Minden, NV September 8- October 10

We're off to our next stop in Minden, Nevada near Reno.  We never know what we are going to find on the road.  We saw this stone construction fenced off.   To our surprise it was a Stage Coach Station where they stopped for water.  Oh the things we find on our travels!

We found a fun golf course in Minden, called Carson Valley.  How often do you golf right next to Cattle on the range??   We got to play in a couples tournament at this course called "Horse Race."  Mark hit the drive out of bounds in an alternate shot playoff.   But, we were thrilled to come in second place!!  We had a great dinner with the players and met some wonderful people.

After another round of golf at Carson Valley we celebrated with dinner at the local Minden restaurant called  Saletti's.  Yes, I took a photo of dessert as we just had to order Mark's favorite.  He loves the famous line in the Godfather movie "leave the gun, take the cannoli" - it was amazing!

 

We had a beautiful day at the Red Hawk Lake Golf Resort in Reno, NV.  We enjoyed a special lunch outside on the covered patio before our fun round of golf!!

 

Of the 280 unique golf courses we have played, this is by far the toughest hole we have ever seen.  It is a par three at Sun Ridge in Carson City, Nevada.   Due to the severe angle of the green they had to grow rough in the middle of the putting surface so the ball doesn't roll down the cliff.  But, I hit a perfect 5 hybrid that landed high and beautifully in the center amongst the rough.  It still rolled off the green and down the cliff.   Mark stood and threw balls onto the green and he could not get one to stick.  This is just crazy!!

 

 

We were so disappointed that there is nothing from the TV show Bonanza in Carson City.  But, we did take the opportunity to hike the Carson Pass Trail which is part of the Pacific Crest Trail.  The photo on the left is from the tree at the summit of the Kit Carson trail where the famous scout carved his name.

 

 

This is a neat photo of the trail with Mark's reflection in the background.

 

 

It was a beautiful hike to one lake with views of Caples Lake from the trail.

 

 

The ever popular "we were there" photo with us in front of Frog Lake.

 

 

If you are looking for a great golfing value, here is one you shouldn't miss!!  We played golf at Dayton Golf Course as it was a beautiful course!  The best part is the incredible value of $10 for 18 holes!!   With that kind of savings we splurged for dinner at J S's Bistro and enjoyed this tiramisu dessert. It tasted even better than it looked!

 

 

 

Have to close with this unique sunset.  I have never seen so much texture in the clouds!

 

 

During our stay in Minden, we made two trips to Tahoe.   But, those will be covered in a blog update by itself!!