Before my Nomad Life began, I had considered a few places where I might be happy to live. Among a short list, the Lake Tahoe to Reno area was near the top. However, I only had a short period of my life (in the mid 1990s) and a couple of subsequent visit to NAS Fallon as a frame of reference. I wanted to change that with a full week in the area and that time has finally arrived. Unfortunately, a cold rain began overnight and it was clearly going to stand in the way of me getting much outdoor activity on my first day. Even worse, though, was that I did NOT sleep well last night - I was tossing and turning until (at least) 0130. Eventually, I fell asleep but then had to wake up for my 0430 alarm (ugh). The reasons for this was that I had a full morning of teleworking. The only breaks I had during the AM was when I fixed breakfast for myself (in the room) and when the Carson City Motel 6 maintenance man knocked on my door (at 0700 to fix the TV. Despite my exhaustion, I managed to get through all of my work meetings and power through to the end of my work day (1400). By this point, I'd been convinced that I needed to investigate use of chains in the area - I didn't want to be non-compliant with State laws or, even worse, have an accident because of my unfamiliarity with the conditions. Fortunately, there was a Subaru dealership located immediately across the street from my motel and I was able to get immediate assistance from the helpful service staff there. They advised me that the wheel clearance for my car, coupled with the AWD features, made it imperative that I NOT use chains. Instead, they advised that I buy some "cables" that could be kept in my car, served as legal "chains" for law enforcement purposes and could serve as an emergency driving tool if I ever got into trouble on the mountain roads. As I was leaving, I asked them about my recent series of "low tire pressure" warnings (I'd seen it since Los Angeles). The helpful team gladly filled my tires for me (35 psi and no further problems) and (when I returned to my room later) I completed an unsolicited "Thank You" form online. Next, I went to Applebee's and ordered their special (cheeseburger) for lunch. The bartender there was nice too. Finished at at 1435, I stopped at a nearby AutoZone for the recommended cables and got some additional help and advice from the wonderful staff there. At 1450, I returned to my room so I could take some phone calls from both Erin and Brenna. Between 1500 to 1800, I had a wonderful time talking with my daughters! Since I didn't feel like I'd completely wrapped up the work projects, I spent some time online after the calls and only knocked off for good at 1815. Sadly, it was still raining by that point - even worse, it was miserable and cold. Hoping to stall for better weather, I took the opportunity to drive a short distance to the nearest grocery store (Raley's) and went shopping for groceries to support me through the next few days of all day meetings. Finished at 1840, I went back to my Motel and unpacked everything in my room. I also took care of some financial stuff (including supporting Brenna's Book-A-Month Club fund drive) and ate dinner in my room. Realizing that conditions would never fully improve, I departed my room and took a two mile walk near the motel, trying to keep my birding streak alive. Unfortunately, the miserable weather must have forced all the birds into their winter hiding places and the conditions were so unpleasant that I really regretted walking so far. A bit dejected, I returned to my room for the last time (2030). For the rest of the night, I worked on my blog and watched movies. Despite being tired all day, I didn't get to sleep until 2300 - hope I don't pay for this again tomorrow... As I dozed off, I realized that my goal of getting a feel for the area has already been a partial success - I'm encountering some very nice people!
