The Stage Stop

Fletcher Nevada

The first winter storm of 2009 covered much of Northern Nevada with snow. The landscape was so beautiful that I had to venture out with my camera, so I took a drive from Hawthorne through Lucky Boy Pass. Lucky Boy Pass was originally used by prospectors during the 1880's as a route from Aurora, Nevada to California. Presently, the winding dirt mountain road is maintained and used as a route between Nevada and California.

While driving through hills green with junipers and Pinyon pines, I came to a flat area of popular and cottonwood trees that was just before the junction to the Aurora road. The view to the west of the snow covered Sierra Nevada range was breath taking.

During the 1880's when mining was at its prime, this remote area was a stage stop that connected the Aurora mining camp to the rail line at Hawthorne. From 1883 to 1919, the Fletcher stage stop offered the traveler an oasis in the desert with its natural springs and tall shade trees. Named for its postmaster, H. D. Fletcher, the settlement received mail delivery until the post office in Hawthorne took over the route on November 30, 1918.

Today, we are left with only a few reminders of the stage stop at Fletcher. Other than the springs that give life to the cottonwood and popular trees, there is the small cabin that was built on to the hillside and a historical rock monument. Any other glimpse into life at the settlement of Fletcher has been erased by time.

As I walk past one of the tall trees, I notice what appears to be an old rusted cross affixed to the trunk. Since it reached out to me, I began to wonder, was it once the frame holding a road sign or could it have been an offering of safe passage to travelers on their perilous journey.

In the spring and summer, when nature has awakened from its dormancy, I plan to return to Fletcher. With the natural springs, wet marshes and abundant foliage this will be a natural habitat for many different species of wildlife.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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