Boom Times Again . . . ?

¶ . . . Not likely, but I was somewhat surprised (and pleased to see "new life") to see a new Ramada Inn built in Virginia City! What's even more astonishing is where it's built! As I mapped it out with GPS and other data I have, it appears to be built right on top of what was known as "The Big Bonanza," the largest lode-strike on the Comstock, in 1873, on the Consolidated Virginia workings . . . !!!



. . . This shot was taken from "C" Street, Virginia City's main drag, looking east down Six Mile Canyon (State Hwy. 79), "D" and "E" Streets below (the hotel itself fronting "E" Street) . . .
. . . How this, or the rest of the town for that matter, doesn't cave in to the miles of tunnels, shafts, stopes, etc., may well be a miracle. Or is it due to then-modern engineering? Square-set timbering, pictured below, may be its salvation . . .

Gun Stuff . . .

¶ . . . Here's my M14, er, M1A, with its DuraCoat finish, in the Am Stripe pattern. It came out pretty well, though I did it twice because I didn't like my original stencilling: that's what comprises most of the effort. If you don't own a compressor, you're better off going to Harbor Freight for a little cheap-0 air compressor for the air brush; forget the propellant cans. They're nine bucks a piece, so you don't have much margin for error, especially if it's your first attempt. You also need to immerse the can in lukewarm water while you're spraying as the can tends to freeze up and inhibit the flow. Note I mounted a Smith Enterprise, Inc. scope mount . . .



. . . I had to go get a cheap-o scope and set of rings, a la Wal-Mart, just to try out the mount. This was just until I can get a Trijicon TR-21. . .


One of my other "projects" was refurbishing my Limited gun, of which I have yet to compete with in its new dress. I also DuraCoated the grip panels while I was doing the rifle. Its a hard chrome finish and I must say I was extremely pleased with it. Also: I had an ambi-safety installed, new Bo-Mar rear sight, and had the front of the slide serrated . . . Now I just need more Double T . . . !!


These were all shot back in March up at the range near Piru. It's a fine place to get some trigger time . . .

On The Comstock . . .

¶ . . . With a higher clearance vehicle and AWD!! One of the items I was able to acquire during a busy 2006 was a new vehicle, the one I've wanted for years. See it in the clip below, as I off-road a bit to a couple of old mines . . .
. . . I name one as the "Belmont-Uncle Tom," but in reality it's "Belmont-Uncle Sam."

Blog Reclaimed . . .

¶ . . . As one may see below, I actually made a post after more than a year! I actually do have some stuff to post and things to see, so maybe I'll pick it up, as I also have a little more time, after a really busy 2006 . . . !!

To Live On The Comstock . . .

¶ . . . A little vid of the Virginia Highlands, using my lightweight movie feature on my camera; a desirable place to live, indeed . . .