Completly sober and reliable residents of Hawthorne claim to have seen the gigantic sea serpent which is said to live in the depths of Walker Lake. He is said to emerge every 100 years to public gaze, but this is now credited to over enthusiastic members of Hawthorne's centennial committees, because many local residents have heard serpent eye witnesses make excited reports well within the past 20 years!

      Some residents of the Walker Lake area advise tourist to carry marshmallows with them while picnicking or fishing; these can be tossed to the hungry monster to appease him while beating a retreat to the safest shore. If no sea dragon appears, they advise toasting them on the beach, although the odor is said to be "maddening to the big serpent." A challenge to tourists is the claim that on one yet has been able to take a good quality photograph of the Walker Lake sea serpent, although a number of sketches reputedly made from eye witness accounts are said to exist.

      In any event whether you see the big serpent or not, Walker Lake is a great place for family outings. The fishing is superb, the beaches sandy, the scenery dramatic and colorful, and the swimming ideal. Walker Lake is about midway between Fallon and Tonopah, and is on US Highway 95, a safe, fast, easy trip from any point in western Nevada.

      It's also the center of some exciting ghost town and historic country. This includes Rawhide, Bodie, Lucky Boy Grade, Fletcher, Aurora, and a host of others. Hawthorne has excellent accommidations and makes an ideal base for many side trips. Plan for a family outing in the Walker Lake Country.

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