Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 - Little Washoe Lake Paint-Out

Monday, October 30, 2017 - Little Washoe Lake Paint-Out

Date:  Monday, October 30, 2017
Time:  10:00 am
Place:  Little Washoe Lake State Park
Directions from Reno:  Take old 395 (Virginia Street) through Pleasant Valley.  When you get to the top of Washoe Hill, get in left turning lane and turn left onto East Lake Boulevard.  After crossing cattle guard, make your first right into park.  There is a booth and a self-pay thing, then make your first right on an old paved road that is rough.  This old road will take you to the north side of Little Washoe Lake where all these photos were taken.

Amenities:  Bathroom (I don't know if it is open in off-season) at the beach parking if you were to go straight ahead.

If you choose to turn right on the old road, go to the end and then turn left.  Turn around at the end and park along the edge.  There are two areas where there are steps down to the beach and a couple of picnic tables.  These might be used by people with dogs fetching in the water - a popular place for locals, and I noticed they did not pay the entry fee of $5.00. 

If you choose to park in the parking lot at the beach where the bathroom is - it might be a good idea to pay the fee. 

Another option is to continue past the beach parking on the dirt road that loops around the lake and deadends in a parking lot.  There is a pit toilet there and the views are mostly willows and wetlands if you like that sort of subject.

Monday, October 23, 2017 Paint-Out at local aspens

Monday, October 23, 2017 Paint-Out

Date:     Monday, October 23, 2017
Time:    10:00 am
Place:     Galena Creek Trailhead - off of Callahan Road
To get there:  Take Mt. Rose Highway, pass Thomas Creek light signal by about a mile and a half.  Turn left on Callahan Road.  Go about a mile and a half, parking and trailhead on right.
Amenities:  big parking area, portapottie, nice trail.  Trail used by dog walkers.  Lots of area to set up off of trail.  Another trail is on the other side of the creek.  I didn't see as many aspens in the beginning part of the trail, but it is in full-sun.

First off - I'm sorry there were no paint-outs in September.  I have been going to physical therapy and too sore to do much of anything.

Today (October 19) I took a brief look-about at this location because I heard it was in peak color.  Hopefully, by Monday, the leaves will not have blown all away.....

This location has a big parking area:

These pictures were taken at 11am.  The best trail is on the shady side, so I chose a later meeting time.  Please be aware that this time a year the light changes through the trees REALLY fast!  Try not to chase the light!  Take pictures before you start and as the light changes on your subject, stick to what your camera has in memory and stick to the light/shadow patterns you started with.

Big pines silhouetted by yellow aspen

this is across the street and the trees are turning orange