am lucky to have a friend in Chicago which allows me to explore America's Second City. Unfortunately, I chose two of the worst times to visit the city even though the reasons were good. The rain has moved into Sacramento and the smoke and fire are gone for now, but the region has changed and still needs help. Please donate if possible to the recovery efforts and enjoy the rest of my Chicago photos below.
Downtown Chicago from Southwest Plane
Birthday Party with Classic Backdrop
Elevated Train Entrance
Money Museum
Where Money Comes From
Self Explanatory
Italian Beef Sandwich with Sausage
John Hancock Tower
Downtown Chicago
Deep Dish Pizza from Gino's East
American Gothic
That Dot Painting from Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Alley in Downtown Chicago
Designated Performance Area in Subway
Old Marshall Field's Flagship Store (Macy's)
Wrigley Field Under Construction
Chicago Fire House across from Wrigley Field
Bleacher Entrance to Wrigley Field
Author in front of "Molly's" from Chicago Fire TV Show
