With the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holidays it was so nice to have good weather over this past weekend to escape for lunch. We filled up with fuel and headed out on the motorcycle to Bridgeport via Highway 395 south to Holbrook Junction Highway 208 East. When we got to Wellington we hooked a south on Highway 338 which is a right at the "Y." That took us through Sweetwater Canyon. If you haven't been, it's gorgeous. Not too many cars came from the other direction even though it was a weekend.
As we passed over Sweetwater Summit at an elevation of 6,812 feet it was still pretty warm. Then on down past the next valley and through the curves till we made it to Bridgeport Reservoir. The group had lunch at the Hay's Street Cafe on the south side of town. It's one of our favorites. The menu says during fishing season they are open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. but during the freezing season their hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and don't forget, they are closed the month of March. I wonder where they go on vacation at that time of year. Hawaii anyone?
While you are there in the Bridgeport Valley when the mountains are topped with snow is a great time to appreciate the "mini Tetons'" or "mini Devil's Postpiles" or "mini Saw Tooth Mountains," as my family always nicknames the wonderful spiked tops by Twin Lakes Campgrounds. They are most defined in the winter with the snow but even more spectacular if you are camping there during a lightning storm and can watch the lightning bolts bounce off the peaks, preferably you are in a trailer and not a tent at the time.
After a leisurely lunch we drove home via Highway 395 North, again surprisingly without too much traffic. This is about a 140-mile round trip from the south side of Gardnerville so it is short enough to still have time to do other things. It is great to be able to ride a motorcycle during the winter when the snow is up on the mountains making the view so beautiful. Side note: look at the south end of Carson Valley; it is when the snow is on those hills, that they have lots of definition also.
Friday is the last day of school for winter break so be on the look out for more kids running around. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to give lots of hugs to your family.
Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.
