Smith Valley, Grantsville, and Ione Nevada


Over the last few weeks we've been exploring different places
in the Nevada desert.  We went to Wabuska, not for the first time,
but I saw new things this time.  For one, this beautiful mural on the inside of a building.
Fabulous artwork.  Considering all the graffiti and destruction that goes
on in these old places I am truly glad no one has destroyed this.  
   

Walking further afield in Wabuska I found the remains of their sulfur 
processing plant.  I tried to capture the bright yellow all over the
ground, but the cloudy day wasn't helping. 


Further down the road we happened upon the abandoned
Buckskin Mine in Smith Valley.  I love these places that look like
the people said, "Shutting down? Okay, I'm outta here!" and just
leave everything as is.  The office still has bills on the floor from 1999,
piles of books, a VCR, and other equipment on desks. Pairs of pants . . . 
And then sometime later someone moved into one of the tanks for shelter.    
Crows caw as they perch on the top of the tanks like sentinels and slowly
take off, but not too far, circle around, come back and watch.
We are on their turf.    


Grantsville area was last weekend and we visited several places
in the area.  If you're out that way you can visit Berlin and Ione.
We saw some little cabins on a hill so took the dirt road to see.
This is the first place I've seen a sign that asked visitors to 
take care of these abandoned places as they are our heritage
and others want to enjoy them, too.  
We were up there early so the sunlight was still good and shining 
through the roof and windows just right.


I love the patina on this door.


Just about high noon as we got into Grantsville.  
The collapsed roofs and walls made great patterns and shadows. 


A visit to Berlin.  Lots of people at Berlin and, of the few 
times we've visited, this is the only time we've seen people.
Good to see young kids out exploring these places.


The clouds were great by the time we got to Ione.


This photo reminded me of the scene in the Wizard of Oz
when Dorothy is running back to her home as the dark clouds
gather and the tornado approaches.  


We see quite a few outdoor privies and this 
one is my favorite.  A red door and a little chair for the 
next person in line.  




We also see a lot of grave sites all by themselves.
I think this seems so lonely.  Out in the desert all by itself.
There are usually coins on the graves, too.
This one had a lot of coins, so a lot of visitors.
That makes it better.  
Be well and safe out there.   

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