Loving Hawthorne

Resident and Hawthorne Army Depot employee gives 10 reasons why she adores this Walker Lake town.

By NONA L. CARLON | January/February 2012

I arrived in Hawthorne on February 28, 2011 to begin working at the Hawthorne Army Depot after working in Germany for 11 years. I will never forget the feeling that came over me for the first time on my drive from Reno, when I made the bend on U.S. Highway 95 and saw Walker Lake sitting against the backdrop of the mountains, with Hawthorne in the distance.

What a beautiful sight to behold! After living among trees for so many years, it was a memorable sight to see that panoramic view with the mountains, big sky, and blue lake.

Don’t get me wrong, living in Germany afforded many memorial sights that I will remember for a lifetime. Originally from Las Vegas, I left Nevada in 2000. Having now lived for six months in Hawthorne, I have my own Hawthorne Top 10 List, which I would like to share:

10

There’s not a lot of traffic in Hawthorne and only one traffic light. That’s a good thing compared to places with heavy traffic. This also contributes to an easy commute to work and definitely helps with gasoline consumption, especially at today’s prices.

9

It’s quiet here in Hawthorne. You can take a walk, hike into the mountains, and not be disturbed by loud noises. You can actually hear the birds singing!

8

The skies are clear, and you can see millions of stars at night. I’m glad to have a telescope; I can put it to good use here. Nowadays, especially in some of the larger cities, you can barely see the stars at night due to light pollution and smog in the air. The Nevada wind also helps keep our skies clear.

7

The location of Hawthorne is just perfect. It’s a short drive to Reno and Lake Tahoe and a little longer drive to Las Vegas. It’s an easy trip into California and the backside of Yosemite National Park. I recently visited Carson City, only a few hours away, and took in the all sights of the capital. Lots of wonderful daytrips can be taken from Hawthorne. You can camp, fish, and ski in the beautiful mountains within a few hours’ drive.

6

The mountain ranges are great. Mount Grant is right at our doorstep, and what a view if you are lucky enough to get to the top of it! I just found out that Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state in the union.

5

Let’s talk climate. With an average annual maximum temperature of 70 degrees and an average low of 40, it just about perfect. This is a large reason why the RV parks around Hawthorne fill up during the summer months. The thing I appreciate most of all is that the sun shines pretty much every day here. Having lived where the skies are mostly gray or cloudy, you really appreciate the sun!

4

The wildlife here is unbelievable. I have seen wild horses, bighorn sheep, and all kinds of birds. I have even seen a coyote running across the road on one of my trips to Las Vegas. Normally a person has to go to a zoo to see this many types of animals. We are privileged to see them in their natural environment.

3

Walker Lake—what a wonderful place to have so close to town. The lake helps support our local wildlife and provides a place of recreation for Hawthorne residents, not to mention the beautiful view it provides to all of us.

2

The patriotism of the people in Hawthorne is unmatched by any place I have ever visited or lived. The size of the United States flag flown at the Veterans Memorial Park is one indication of this patriotism. I don’t think I have ever seen a larger flag. As you drive through town, it is normal to see many residents displaying a flag at their homes. Take a look at the bumper stickers on the local vehicles; patriotism is demonstrated here as well.

1

The Armed Forces Day Celebration, held every year in May, is the special way that Hawthorne exhibits its true patriotism. This year was my first time to attend the many events, which took place throughout the weekend, celebrating and honoring our United States armed forces. This year U.S. Army Specialist Tim Hall, Hawthorne’s hometown hero, was our Parade Marshal, and Governor Brian Sandoval honored us and took part in the parade. Hawthorne Army Depot Commander LTC William C. Johnson Jr. was instrumental in the dedication of the Freedom Ranges that honor all of Nevada’s fallen military members by displaying their names on the Freedom Range sign. This honors each Gold Star Family, whose service member paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I have never seen a more genuine display of patriotism.

There’s much to see and enjoy in this Nevada town, and I am loving living here.