Kit Carson Blue Line Trail

Aloha Everyone,

Kit Carson Blue Line Trail is the 2.5 miles walking path that bears this famous explorer's name, which the city is named after. There are 43 landmarks, some historical, which one can access. With a clearly marked map, courtesy of Carson City 2016 Visitor Guide, in hand, J.J. and I were ready for our walking tour this morning.  

Unfortunately, part of the path is the downtown business district. As you can see from several photos I took from Honu, the "Downtown Carson Street Urban Design Project' is still on going. I heard from some long-time residents that cost estimated of $10-12 million have already over run. On a short term, the project oversight is affecting over 40 local businesses, many of which may not be able to recover.

Urban planning that looks good on paper often runs into snafu. Individual livelihoods are directly impacted.  

Aloha -- Cathi

Interesting Facts About Carson City

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I have been making frequent and enjoyable trips to Carson City. I thought of looking farther into its history and share with you some interesting facts about the city.

My research began at the Nevada State Library and Archives located just one street east of the historical downtown.

1). Carson City was named after Kit Carson, a mountain man and explorer. The city was founded in the 1860's during the boom days of silver mining.

2). Carson City is unique. It is one of two state capitols in the United States that borders another state: Carson City, borders California and Trenton, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.

3). Carson City is the smallest of the 366 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States. City's present population is a little over 55,000 people.

4). Climate of Carson City is relatively mild with low humidity. Average daily temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, but when the sun sets, the temperature drops to below 50.

The winters are typically mild with January, the coldest month of the year at an average daily temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

I am very happy to note that there is still a little snow remaining on the summits of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Aloha -- Cathi

Taking Real Estate Continuing Education Classes

Aloha Everyone,

So far I've completed two elective CE classes.  

1). Diversity: Your Kaleidoscope of Clients

2). Personal Safety

Interestingly, these are subject matters that is applicable to all people and not just to real estate professionals.  

In one of the chapters, we covered about body languages and that it could mean different thing to people of different culture, age, ethnic background as well as income and geographic locations. J.J. and I recall reading an excellent book on Body Language when we were involved in cross-cultural mergers and acquisition. I remember how it was very helpful especially when we were negotiating with American and foreign entities. I took some mental notes to share some of these information with our granddaughter. 

We treated ourselves to an exceptional Chinese lunch yesterday and healthy Vietnamese today. My choice for both days were vegetarian dishes.

Aloha -- Cathi

We Bid Reluctant Adieu & Returned To Civilization

Aloha Everyone,

Imagine in today's world, no iPhone., no iPad, no computer, no electronic devise of any sort plus no television or radio! That is what being in a forest means. In exchange, we can inhale sweet, clean air, entertained by the singing of birds, being lost with butterflies fluttering their wings. We had a lots of time for conversation and solitary time for thinking, imagining, drawing and reading. It is a wonderful occupation!

As we drove back to civilization - less than an hour and half away, I thought of some of John Muir's profound words:

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

"Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."

Aloha -- Cathi

Eldorado National Forest

Aloha Everyone,

Eldorado National Forest is one of US national forests located in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range in the eastern section of California. Nearly 73% is forested area. On the north, Eldorado National Forest borders Tahoe National Forest. On the southeast, it is bordered by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest is in the southern border.

There are 611 miles of what authorities refer to as "fishable" streams in four major drainage systems. Additionally, there are 297 officially known lakes and reservoirs. Some are in public lands allowing access with proper permits while others are in private lands. The sum of lakes and reservoirs equals 11,994 acres including 11 large reservoirs accounting for 9,000 acres. No wonder, J.J. and I kept on seeing one lake after another.

Today we took CA-89 and explored the area including such magical name as Hope Valley.

In the late afternoon, J.J. and I walked to Caples Lake. The water was cold, but very clear. You can see the sandy bottom.

Gary, his wife Janet and Kadie, reside about 50 miles West from the lake. They come to this camping ground 3-4 times during the summer. Janet alerted me to  a "must watch" sunset when the lava rock hills of the mountain range turn a bright orange hue. From our new site at the Caples Lake Camping Ground, I only had to step outside of Honu to capture this fleeting gift.

Aloha -- Cathi