Wandering – Halted!

We attempted to take our first trip out of the camping season this weekend.  John Boy was able to come with us and we were all packed and ready to go! Then SNOW happened.  We tried to get over I80 and were turned around just past Truckee, CA.  Even if we had chains and the proper equipment, the weather was rainy and thundering at the Lake of the Springs Campground we were headed too.  We turned around and decided to stay a little closer to home to go fishing. We headed down to Davis Creek and spent the better part of the day Hiking and Fishing.  It turned out to be a great day!

Here’s how the events played out, as we were posting them to Facebook.

Enjoy the journey and check out Davis Creek if you get a chance! Great hikes and a beautiful area!

The Walsh's are OFF!! 

First camping trip of the season and of course we must go over I80 in sketchy weather! 

Once we get over the hill we'll be ok though.

FOILED by Mother Nature! We weren't able to get over the top due to snow. Not worth the risk. Maybe next time!

Due to the weather over Interstate 80, the Walsh's were forced to wander closer to home today. We took a fun half-day trip down to Davis Creek Regional Park for some fishing and hiking and a picnic lunch. Despite having a chilly wind blowing and the fish weren't biting it was a fun day! The pond was cute and there were tons of birds and geese to keep us company. After lunch, we went for a nice hike on the Nature and Discovery trails. The hiking trails were well marked and easy to follow, but would have even been better had we had the guide. There is so much to do at this park, it would take a whole week to see it all! 
We may have to suck it up and come down here for some dry camping so we can do more. We were glad to be able to use plan B and get out and enjoy nature despite last night’s snow storm.

Turned out to be a great day-trip!

Check out this link for more information on the Davis Creek Regional Park:

Davis Creek Regional Park

Also, check out the Hiking / Walking map for the trails at Davis Creek!

Davis Creek Regional Park Trails Map

Beautiful Sunset at Home

Sometimes we spend so much time searching for beauty we forget to look right out our front door.

Stop. Look. Enjoy. 

Small Town, USA

In a few short weeks The Walsh’s will be heading out to celebrate “Jim Butler Days” in Tonopah, Nevada. 

We are making the journey to celebrate the crowning of the new King and Queen, John and Susan (Doug’s Parents). Growing up in small towns, we were both blessed with the fun and excitement that only small-town festivals can bring.  The excitement of something to look forward to and an excuse to do dumb things with your friends.

Doug and I have been living in the city for quite some time now.  I won’t call it a big city, but for us its huge compared to where we both grew up.  Living in the city has its conveniences and advantages, but it does make you forget some of the amazing experiences we had.  The carefree childhoods and everyone knowing everyone.  It truly does take a village!

A few years ago we made the Memorial day trip to celebrate Doug’s class reunion… We won’t talk about which one, but let’s just say is was a while back!  While we were there, I was reminded of being a child and going to parades to collect candy… I had forgotten this until we were standing street-side waiting for the parade floats to begin and all the little kids around us started pulling out plastic bags to carry their treasures.  I felt so bad that little Jillian didn’t have one! How could I have forgotten such an important part of being a kid? We did manage to fill our pockets to the brim with candies of all kinds to take home however. 

Another piece that took me back was the parade started with the national anthem and was filled with so many patriotic songs.  As I stood on main street and watched the floats of farmers displaying animals, cub scouts and daisy’s marching with their troops, local politicians handing out buttons and the class float filled with the many proud graduates I was brought to tears.  I missed home.  I missed the traditions and fellowship that only small town festivals can garner.

The weekend this year is no different.  It is filled with all the fun and excitement you would expect in a small country town.  This year’s festivities include: a talent show, scavenger hunt, princess and queen pageant, coronation of the King and Queen, high school graduation, carnival, parade, street dance, arm wrestling competition, dwarf car races, fun run, Boy Scout pancake breakfast, craft bazaar, Nevada State Mining Championships and of course lots of live music!

Whew! It’s going to be a busy weekend that’s for sure!

If you have the opportunity to visit a small town and experience this, I urge you to do so.  Take a moment, look around, take it all in.  There is something very comforting about it all. Small Town, USA.  Good people, great communities and memories for a lifetime!

For more information and history about Jim Butler Days please check out www.tonopahnevada.com