We're Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Golfgar4 · Feb 3, 2004

We\'re Going to Fallon, Nevada!?

Sometime late this month, the wife and I will be accompanying our son, daughter-in-law and our new grandaughter (still waiting for her to join us! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) out to Fallon, Nevada. My son is in the Navy, and he's being stationed there at the Naval Air Station. We're going along to help them get set up in their first home.

The ONLY thing I know about the area is that the station is the home of the REAL Top Gun school, it has a naval construction battalion and a tactical fighter squadron also based there. I believe the town of Fallon is about 6,500 in population and it is + - 60 miles from Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe.

I'm guessing that I probably won't get to play much golf because of the weather. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif It's kind of cold out there now.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about the area or has any suggestions for things to see and do while we're there. I imagine that we might try to get to Reno or Lake Tahoe for a day, but we are there to help get the kids situated, so I don't even know how much free time we'll have.

Any chance for setting up a TBN meeting with any members that live in the area?

Any information would be appreciated! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Mrwurm · Feb 3, 2004

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

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Vegas /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Ok, a big hop /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

RobertN · Feb 3, 2004

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

If you have to choose between Reno and Tahoe, go to Tahoe. Much prettier. Have dinner at the seafood buffet at Harvey's, ride the Tahoe Queen, or drive around the lake(very beautiful)! Carson City is interesting to check out. Virginia City is a cool town to go to. There is golfing on the East side of the Sierra's, around Minden, Gardnerville, Carson City. They should be below the snow. There are also some parks on Highway-50 in Nevada, but I do not know how they would be in the winter.

The TBN'ers that I know of nearby are myself and _RAT_. Harv is in the Bay area, with property just south of me(_RAT_ is about 45 minutes north of me, Harv's property about an hour south). There may be some others I'm not familiar with too...

Mapquest indicates about 90 miles, 2 hours, from South Lake Tahoe to Fallon. I'm a little over an hour west of Tahoe on H-50, just to give you relative ideas.

mwechtal · Feb 3, 2004

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

Uh you're from Wisconsin and 30 degrees is too cold for golf??? I'm just in New York (Way up state from the Big Apple) and 30 degrees is shirt sleeve weather here. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Mike

cowboydoc · Feb 3, 2004

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

Ditto what Robert said. Been down that way alot and not much around Fallon but the base. You can go to pyramid lake if you like trout fishing. There's some great fishing there. Reno is nice but not alot besides the casinos. The drive around the lake is fantastic. Nothing like it out here. If you like skiing the skiing is superb right now in Tahoe. If nothing else go up to the lodge for lunch or dinner just to see the mountains.

RobertN · Feb 3, 2004

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

Heavenly and Squaw have trams you can ride to near the top. The view from either is spectacular! Heavenly's tram from Statline is $20.

We're getting over 2' of snow from thsi current storm. Great skiing!

Ya, unless you're a real desert hound, there is not so much right around Fallon. The run across H-50 is really cool if driving there. Ely has some cool stuff, like a train excursion where you learn to drive a deisel electric and get to take it for a spin! It's a ways from Fallon though.

Golfgar4 · Feb 3, 2004

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

Robert,

Thanks for the information. As I mentioned, I'm not sure how much free time we'll have since we're going out to help the kids get settled. But it'd be nice to have some idea of what we might want to do when we do have some free time.

What should we expect for daytime temperatures?

( Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Vegas )

Jerry - Your idea of a hop, skip OR a jump must be a whole lot different than mine!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

( Uh you're from Wisconsin and 30 degrees is too cold for golf??? )

Mike - I didn't necessarily say that. It's fine - if it's a dry cold! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Actually, I generally use 40 degrees as the cut off point, but I've been known to get out there when it's a bit colder if the sun is out and there is absolutely no wind. I can tell you that you sure do get a lot of roll out of your ball when it's like that! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

( The drive around the lake is fantastic. Nothing like it out here. If you like skiing the skiing is superb right now in Tahoe. )

Richard - You're talking about the drive around the lake being Lake Tahoe, right? We were out there when I was a kid, probably around '62 or so. We did go skiing then (Heavenly Valley) and I got my eyes sunburned because I didn't wear any sunglasses or goggles. OUCH! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I do remember how beautiful it was. Unfortunately, I don't ski anymore. But I'd love being able to drive over there so the wife could see it. They have a lot of shows there too, don't they? Like in Vegas?

Thanks for the information guys! It all helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

cowboydoc · Feb 3, 2004

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

Yes the drive around the lake is just great. The temp. in Reno is usually in the 40's and 50's this time of year. It does drop 20 plus degrees at night so beware of that. You can probably get in a round or two of golf. The courses won't be in much shape but it's something to do if you don't ski. Both Reno and Lake Tahoe will have some very good shows to go to.

_RaT_ · Feb 3, 2004

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

If you like history, check out Viriginia City. Depending on weather, there is golfing and some good places in the Reno/Sparks area. If you ski, Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are about 40 minutes from Reno. Those are my two favorites in that order. Squaw is an interesting place just to go even if you do not ski as it has some spectacular views if you take the tram up to the top. Heavenly Valley ski resort has the best views of Lake Tahoe. Attached is a shot of myself up there one cold day years ago. The mountains of Nevada are great and the desert offers some spectacular pictures. I have several family members living just south of Carson City in Gardnerville/Minden. Our family has a cabin near the Lake. RobertN lives on the Highway 50 side of things and I am on the I-80 side of things. Robert has quick access to South Lake Tahoe which is pretty fun to check out besides Heavenly. The drive up the Spooner Summit grade will in itself offer you a glimpse of the massive and pretty Carson valley. At any rate, you should have a great time. I live about 51 miles as the crow flies from Lake Tahoe /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Rat...

_RaT_ · Feb 3, 2004

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

Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't drive around the Lake. After a storm, the drive around Emerald Bay closes at Meeks Bay on the North and South Lake on the South. That is one of the most interesting drives on the Lake. I suspect that as of today, Highway 89 is closed around the Lake at those spots. It is not unusual to get 2 to 3 feet of snow from a storm. Our cabin sits in the snow belt. It is a phenomnom (sp) they believe is directly related to the Pacific Ocean and the air currents that flow through the Delta. As a result, we get incredible amount s of snow there and conversely, the most amount of damage to cabins as I can attest too. Attached is a picture of one side of our place. The next day the chimney fell off. The top of the chimney is about 27 feet above the ground. The sides of the cabin has windows but those are obviously hidden in snow. Snow removal equipment is interesting to watch. Rat...

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!

( 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! )

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