Fall 2020

Many of us have experienced a great deal of change and uncertainty in 2020. Familiarities and routines were broken; challenges and difficulties arose. The images submitted to this contest are examples that prove that while the world may be turned upside-down at times, the beauty and authenticity of the great state of Nevada can never be hindered, and those who capture these traits in visual form will never be discouraged. ... read more

With a gaping hunger hole in my stomach and waning morale, I stare at the absolute chaotic mess on the ground. My wife Jillian and I are 17 miles into the wild and remote Desolation Wilderness, and the destroyed plastic remnants of our nutrition for the next three days stare back at us—an amalgamation of torn Ziploc bags, crushed dehydrated beans, tiny globules of peanut butter and Spam. It is clear that our food storage method has failed, and the cunning persistence of the American black bear has won yet again. ... read more

Ah, the joys of flying. Beautiful airports with luxurious lounges for all boarding passengers. Communing with fellow passengers over travel tips and the excitement of that long-distance flight. Elegantly dressed passengers dine on sumptuous meals, served by attentive stewardesses catering to their every need. Stretching out, enjoying a comfortable and spacious seat, fluffy pillow, and soft blanket so you can rest before you reach your destination. Wake up! ... read more

My friend Adam Stone and I finished the 13-mile, 2,500-foot climb to Virginia City just after 7 p.m. It was the biggest hill I had ever ridden, and my bike was loaded with camping gear, food, and supplies for a six-day trip. I had feared not making it up Geiger Grade at all, but now, heading for our campsite outside the former boomtown, I was cautiously optimistic I could ride all the way across Nevada. ... read more

Each issue we showcase what we love about Nevada. Well, now it’s your turn. We’re dedicating these pages to our readers this year, and we’re asking you to share images of your Nevada favorites. We’ll pick a theme (see below) and let our readers lead the way! We asked to see your favorite road and we love the responses. Nevada offers incredibly diverse landscapes, with dirt and paved roads allowing you to explore. ... read more

Synergy is the magical outcome of blending two or more things—ingredients, if you will—that when combined, create something even greater than the original components. No matter how wonderful or powerful the ingredients are on their own, when they are blended together, the result is something that transcends the ordinary and becomes extraordinary.  It was with an impressive number of ingredients that Jenny and Mark Lopiccolo forged Piazza, which they call simply “A place to gather.” ... read more

Impatient, impetuous, and occasionally infuriating, Lydia Adams-Williams was all those and more. The word shy, however, was definitely not included in that list. ... read more

Mankind’s natural curiosity for the mysterious and unexplained spans our entire history. Where is the lost city of Atlantis? Will we ever know the identity of Jack the Ripper? How were ancient sites like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids constructed? Is Bigfoot real? What actually caused the dinosaurs to go extinct? Do aliens exist? Nevada holds its own collection of myths and mysteries, peculiar and unexplained. Some are morbid, some are silly, but all require the reader to take a small step—or leap, if you like—into a “Twilight Zone” mindset. Sit back, relax, and enjoy, because you’ve just crossed over. ... read more

The skies above Fort Churchill have been illuminated by several comets.   STORY & PHOTOS BY BRAD BRIGHTON Dark sky and desolation. Ruins of a once sturdy daily life cling (with some help from park restoration) to this patch of dusty frontier. Rather than simply remind us of better times of the area, the remains are surprisingly ... read more

Dean Martin serenades me through the stereo speakers as I drool over the menu at Papa’s Ranch House in Wadsworth. The table I’m seated at is surrounded by an eclectic collection of sports memorabilia, historical photographs, and paintings. Aromas of pan-seared artichoke hearts and fresh-baked pizza crust fill the room. ... read more

I just reread my editor’s note from our final issue of 2019, and I made what I thought was a clever comment about how 2020 would be the year of hindsight. I admit I did very little looking back this year; instead the lion’s share of 2020 has been spent with a wary eye on the future. As we round the corner on the end of the year, I’m looking forward to the new year and the hope it brings. ... read more