Thanksgiving in Reno

About three weeks ago I agreed to assist Peter Read Miller again, this time at the Nevada vs Boise State game on Friday the 26th. It worked out great because the Cal game was on Saturday. Later I realized, driving to Reno in the winter, maybe I should leave the day before, stay with family and friends to avoid getting stuck in a storm. This seemed like a great plan, until I realized the day before was Thanksgiving!

With my sister still in New Zealand missing her first family Thanksgiving, it would not be a wise time to also be gone for Thanksgiving. But my mom, realizing it would be wiser to head up the day before and loving excuses to travel, decided, let's all go! So my parents, grandma and I all loaded up and headed to Reno for the holiday!

There had just been a storm a few days prior dumping lots of snow, clearing up just in time for us to have the most beautiful drive!!

The side roads were plowed JUST enough to let two cars narrowly pass.

But the freeways were kept in great condition, thanks in part, to my uncle who we spotted on his route!

We stopped along Donner Lake, looking as beautiful as ever, and stopped at the Donner Party Museum. I found some perfect icicles but was hesitant to try and photograph them because I would have to trek through the knee deep snow along the building, my mom told me go for it... and as soon as I got over there, she walks onto the completely open and snow-free accessible porch that gave a better angle, "Why don't you try from here?"...!!!!

But considering the snow level when the Donner Party came through, I guess I can't complain too much.

We had our Thanksgiving dinner at the Peppermill. A bit untraditional but also appropriate since I am most thankful for my family and their incredible, slighty irrational, love and support, as proven by spending Thanksgiving in Reno so I could assist at a football game! =)

 The next day I got to witness an exciting overtime upset by Nevada and meet new photographer buddies Robert Beck and KoJo. It's awesome to put faces and personalities to names you know as bylines on some of the most famous sports photographs and sportsshooter articles, and even better when those faces and personalities are unassuming, friendly and funny! After the game, drove back to Emeryville, got home around 5am and was up and ready to go for the Cal game, 12:30pm start, meaning 10:30am arrival!