Fleishmann Planetarium

The planetarium is a great place to explore for a change from the mundane college work. It is a cheap way to go out with friends, family or on a date that is both educational and entertaining. There is free parking and with student id you get $2 off ticket prices.

“We have lots of interesting shows, special events, live star talks, telescope viewing, we have stuff going on all the time. It is easily accessible, easy to park here, easy to ride the bus, and learn something. The grounds are beautiful, the Planetarium has a lot to offer,” Johanna Bell, exhibit coordinator and business manager.
Built in 1963, Fleischmann Planetarium was originally a part of Desert Research Institute (DRI) before the University acquired it in 1974. The unique building, created by local architect Ray Hellman, is also a “green” building.

Assistant Director Dan Ruby explains that the “building is basically a large solar collector.” The south-ward facing building has a roof –line that follows the arc of the sun as it crosses the sky, 1500 square feet of windows equipped with light movers, all act “to maximize solar exposure.”

Solar Panels and Dome

Once a month you can head across the street from the Planetarium where members of the community bring out their telescopes and share their loves of the skies. Andreas Dierenga has been bringing his telescope out here for the “past five years hardcore.” Dierenga says that people come here from all over the world. Dierenga doesn’t have a favorite planet but he loves to look at the Swan Nebula.

While the Planetarium has been a staple in Reno for the past 40 years, it is always looking for ways to bring the space sciences to life. In his talk about stars, Dan Ruby includes current research going on in the field, like his trip to Chile where they studied caves to find out more about living on Mars. Ruby is also looking into more ways that the Planetarium and UNR students can be more connected. Such as research projects for graduate and undergraduates, or even having an “after hours at the Planetarium” where they will show sci-fi movies. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Planetarium, either by taking a stroll through the exhibits, catching an educational movie, becoming involved in future projects or finding new and exciting avenues to explore the spaces around us.

Earth display

Kissako Tea in Japan Town, San Francisco

Alan and Iris Macfalane in The Empire of Tea explain that in Japan “there is no established formal religion; no holy book, no proper priesthood, no extensive dogma, little interest in the after-life. Japan is a society where aesthetics and etiquette seem largely to have taken the place of religion.” While Japanese Americans may have a different view on religion, the “emphasis on aesthetics” that Okamura speaks of is still present.
Tea history in Japan dates back to Japanese monks who brought tea back from the Chinese monasteries.  At first it was practiced by only religious and social elites but later became the place where all, poor and rich, were considered ‘one”. Chanoyu which means ‘hot water for tea’ is the Japanese tea ceremony.
Genmaicha, a green tea made with brown rice, is smooth and earthy. Okamura says that Macha tea is his favorite. Macha is a whipped brilliant green tea. Okamura explains that “to me and my generation (Macha) embodies the tradition. I think globally it is very recognizable, and I think it tastes good.”
In Golden Gate Park the air is chilly and the surroundings are quiet. People gracefully sway to the movements of tai chi under rows of trees. After entering through the gates of the Japanese Tea Garden, you are transported to the other side of the world. Birds whistle, water flows and fish swim.
Inside these gardens you can find peace within the city. While the cost of entry is high ($5 for locals and $7 for tourists) the price for the serenity found is worth every penny. The Tea Garden has stone paths through streams filled with koi fish, temple structures, and round bridges that bring together architectural elements with natural spectacles. Tea is served while overlooking the gardens and squirrels wander into the open gift shop. While there are many tourists, there is still an element of calm. The gardens seems to put a trance on the patrons.

Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Inside of the Westfield Mall in San Francisco, you can find Lupicia. In this store you can find many flavors of tea in different forms from around the world. Lupicia has teas from China, Africa and yes, even Japan. Teas come in loose-leaf or tea bag form. The workers are very helpful in picking a selective tea, personally choosing which one could be your ‘cup of tea.’ If you are not able to make it to Westfield you can order teas from Lupicia at www.lupicia.com.
Japanese tea master, Sen no Rikyü, stated before his death that “tea will be reduced to a pitiful state, serving merely as a worldly amusement.” His prophecy might be true, but with education and respect the ideals of unity and aesthetics maybe something that can be reintroduced and respected in today’s modern society.

Granite peaks and pine trees: views from the trails around Grover Hot Springs

During the colder months, the picnic area is converted into the campground facilities. Heated bathrooms with running water are available. If you want to shower, there are public showers in the women’s and men’s bathrooms at the hot springs. Each campground site offers a fire ring, tables and potable water. Trailers and RV’s longer that 18 feet are not allowed during the winter. Camping space is limited so reservations are suggested. The campground costs about $30 a night and eight people are allowed at each campsite.

The weather can be unpredictable but if you prepare for the worst, by bring adequate supplies, then you should be comfortable. Usually layers work nice.  Even if the days are warm the evenings are cold. My dad decided to stay out in the tent one night. I found him sleeping on the couch in between the table by morning.

With the location, bears and mountain lions are possible, so hike with a buddy and keep food in the bear locks. The area is small and there is one bear box for the entire campground. We ended up keeping our food in the camper. This always makes me feel like I am a sardine, just waiting for the bear to rip open the top and have me for a snack. Yet, there were no sightings of dangerous animals, only chipmunks and various birds.

The area has been, and continues to be, influenced by fire and ice. The volcanic look of the area is due to old lava flows. Glaciers carved the rugged mountains that surround it, reaching peaks up to 10,000 feet. Today, snow melt trickles into the earth and meets hot rock. When the water gets heated to boiling point, the water works up a fault. The water escapes to the surface at a temperature of about 148 degrees.

The hot springs offers two developed pools. The cold pool is 75 to 80 degrees and the warm pool is around 102 to 105 degrees. The hours of operation vary so it is best to call ahead. It costs $5 per person and they only accept cash. The water is green because of the oxidation between the mineral salts and the Bromine sanitizing agent used. It is a safe way to experience natural hot springs and the views of the scenery from the poolside offer serenity. When you leave the hot springs your skin feels soft and refreshed and you are definitely relaxed. It is a great way to end a day sightseeing or hiking.

Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, but mostly easy, surround the campground. They range in length from under a mile to 6 miles long. Trailheads can either be found at the hot springs or the campground. I decided to meet up with my parents at the hot springs by taking the trail through the meadow. Only one spot was a little mushy but it didn’t detract from the beautiful sunset.

My parents and I also took the trail to the waterfall, but my mom and I fell short of the goal. Even though we did not see the waterfall (which my dad told me was minimal because of the winter water flow) there is a creek that follows the trail and offered a great resting point while my dad trekked ahead. The trail leads you through the pine forest and into the granite rock.

Hot water flows from Grover Hot Springs into the meadow.

The town of Markleeville was quiet Saturday morning. A couple was riding their bicycles. The information center is small but offers various books on the history of the area. One downfall to the off season is in-town “attractions,” such as the museum, are closed.

This area originally belonged to the Washoe Indian tribe. Silver mining boomed at the county seat of Silver Mountain in the 1850.  In 1861, Jacob Marklee created a road and set up a toll station. Marklee was shot in a dispute in 1863 by H.W. Tuttle over a land dispute. In 1864 Tuttle was tried and found innocent by self-defense. When the silver dwindled, Markleeville became the county seat of Alpine County in 1875. When mining collapsed, the logging industry took off.  Today, Markleeville is a tourist attraction.

The general store is the heart of Markleeville. Bob and Dee Rudden own the general store. Bob Rudden was working behind the counter when we were looking for small particulars. Bob Rudden took some time to tell me some interesting stories about Markleeville and the general store. The store used to be a butcher shop. On August 2, 1885, a fire destroyed many buildings in Markleeville including the butcher shop. Rudden pointed out how one of the rooms (which used to be the cooler room) has 14 inch walls with 12 inches of sawdust inside for insulation. One time someone was drilling a hole in the wall. He finished, put his tool down, looked back up and there was no hole. The sawdust had filled it back in.

One of the previous owners decided that the store needed a basement. So the owner and a partner carried the dirt from the access hole in the floor and dumped all the dirt into the creek, which today would not be allowed because of environmental concerns. Bob explains that the former owner was “a hard worker but he was not much of an engineer.” His partner had to remind him that he would need infrastructure to keep the store from collapsing so they added supportive pillars.

General Store in Markleeville, CA

A couple at the information center in Markleeville said that they spent the night at Indian Creek Reservoir. In the morning they said it was a fisherman’s haven. Indian Creek Reservoir is about five miles from Markleeville and is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We took the drive, pulling over to the side of the road overlooking the reservoir. I cooked hotdogs over a small hibachi while my mom read a book and my dad took in the scenery. When lunch was done my parents sat on a stump while I sat on the ground.

The cold season is also comfortable because there are fewer bugs. I had to watch for some ants and only had to deal with one bee which wasn’t a big deal. It was nice to eat out in the open, keeping it simple, with a beautiful view and tame weather.

Overlooking Indian Creek Reservoir, CA

Snow activities, hiking, fishing, camping or taking a dunk in the hot springs amid breathtaking views are great ways to spend time in the colder seasons. Alpine County is the perfect escape to recreate or relax in a majestic setting.

Bicycles and Vehicles

Many University of Nevada Reno students ride their bikes around campus. With school back in session, bicycles and vehicles need to be cautious.

Problems Around Campus

UNRPD Assistant Chief, Todd Renwick said that UNR has “a very low number of bicycle crashes” reported. “It doesn’t mean that it is not happening, just that it is not being reported.”

Renwick, said that the major hazard with bicycles around campus is that they go way to fast.

Renwick said that, “operating a bicycle is just like operating a motor vehicle. You have to be cognizant of all traffic laws, speed limits and you have to remember that you are almost invisible, so you really have to pay attention to your surroundings when riding.”

Bicyclists can receive citations for traffic violations.

Riders Experience

Laura Rothstein has been hit three times by a car while riding her bicycle. The first time someone rolled through a stop sign. The car didn’t stop, only a teenager poked his head out the car.

The second accident happened by a coffee shop on 7^th street. Rothstein said that she didn’t get hurt but that the driver continued “to the drive-thru to get their coffee. They didn’t care.” The last accident was the worst when someone struck her on the side, but they got out of the car to see if he was okay, which she was.

The second and third accident happened on the same day “it was a horrible day,” Rothstein said.

Rothstein says that both she and the drivers were responsible. While drivers need to be more cautious of bicycles, she admits that “I probably shouldn’t have been going so quick and jumping off curbs, and riding in and out of traffic.”

Although Rothstein has been in several bicycle accidents she said, “when you ride all the time your chances go up and so I’m being more careful, but I’ve been fine. I’m still riding my bike.”

Tips for Riders

Scott Hall, board of directors member of Reno Bike Project has been riding since he was five years old. Hall says that bikes should follow rules of road and be a part of the traffic. To be seen better  stay off sidewalks and wear lights at night.

Laura Rothstein adds that while “it is fun riding with your head phones and sometimes not very comfortable riding with a helmet, but it smart to ride with a helmet.”

Rothstein says that it is important to always be away and watch for cars, even if you are safe. “Be aware,” Rothstein said. “Always stop when you come up to a stop signs and watch for other drivers. Rothstein says you need to be especially careful “when you are on campus because a lot of  people are focused on different situations and issues in their life and not necessarily watching. Always look behind you, double look. Look left, right, left, then go.”

Tips for drivers

Hall says that bikes are a vehicle, so pass like any other slow vehicles. Wait for congestion to pass, and then move into other lane or side of lane. Hall adds, “try not to honk behind” bicycles.

Assistant Chief Renwick said that “once you are on campus you have to realize that there is a heavy amount of bicycle traffic so before you make a turn, looking around and make sure nothing is in you blind-spot.”

Renwick said that although you may be able to see a vehicle passing you it is hard to tell when a bicycle is passing. “You really have to pay attention that’s the best advice I can give,” Renwick said.

Hall says that Reno Bike Project is “looking forward to expanding the bike lanes and bike friendly nature of traffic in Reno. We hope to have more people riding their bikes to and from work, the store, to school. That includes everyone.”