I'm BACK...and on the go!

Recently I had the opportunity to get back out into the world and do some traveling. I was introduced to a lovely and enormously funny accountant who was going to Reno for a bowling tournament and she was willing to take me along. I figured, what the hey, I've never been to Nevada and I love bowling so why not!?

We left bright and early on a Saturday morning only to be delayed at the airport for 2 hours. Fortunately I was along to keep my travel companions entertained. 

And we were finally off - and got a window seat, no less.  I do enjoy the window seat.

After about four hours of flying and a layover in Denver, we arrived safe and sound in Reno.  And they had a lovely sign to welcome us at the airport.

While my companions were waiting for their baggage, I decided to try my hand at a little video poker.  No big win, but maybe next time!

Patiently waiting for our baggage.  They had quite the fun little decorations - very clever.

Once we got our bags and our rental vehicle, we headed on over to the Sands Regency to check into our room.  Quite nice little digs.

I was informed by my companions that it is tradition to make a stop or two at Mel's Diner.  Very tasty food and a fun atmosphere.  

'The Biggest Little City in the World' - I had to get my picture taken with the arch!

The National Bowling Stadium

My companions were not bowling in the stadium this year but in the convention center (pictures of that to come) but some of their family were bowling here so we got to go inside and experience it.  There are 78 lanes!  Wow!

This is the Reno/Tahoe Convention Center where my companions were bowling.  I found it interesting that they actually build the lanes to use for the tournament!

They are so welcoming here!

We were traveling with some very lovely children so of course we had to make a trip over to Circus Circus to play some games and take in a show.  I, alas did not win any prizes but the children did quite well!  If you look closely, you can see one of them in the picture on the left. :)  Hi Jaylee!

The circus act that we got to see - this girl balanced on a wire with a number of different objects like a ladder and a unicycle.  She was very talented!

Day 2 of bowling for my companions - they needed to keep refreshed for the six games they had to bowl - I was tired just watching them!

Taking in the bowling action from one of the lovely chairs that are provided.

Since it was a bowling trip, I thought it fitting to take a picture with the bowling balls!

Me and my traveling companion Tiffany after they were finished bowling.

The ladies were kind enough to bring me to the restroom but they said this was as far as they would go.

Adventures in California!

While on my trip to Reno we were able to take a drive and do some hiking in the mountains in California. I had never been to California either so I was quite excited for this adventure!

Here we are driving down to Lake Tahoe.  It is about an hour long drive from Reno through the mountains.  I love the mountains!

Taking in the scenery.

We arrived in Tahoe in the afternoon and had plenty of time to get settled.  My companions' family was kind enough to let us stay with them in their timeshare.  The next day we went on a hike down the mountain to Lake Tahoe and Eagle Falls.

This is the top of Eagle Falls - I had to be very careful not to fall in the water.  I was afraid of getting caught in the current and going over the falls!  Scary!  

It was a mile-long hike down the hill to get to the lake and the falls.  I was quite glad my companion was willing to carry me on this trek.  I'm afraid with my wee legs, I may never have made it on my own.

We made a quick stop at the beach to get a picture.

This tree was amazing!  The bark on it is enormous!  I don't know if you can see me, but I am resting in between the pieces of bark!

This is part of Eagle Falls but the best is yet to come.

And here are the falls!  So breathtaking!  Some of our companions climbed down to get closer but this was close enough for me and my companion.  To tell the truth, I had a bit of a tumble and she told me she was afraid for a second that she might have lost me - but I was safe and sound on the other side of the fence I'm resting on in the picture.  Thank goodness!

There were neat little springs all along the path and we refilled our water bottles from them!  The children were skeptical but the water was quite fresh and tasty!

You can't see the sign all that well but we are about to cross the state line back into Nevada!

Once we arrived back at the timeshare, we got to spend lots of quality time talking and just being together.  Here we are playing cards and enjoying a nice cold beverage while the children swim in the pool.

And of course we had to try out the hot tub!

I also made sure to get my picture by the pool.  Other guests at the timeshare thought I was the Travelocity gnome - I was quite flattered but assured them I was not so famous.

It happened to be one of the children, Jenna's 10th birthday while we were at Lake Tahoe!  And she let me help her celebrate her big day!  I love cake!

Before we headed home the next day, there was one more thing we wanted to do - take in a Reno Aces baseball game!  They are one of the minor league teams for the Arizona Diamondbacks - very neat!

As per tradition, I had to enjoy a cold beverage at the game!  My companion helped me out otherwise I might have been in tough shape!

There was an actual grassy knoll in the outfield so we had to take in the game from there for a bit.

My companion was quite excited about this cup because it was an unlimited cup for soda - a good deal, I'm told.

Hey!  It appears someone was giving me rabbit ears!

My friend Jaylee was my personal photographer for a bit and she took this photo - I'm quite pleased with it!

 And what game would be complete without a foul ball??  Jenna's father caught it for her for her birthday - such a nice present!

 Such a lovely trip!  I can't wait to head out on my next adventure!  Until next time!

LIVE DANGEROUSLY!

Noelia made this comment on my blog recently. And she didn't know how right she was! I am currently recovering from a fall I had in the glue factory I was visiting. Fortunately I did not sustain any serious injury. My hat however is a little worse for wear. But as Noelia said, "LIVE DANGEROUSLY!" And I shall! That is my new motto!

Helena, MT...

Recently I returned from a trip to Helena Montana.

While there I visited the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. It's an interesting place! Here are some of the photos. The arts in residence leave pieces of their artwork all around the grounds. I was not able to go into the gallery but I was able to check out many of the pieces on display around the grounds. Including this great house made of clay and bricks. It was the perfect size for me! Unfortunately it wasn't for sale. But since I'm on the go a lot it wouldn't be practical for me to own a home anyway!
I will be spending this week planning and preparing for me next trip. I have a goal to see all 50 states in the US. I would also like to travel to Canada and some places overseas! If you are interested in hosting me for a spell please e-mail me! I would love to visit and see your town!

Welcome!

As you can see I am Ashton Henry. I am a little gnome who loves to travel, have adventures and get into mischief.

I am not a dwarf, troll or fairy. You can go to A Short History of Gnomes for a quick overview of the history of my kind.

I will post updates about my travels and adventures here on my blog from time to time. When I can break away from all the fun I'm having that is!

I'm off to find a suitable suitcase as I'm planning a rather long journey. See you all soon!

AH