Nomad Life - Day 346

Last night, I had not set an alarm because it was a holiday (Columbus Day).  However, since I was permitted by our contract to work, I kept an open mind about whether to get online when the day started.  So, when I awoke early anyway (at 0415, on the cusp of a satisfying dream that ended abruptly), I decided to do some teleworking after all.  While it was still dark at the David Walley's Resort by Holiday Inn Vacation Club (Genoa), I did some laundry (there was a machine right in the room!).  Over the next few hours, I had some great views (to the east) of the Great Basin as the morning glow and full-on sunrise arrived.  When I looked at the weather for the Minden area, I found that it was in the mid 40s.  Throughout the day, I was constantly reminded that I was getting a very swanky resort experience.  For example, I tried the jacuzzi tub in the "master suite" of my set of rooms - very nice!  While I skipped breakfast, I did make and eat a light lunch.  Otherwise, though, I stayed online all the way until 1330 and completed a full work day.  After that, I spent time working on my travel blog and building an outline for a research paper that I've dabbled with over the years.  I was very engrossed in these projects and lost track of the time.  Fortunately, I had a few (iPhone) reminders and managed to join the Monthly Knights of Columbus Council Meeting (with my brother Knights in Lebanon, NH) on time at 1500.  Like I'd felt last evening, the mix of solitude on the Nomad Life and the fancy accommodations reminded me of how much I wished someone else was there to share in the experience.  The discussions about life back in New Hampshire did not improve my mindset on this topic, either...  As a result, I was rather relived when the meeting ended at 1545.  Hoping to get some time in the amenities again, I made and ate an early dinner in the kitchen (1600) before departing my room about 15 minutes later.  Fortunately, the temperature had been rising since the last time I'd checked it and they were in the mid-50s.  Hoping to avoid the effects of the strong wind, however, I wore a short sleeved shirt with jacket when I departed on a walk around the Resort Complex.  Along the way, I did some birding and then got the idea to follow the California National Historic Trail to the north.  Up until that moment, I'd assumed (from road signs) that the trail followed the pavement that cars use today.  However, I fond that there was actually a paved path that started near David Walley's Hot Spring and tracked all the way back (to the north) into central Genoa (I believe it ended at the Mormon Station State Historical Park).  Eagerly, I walked most of this trail.  Beyond the start of this phase of my walk, I found 18 more bird species, some of which I hadn't seen during this entire year.  In this way, I passed 300 birds sighted in 2026 (a 159 day streak) and 225 US species this year alone.  Interestingly, though, I only found one completely new one: I sighted my first Sora (bird).  Other features of the walk included passing large fields with contented cows, watching interesting sun patterns on the mountainsides at both ends (east and west) of the Valley.  There were some threatening clouds at time but I never got wet.  Instead, I had to contend with windy and dusty conditions.  All this was still welcome as I made my way through a roughly three mile walk. After I was finished (1735), I entered all the bird species into eBird and took care of some other internet stuff.  There was even time for some planning with Kerith.  At 1805, I got ready to go back into the hot springs.  By then, it was sprinkling so I drove to the southern end of the resort complex.  This time, I was also more efficient with changing clothing.  For the second night in a row, I spent just over an hour in the water, checking out a different spring in the process.  It was (I thought) a bit warmer and had a distinct sulphur smell.  Along the way, I met up with some people from the Central Valley (near San Jose) and had a good conversation with them.  More interesting, though, was that the four people hadn't known each other and only later apparently realized they were from the same area.  One of them was named Ernie and he worked in a gun shop - I found that fascinating because I'd not expected such a backstory from California.  He told me almost the entire tale of his life and the other people in the hot spring started talking amongst themselves.  Meanwhile, the sky opened up a few times and brought down light, cool rain.  No matter - I was already wet!  I was finished with my "bath" at 1915 - after changing, I drove over to the main building do I could do my workout in the Fitness Center.  Just like I did yesterday, I spent 20 minutes on the stationary bike (4 miles).  It's nice to have the chance to get a bike workout!  I was done with my exercise at 1945 and returned to my room.  By then, it was raining a bit harder but I was able to mostly stay dry.  In the comfort of my luxurious suite, I did some more catchup on my blog, eBird, etc.  A bit later, I was able to get my Duolingo exercises done.  During this time, I lit the fireplace in my room (fancy!) and continued to try to catch up on hydrating.  It's hard in the high desert...  I then watched movies until 2245, when I turned out the lights.  I could definitely get used to this Resort - too bad the stay is only through Wednesday...