Hunting

Out for a short (2 mile) hike today we chose a moderate trail on  BLM land.  Our trail started at the point on the bottom, then went right around the oblong area, ending along the edge of Centennial Mountain (green spot on left).  There are many trails here of varying lengths.  We selected this one more or less at random.

To access this area of the Virginia Mountains we drove US50  a few miles to the eastern edge of Carson City (NV), then around the edge of Centennial Park to the foot of  Centennial Mountain.

We weren't out here just for a hike.  We were hunting.  Our quarry?  Wild horses!

We hadn't walked far on our trail before we found fresh signs of what we sought.

Our quarry eluded us, though, as we wandered the trails around the beautiful upland desert at the foot of Centennial Mountain.

The trail wound up about 200' through basalt rocks

Creosote, and blooming Desert Brush. 

Finally, 3/4 of the way through our search, we spotted them--there in the dip on top of Centennial Mountain!

The herd was at ease, idly grazing along the ridge.  

We were able to get some nice views of the 12 or so horses through the field glasses and some nice shots from both phones and the camera.  As we hiked nearer, they continued to follow the grass as it led over the edge of the ridge until, by the time we reached the foot of the mountain, the horses were all out of sight.

We were well satisfied with our hike through beautiful weather and beautiful desert.  The sighting of the horses was an added plus.

The hike down was straight and steep, and offered a good view of Centennial Park as we descended.

We could see the east golf course the circle around the 4 softball fields, and the edge of the tennis courts on the middle right.  The west golf course was out of sight around the mountain.

Back at the bottom we found our truck waiting to take us home.

Chore day tomorrow.

Louise and Duane