We're Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

frank_f15 · Feb 3, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

my son lives in las vegas, next time i talk to him will try and get info for u. really tho if u have the time try and get to vegas, even if u don't like to gamble, it is something to see! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif and don't worry if it seems cold there now, take my word for it it warms up fast, take your clubs, not sure about that area tho. might be a little cooler than vegas. going out there myself but not till 1st week of may. don't like going that, late as it gets too warm for me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sassafraspete · Feb 3, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Golfgar4, I stayed over night there in May of 2001 while driving my daughter to Lake Tahoe. Traveled on the "loneliest highway in America" US 50 across Nevada. Was a super sumertime drive...but not winter...as several small 6-7000 ft mt ranges to go over on a 2 lane road. Interstate 80 only choice in winter I believe . I remember seeing a huge sand dune outside Fallon. Talked to several Californians that came there just to ride sand rails, atvs on the dunes.

Well, a year ago on New Years day, I piled into my daughter's pickup truck and rode with her 3 + days to move her to Tahoe. Watch the speed traps in Nevada. Wide open spaces increase the urge to speed. Anyway, they had gotten about 13 ft of snow in the mts there before xmas. Now this is something I remember....in the town of South Lake Tahoe, they had a lot of snow piled up. In the back streets it felt like you were driving down tunnels. I swear at night, they would come out and shave the sides of the roads (snow....vertically). But with the dry air, lots of sunshine, most winter days are in upper 30s, even 40s...dipping below freezing at night. Very comfortable....if you are not in a snow dump. (remember the Donner Party? ) Take your sunglasses.

Take a drive on highway 50 from Fallon to Carson city, then over the pass to the lake. Drive around the lake... Emerald Bay is spectacular... if road is open. If you want the Casino atmosphere...go to Stateline (Nevada side of South lake tahoe). Try the "Lone Eagle Grill" at the Hyatt in Incline Village (north east side of lake)...reminds you of a national park lodge ....logs with great view of the lake and massive fireplace. You might try taking the gondola from the Marriot in South Lake Tahoe up to the observation platforms on Heavenly.

That would be my thoughts on it. If you get a chance, stick your nose into the bark of a Jeffery Pine. Now as far as golf goes......don't think this is the right time of year...unless you use an orange ball with a homing device.

sassafras

_RaT_ · Feb 3, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Garry, forgot to add, congratulations to your son! Regardless of his duties, I thank any member or the forces. Rat.

California · Feb 3, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Garry,

It shouldn't seem cold relative to Wisconsin. There is an extreme climate change at the crest of the Sierras, with heavy snowfall on the Pacific side and dry desert on the Nevada side. This time of year a storm might bring an inch or less of snow to Fallon when the Sierra ski resorts get several feet.

My attached photo shows an Easter-week storm at Bishop 100 miles south. It shows occasional raindrops in the desert while the Sierras get pounded. Weather.com shows average precipation this date as *none*.
http://www.weather.com/weather/pastweather/USNV0028

There is not much to see in the immediate vicinity of Fallon, just open dry sagebrush and tumbleweed for many miles. (Refer to the attached photo again!) . That is the reason for everyone's advice to drive over the crest of the Sierras to Lake Tahoe and its ski resorts, or visit Reno or Las Vegas to sample casino life.

The nearest attraction is Virginia City. It is unique - a tremendous mining boom about 1870 ?? made an instant mid-size city with an opera house and other major improvements. Much of the improvements remain, and Main Street (whatever its called) is still lined with active busy saloons. Be sure to see the model showing how extensive the mineshaft system was. I think the first Hearst (publishing family) made his fortune here as a large scale labor contractor.

Others have described the spectacular views from the ski resort summits, and I agree that is not to be missed. For myself I like to come over from the California side to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the desert, but well after winter has turned to spring.

Like anywhere what will make your son and family feel at home will be good neighbors. Since nearly everyone is stationed there for a limited time it should be easy to meet other newcomers and join community life.

Golfgar4 · Feb 4, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Thanks Mark. We're real proud of him. I mentioned in an earlier thread that I posted just after he finished boot camp how nice it is to see how people are now reacting differently to service people from when I was in the Navy. It's great to see all the support they all get. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

California -

Thanks for the tips. You're correct about good neighbors. There are two other fellows from my son's class that are being sent to Fallon also, so he'll have a couple of buddies right off the bat. Of course, he may not have a lot of free time, what with a new baby and all!

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( my son lives in las vegas, next time i talk to him will try and get info for u. really tho if u have the time try and get to vegas, even if u don't like to gamble, it is something to see! )</font>

Frank,

We've been to Vegas before, but admitedly it was a few years ago. The Mirage was the newest hotel/casino at that time. I've heard it's changed even more since then. I think getting down there might be a stretch, unless the wife decides she's willing to leave a day early to come back. I'm betting that with the new grandaughter being there, that won't happen! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Can't say I'd be anxious to leave either. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks.

California · Feb 4, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Garry,

Attachment: Another picture of an Easter week blizzard near Fallon. I took this photo at Fort Churchill (ruins) 40 miles west of Fallon in 1999 when we went over the summit into Nevada to find some clear skies for a change.

It snowed overnight at this empty campground then was clear and beautiful by 7 am when I took the photo. The snow melted by mid morning. You could have played golf there that afternoon with warm clothing.

Golfgar4 · Feb 4, 2004

Re: We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

I was checking out the Naval Air Stations web site a little while ago. It listed some community activities and had a picture of a guy hitting a golf ball. But nowhere could I find any reference to any golf courses! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif And my son isn't going to be too happy either. He's as avid a golfer as I am. Actualy probably more so. He's coming from a base that had three 18 hole courses on it to a base that only has a dinky little driving range! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Well, I'm sure we'll figure out something. Thanks to the info from you guys, I think I will take along the clubs just on the off chance! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif