This shot demonstrates my one big disappointment of the day. I have this really cool (an expensive) 17mm - 35mm zoom lens and it has a flaw. Aside from some dust there it should not be, there is a smudge or flaw in the glass. I discovered this as I was processing these pictures, there is a distinct color shift near the center of the lens. The dust I can deal with, the smudge (if it is a smudge and not a problem with the lens coatings) is a deal breaker. I do not know what I am going to do about it yet.

Most people know that prostitution is legal in most of Nevada, but what they may not know is that the brothels can not have advertising and signage to promote the brothel. This is one reason the brothels are in out of the way places. Can you read the above green graffiti? This way to “Horney’s” brothel, just up the road.

Ah, the first stop, the famous “Drop-box”. This is a spot for people to leave information for Area 51 folks. It has become somewhat a legend in the UFO community, and this is not the original. The original was up a road a ways just an ordinary mailbox with a lock. This one replace the old one a few years ago and of course has lead to all sort of rumors that secret stuff still happens in Area 51. Hey, the lock is brand spanking new. Oh, and BTW, who the hell is Steve Medlin? Anyone know? Maybe he is just a rancher in Tikaboo Valley or something, but why the lock?

Yep on the boarder of Nellis AFB and Area 51 is a ton of open range for cattle grazing. Now someone tell me, if it hits 120 degrees is that really an ok place to graze cattle? Personally I think that the cattle are their for the aliens to have lunch on. After all, there are so many cattle mutilations, maybe the aliens are not very good that making burgers. Just watch where you step.

The “hotbed” of UFO experiences and sitings used to be Rachel Nevada. Here there is a little cafe called the Little A’le InnTalk about a slice of Americana, this is it. A small greasy spoon, it has been featured in Movies and on Television because of its proximity to Area 51. The cafe has all sorts of kitch items all referencing aliens and such. If you get a chance to go there, it’s worth the stop.

The Two shots above: Well, I guess we know what the MIB are up to these days, towing can be lucritive when you have the only truck in 100 miles. The sign of course if like none other and worth the shoot, begging everyone to watch the skys. Hmm, nope no fortunate sitings this time.

The rest of the shots move us further away from Rachel and Area 51 so there is not the “Intrigue” as these, but nice none the less. Being a city boy, you have to be impressed how clear the air is up there. This leads to some nice cloud shots. These are taken as personal stock and I suspect you will see them in other picture I composite. BTW, the pictures you are seeing are much lower res then the ones I have. I think that you would not want to wait 10 minutes to see the Hi res stuff.

Another abandoned mine, not too far from Rachel. There is one thing you can count on in Nevada is plenty of abandoned mines. Fortunately for me they do provide interesting subject matter. You all know me by now, I love the textures and mechanical feel of these sites. That last frame was a lucky thing, the fox was obviously denning in the mine and came out to see what was up. I wish I had my longer lens, but I made due. Would you believe she stayed there while I set up a tripod and took her picture. Nice fox.

Who says there is no water in Nevada. Here is a holding pond that I just happened on. With the clear day and incredible light, this was a nice shot in my opinion. In fact, this may be my favorite of the series.

Water in action. For such a dry state, Nevada does pretty well. While it does not have the immense growing capacity of its California neighbor, there are certainly enough farmers and ranches to pay for some the economy.

During this excursion there were a few “slight” detours. This was one through “Cave Valley”, a very little looked at area in Nevada. Not a paved road for miles. But how about having that as you backyard? Bet you could get that land if you liked being about 100 miles from nowhere. Hell, it was 27 miles mack to the highway and then nothing for miles.

Finally, a place that I will have to re-visit some day early in the morning. Cathedral Gore is really a beautiful place but the high light did not make for good photography. I could have stayed there for a couple of hours more to really catch the evening light, but the way this area is carved, it would be better to come in the early morning. Still, not back for a crop job.

I took about 400 shots (mostly bracketed +/- .5f) and these are what I think are good enough to print. Hope you enjoyed them, more later.