October 31 is Nevada Day

Today I rode my Coconino rigid-rigid touring trail bike on the mixed dirt and paver commute. Temps were cool, air was clear and calm. As I approached the roundabout at Parr and 395, I was fortunate enough to spot two huge vultures soaring above the bleached hills and sparse pinons. These birds were big. From 60 to 80 feet up they looked to have wing spans of at least 5 or 6 feet. At that moment I did the right thing, I detoured into the dirt and stopped to watch a few minutes. One cruized around the SE side of the hill, one stayed above me, spiraling up on thermals. The second soared back, made a few turns with it's pal, then the 2 of them cruized off over the summit of the hills. I charged for the hilltop and looked around but they were gone. What a great way to start the day, watching a pair of vultures "contemplate the world from a silent and considerable height."

Home Means Nevada Written & Music by Bertha Raffetto

Way out in the land of the setting sun, Where the wind blows wild and free, There's a lovely spot, just the only one That means home sweet home to me. If you follow the old Kit Carson trail, Until desert meets the hills, Oh you certainly will agree with me, It's the place of a thousand thrills.

Home means Nevada Home means the hills, Home means the sage and the pine. Out by the Truckee, silvery rills, Out where the sun always shines, Here is the land which I love the best, Fairer than all I can see. Deep in the heart of the golden west Home means Nevada to me.

Whenever the sun at the close of day, Colors all the western sky, Oh my heart returns to the desert grey And the mountains tow'ring high. Where the moon beams play in shadowed glen, With the spotted fawn and doe, All the live long night until morning light, Is the loveliest place I know.

Home means Nevada Home means the hills, Home means the sage and the pines. Out by the Truckee's silvery rills, Out where the sun always shines, There is the land that I love the best, Fairer than all I can see. Right in the heart of the golden west Home means Nevada to me.