Wild, Is It a State of Mind or Not? |
photo by Mary Beth Roselli |
What does “being in the wild” mean to you? I was asked this question during a guided trip in Yellowstone recently. At the time, I looked around me and thought, " Isn’t this it?" No people around except our small group looking for wildlife within this National Park as we x-country skied on fresh snow alongside a river. But this question has haunted me ever since. My first reaction when asked was to reflect on my time along the Truckee. For those of you that read the TPT newsletter, I often comment on my thrill to hear the Truckee flowing, so for me, being in the wild is when I hear that water rushing downstream, but it’s so much more than that. While birding in Mayberry Park, with birds flying all around, am I not in the wild?
So I asked my AI buddy, Comet, what “being in the wild” means. AI Comet states:
“Quotations about being in the wild highlight the transformative power of nature, emphasizing themes of freedom, self-discovery, and spiritual rejuvenation.” When I read this, it feels as if I need to pack my tent and hibernate somewhere so I can have that “self-discovery” or revival of my senses to experience the wild. I do love camping, but do I need that to experience “the wild"?
I have come to the conclusion that, for me, it is a state of mind influenced by my surroundings, my level of engagement with the land, and a certain peace that takes over my sometimes restless body.
How about you? What does “being in the wild” mean to you? Whether you’re sitting along a river or hiking down a trail, take a moment to think about it and perhaps share your thoughts with someone. I would love to know how you define “being in the wild.” Send me your thoughts at mbroselli@tptrail.org. |
~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board |
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While Hiking - Safety Matters! |
photo by Mary Beth Roselli |
As most of you know, the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail goes through the heart of downtown Reno. From Idlewild Park, heading downriver, you pass several busy parks, including Brodhead, John Champion, Fisherman’s I and II, and industrial areas. Then you enter Sparks, an industrial area with several parks to visit: Gateway, Rock, Glendale, and Cottonwood. Depending on the time of year, these parks can be quite busy. You may also see unhoused people who may occasionally set up encampments along the Truckee.
The cities of Reno and Sparks are the people to contact when you see encampments. Reno has Ambassadors who work 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. Their hotline number is 775-313-4080. Reno Direct works with the Ambassadors; their number is 775-334-4636, and they are available M-F from 9 am to 4 pm.
If you are on the TPT and find yourself where you feel the police should be involved, such as someone damaging property, breaking into a car, or placing you or others in an unsafe position, here are the numbers to know: Placer County: (530) 886-5375 - Tahoe City to W. River Street Nevada County: (530) 265-7880 - Truckee to Farad
Washoe County: (775) 785-9276 - Verdi to Sparks Storey County: (775) 847-0950 - Mustang to USA Parkway Pyramid Lake Reservation: (775) 574-1014 Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake
You can also report trail conditions, especially in the Truckee Canyon and other unpaved sections of the TPT. This may include eroded areas, vegetation that needs cutting back, trees down, general trail damage, or litter, through our website. https://tahoepyramidtrail.org/report-trail-conditions/ |
We want to make sure that while on the TPT, you go back home with wonderful memories and a renewed sense of the beauty this area offers. Bike or hike with a friend and if alone, let someone know where you are going and when you should be done. |
~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board |
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What is that Birdie in the Window? |
Chances are I can’t answer that question, but I now carry binoculars on my walks so I can at least see the birdie! For everyone who showed up on our Birding Along the Truckee River event with Lori Bellis, thank you for joining us. It was a wonderful mix of beginners and experienced birders that made it work so well. Mayberry Park had a wonderful variety of birds for our viewing enjoyment.
Now I can’t seem to go on the TPT without my binoculars. I would love to know what I am looking at, but just viewing these amazing creatures and seeing the colors of their bodies, feathers, beaks, eyes, and fluffiness that you don’t notice with the naked eye brings joy to my day!
Birding is growing in popularity. During the pandemic, it really took off. People wanted to get out and enjoy the fresh air, and this activity took them from viewing birds at their windows to exploring the great outdoors. Here is a link to access All Trails, which has a section on the 10 best places to bird in Reno, and #2 on the list is the TPT from Idlewild to Wingfield Park, an easy 3.8 miles. https://www.alltrails.com/us/nevada/reno/birding.
I highly recommend bringing along a pair of binoculars on your next walk and taking the time to listen to the bird chatter and check them out. There is a good app called Merlin Bird ID that can help you identify them. https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/. There are also many books that can be used to identify birds, but make sure it’s for this region. Lahontan Audubon Society is also a great resource for learning more about our local birds, and offers a comprehensive birding guide for the area. They also do local field trips. https://www.nevadaaudubon.org/. There are other organizations, and you will find them listed on this site.
My typical hiking pace was 3 miles an hour. I now find a bit of meditation on my hikes. I stop off the trail and listen, not only to the river but to the bird chatter, as it’s connecting me to my surroundings. I hope that you give it a try, and may the bluebird of happiness land on your shoulder! |
~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board |
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A Hearty Thank You to our 1st Quarter 2026 Century Circle ($100+) Donors! |
Steve Ashorn Dale Beesmer Michaun Carnahan Press & Delores Clewe Coast to Coast Foundation Fund Michael Dollarhide Denise Drazy-Shedd Gale Ewart John & Shelly Gray John Josselyn Craig & Carol Lundin Stanley & Susan McPartland Terry & Linda Oliver Carol Parkhurst Cynthia & Jim Richardson Bob & Marilyn Rusk Michael Smith Jack & Jill Svahn Tonopah Girl Foundation Duke & Marion Vermazen Franz & Janett Weber Linda Willits |
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Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is a 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization. Trail building, maintenance, and access is the result of many collaborations and partnerships with private landowners, private donors, utilities, state and local government agencies, other non-profit organizations, local businesses, community leaders, as well as a small army of dedicated volunteers, all of whom are valued trail partners and whose supporting efforts are critical to continued trail health. |
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Our Contact Information Tahoe-Pyramid Trail
4790 Caughlin Pkwy, #138 Reno, NV 89519 (775) 825-9868 info@tptrail.com www.tahoepyramidtrail.org |
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