Day 1

7 am The Pony Express Re-Ride is going through Carson Valley so we get on the road early to see it.

11:30 am catch Pony Express riders as they go by Genoa
Each year National Pony Express Association members ride the Pony Express National Historic Trail to keep the legend of the “Pony” alive. The 1,943 mile route  from Sacramento to St. Joseph, Missouri is a grueling, exciting 10-day, round the clock, non-stop event with more than 600 riders and horses. The ride crosses the Nevada State line at Woodfords and reaches Genoa about 11:30 am.

Although “Pony” history is measured in months (19), it captured the hearts and imaginations of people round the globe while it helped spread important news, shrink the continent and bind a nation being torn apart by political dissent. Today’s riders carry commemorative letters in a mochila, which fits over the saddle, with four locked pockets to carry the mail.

  214 miles

noon drive through and briefly tour Nevada’s oldest town Genoa
John Reese settled Genoa in 1851, establishing a trading post for pioneers and miners heading to the California gold fields or to the Virginia City Comstock Lode silver mines. Lot to see here for a quiet, peaceful small town. Within the main town square: Mormon Station State Historic Park, Courthouse Museum of Genoa, and Genoa Bar Oldest Bar in Nevada. Within easy walking distance of any of the lodging establishments: boutique stores and shops, general store, winery, restaurants, art gallery.

On road into town (east on Genoa Lane) a stand of old cottonwood trees bears a sign “Hanging Tree”. Used once by a mob to lynch Adam Uber who fatally shot Hans Anderson. (Uber placed a curse on all involved.) We visit the historic cemetery with graves dating back to the 1870’s. Many early Carson Valley pioneers buried here, including Snowshoe Thompson. Unique gravestones … some carved as trees or favorite animal pets.

Nearby is River Fork Ranch, an 800 acre preserve operated by the Nature Conservancy, with a network of hiking and biking trails allowing visitors to explore the Carson River and discover the “natural” Carson Valley.

1:30 pm stop to take the waters and refresh at 1862 David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort & Spa
After all this excitement, we need a little R&R. Located 1½ miles south of Genoa, these historic mineral hot springs are a year round destination with unobstructed views of the valley and majestic Sierras. When David and Harriet Wally opened a hotel and spa in 1862 at a location adjacent to the Pony Express Route and the Emigrant Trail, they very quickly had a ready clientele of miners and pony riders needing to soothe sore muscles in the mineral waters. Famous visitors include Presidents U.S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt, and Mark Twain. Today the “waters” are part of a comprehensive year round resort, with every amenity you’d want for a relaxing vacation.

Day passes include luxury locker, towels and access to the “rituals”…dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, 5 different temperature pools. Very pleasant to relax and take in 360° views of Sierra mountains. We meet a couple in the pool who are driving home to Vancouver from Palm Springs. Just stopped for a short driving break …much like the “Pony” drivers? Highly recommended! Lunch available at adjacent Harriet’s Cafe.

5 pm check in Carson Valley Inn
Located in the heart of Minden, another historic town, the hotel has mountain and ranchland views. Our room is very comfortable and meets all our expectations ….excellent high-speed Internet access, heated indoor pool, hot spas and fitness facility. Three dining choices on site and a casino which includes a lounge with free nightly entertainment.

5:30 pm visit Jacobs Family Berry Farm in Gardnerville, another historic town
We enjoy heavy appetizers and mingle with other guests while the owners tell of their choice of rural life after leaving high powered, big city careers. Treats include cheeses from the Blue Cow Cheese Shop in town. Diana and a partner opened in town . Once a prosperous working farm, remains of a dairy, worker housing, 1890 barn, Victorian house and other historic buildings can be seen today. Be sure to visit the “Eleanor” outhouse.

The flower gardens are resplendent, bearing fruit trees surround the house, and the berry crop is maturing in the field. Sustaining such a property is a financial challenge which Diana and Jack have met by combining farm produce and event hosting. They produce the most flavorful and delicious berries you’ve ever tasted. No pesticides or herbicides – picked daily – sold directly at he farm. Berry Essence, a beautiful syrup, is a new product to their line of jam and honey from bees working the farm. Diana also has an antique shop, Quail Cottage Antiques. The spacious barn and property are marvelous for events. The Victorian house is slowly having its bones reinstated. First floor complete, second floor in the works. See the remarkable bathroom!

8 pm attend Dustin Lynch concert in TJ’s Corral Carson Valley Inn’s new outdoor events center
The venue is crowded and alive. The sea of cowboy hats labels this a local audience here to see a favorite. Both a songwriter and performer, Dustin toured as an opening act for Keith Urban’s Light the Fuse Tour. His subsequent hits include “Cowboys and Angels”, nominated for American Country Awards Single of the Year -New Artist and Music Video of the Year- New Artist and also for the CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year. Once he appears on stage no one in the audience sits again. Standing, cheering, singing, dancing… everyone having a great time.