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Stone House Ranch - Smith's Station Monitor Valley, NV 'Stonehouse' was built in 1865 as a way-station on the Austin to Belmont stage road. The station was active until 1895 when the stage line was discontinued. The house was sold and made part of an active ranch until the 1960's. I stopped by this fascinating site on my first trip to Belmont during the July Full Moon weekend. Located many miles from any other residences, the house overlooks sweeping vistas of grassland, sage, and the rolling hills of the Monitor Valley. A spring fed rivulet or creek winds down out of the foothills and past the ranch. The remains of an earthen dam pond can be seen nearby. Unfortunately, this plentiful water creates an ideal marshy breeding ground for mosquitoes, which were out in force this night. (Of course, this is the one trip for which I forgot to bring the 'OFF' repellent!) Given the unwanted attention from this local fauna, I kept the photo session very short. A large family of Barn Owls, at least seven, roost in the ruined house. Just after twilight the owls were out and on patrol. The owls seemed undisturbed by my presence and strange lights - only bobbing and nodding a bit after a nearby flash. The owls perched all around the dead poplar trees and would occasionally glide by on silent wings directly overhead - just out of arms reach - possibly hoping I'd kick up a mouse or rabbit. Interesting company. After a few shots, I gladly moved on to another site - leaving the incessant whine of the 'Skeeters' behind. This site is certainly worth another visit - preferably after the first fall frosts have grounded the nasty little buggers! Copyright © 2003-2004 Jerry Day If you arrived here by search engine, click here to see the rest of site. |
DarkSkyDreams Night Photography by Jerry Day
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