One of the West’s most unusual events, the “Eagles and Agriculture” gathering in Northern Nevada’s Carson Valley, takes place February 27th through March 1st. The three day event combines the year’s best opportunity to view and photograph bald eagles and other birds of prey with options that include falconing field demonstrations and a two day wildlife photography workshop, as well as a rare chance to access some of Carson Valley’s working ranches and historic barns. There’s even an opportunity to paddle the Carson River for an even more unusual viewing and photography experience.

Event registration desk: (775) 782-9835, www.visitcarsonvalley.org. Participation is limited for the various events, and early registration is encouraged.

I talked a few weeks ago about taking a glider ride out of the Carson Valley and over Lake Tahoe, and now I want to mention that out of that same airport (Minden/Tahoe) you can also take the ultimate plunge—a skydiving trip.

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I’m not a huge thrill seeker, but when the prospect of going up in a glider arose, I didn’t hesitate to go for it. Soaring NV, the newest glider company in Minden, wanted to show off what they can do.

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Nevada State Parks invites the public to a free stargazing event on Saturday, July 26, at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden, about an hour south of Reno.

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., park staff and members of the Astronomical Society of Nevada will be on site with telescopes to view Jupiter, the moon, Milky Way and other astronomical sights in the sky over Carson Valley. People with their own telescopes are welcome to bring them to the event, which will conclude at 10 p.m.

Visitors are advised to put on bug repellant, bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a light jacket and a non-alcoholic beverage. A portable restroom will be available.

Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is located just west of Minden, approximately one mile south of Douglas High School at 1450 Highway 88. When approaching from the north on State Route 88, turn right...

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Rafting the Carson River: The Carson Valley Inn’s annual rafting trip is June 7, 2008. Photo by Steve Noble.The Sierra Nevada offers many, many things to visitors and residents alike. One of those things is the snowmelt that turns into the area’s two rivers—the Truckee and the Carson—allowing for some pretty fun and manageable rafting trips.

The Carson Valley Inn, a hotel-casino in Minden, Nevada, is planning their annual Carson River rafting trip for June 7, 2008. The 20-mile trip down the river is sure to be an awesome time, with a continental breakfast beforehand and a buffet lunch along the river during the day.

As someone who tries to make it on a rafting trip every year, I can attest that this one will be a great time. Twenty miles is a solid day of fun, excitement, and plenty of relaxing while...

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