Kicking It at a dude ranch

For some time now my husband and I have longed to drive historic Highway 395. Not realizing it went from Fallbrook all the way through California, Oregon and Washington up to the Canadian border until AAA mapped the trip for me, we decided to start small.

Although Lake Tahoe's south shore was magnificent, it does a body good to get out of this state to see how real people live. And so, we did.

We arrived at the B Street House Bed and Breakfast in Virginia City, Nevada, in time to celebrate the Fourth of July. When you go there, you will understand why I believe this town to be the most patriot...