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By: Al Abrahamson
The 2007 Silver State Tour chaired by Clyde and
Sandy Jurey again was a gathering of old friends, good food and great roads for
driving our Horseless Carriages. Clyde and Sandy again found many scenic,
lightly traveled roads which we so enjoy driving our Horseless Carriages on.
Monday was a short shakedown tour north of
Minden to Bill and Dorine Ramsden's Tractor Farm. The farm was once known for
it's ever growing Tractor Crop, but in recent times it has been growing Packard
Automobiles. Some Fords and a Pierce Arrow have also popped up. Monday evening
the camaraderie abounded and the Buffet Dinner filled our hungry souls.
Tuesday we toured to Virginia City. On the
way a Continental Breakfast was served at Mike and Sharon Silvera's new Museum.
Mike and Sharon have acquired a great deal of old iron and other treasures from
the now closed Ponderosa Ranch. Virginia City is one of the oldest Cities in
Nevada and one of the few whose picturesque main street has not changed in almost 150
years. Most of the sidewalk is that age and a person best watch his step while
walking it. Lunch was served in the old Fourth Ward Schoolhouse, now a museum,
which also dates back to the 19th century. For some reason the Midnight Ranch and
Bunny Ranch, both Cat House's along our route, were pointed out in our tour
book. Dinner Tuesday evening was at the Carson Valley Country Club, a Basque
restaurant. As you can imagine no one left hungry.
Wednesday was the day at the Lake, Lake
Tahoe that is. We toured a beautiful route via highway 88 and 89, Luther Pass,
to the Lake, not a route usually used. It was a real treat. We parked in the
Heavenly Valley Ski Area parking lot and were bused to the new Heavenly Valley
Gondola and rode it to the top where a wonderful lunch was served. The return
trip was via the Kingsbury Grade where the views of the Carson Valley are
spectacular. Wednesday night dinner was on our own, that is if we needed
anymore food.
Thursday We toured to historic Markleeville,
an almost forgotten California Town on the east side of the Sierra. Upon
arriving it seemed the first order of business was to visit the Cutthroat
Saloon for a Bloodymary. Humm, what did everybody do Wednesday night? Some
visited the Museum just up the street from the Cutthroat Saloon and most folks
toured up the East Fork of the Carson River before proceeding to Turtle Rock
Park for lunch served by Walker Bar-B-Que. Some Returned via Monitor Pass, a
beautiful drive for the hardy. Those wanting to get a head start on Happy Hour
returned via a less taxing route, Diamond Valley Road, though Fredricksburg and
Foothill Road. Thursday evening was the Banquet in the Shannon Ballroom of the
Carson Valley Inn. Again the camaraderie abounded, the food was good, the
prizes enjoyed and a bit of roasting prevailed.
Until Next Time, Al Abrahamson.
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